DeSantis signs law to help pay for Florida families’ swim lessons

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new Florida law that will help pay for families’ swim lessons across the state via a new voucher program.

SB 544 creates the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program, effective July 1, which applies to families who earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

The program would apply to Florida children four and under. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swim lessons as young as age one.

Per the federal government, a family of four in 2024 could make a maximum of $62,400 to qualify for this program. A household of three could make a total of $51,540.

The state will create a network of swim lesson vendors with at least one in each county giving access to the new program. The Florida Department of Health is receiving $500,000 to fund the program.

Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, is the sponsor of the legislation, SB 544. Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, R-Coral Gables, brought the House version.

Hutson had said that drowning-related deaths sparked his concern.

“Drowning deaths in Florida have consistently ranged between 350 and 500 deaths per year in the state form 2003 to present,” he said.