‘Historic’ school choice expansion heads to DeSantis’ desk

Published Mar. 23, 2023, 3:30 p.m. ET | Updated Mar. 27, 2023

Taken on Sept. 30, 2017. (Photo/Isabella Fischer)
Taken on Sept. 30, 2017. (Photo/Isabella Fischer)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – A bill that will expand school choice vouchers to all students in the state, among other school related measures, is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for signature.

The bill, which passed 26-12, expands eligibility for Florida’s school choice scholarships to all students who are residents of Florida and eligible to enroll in K-12 in a public school. 

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee. The legislation was co-sponsored by Rep. Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid, and Rep. Susan Plasencia, R-Orlando in the House.

Currently, Florida offers scholarship programs that allow parents of certain students to register and attend private schools that aim to better serve a student’s particular needs or to provide educational options for students with disabilities.

Eligibility for all school choice programs is currently limited by state law in the form of an income or enrollment cap. The bill will expand eligibility for Florida’s School Choice Scholarships to all students who are residents of Florida.

“This was the number one issue that I ran on, in a district that had never been Republican, since Reconstruction, this is the issue I ran on – making sure our kids get the education they deserve,” Simon said.

“I look forward to our continued fight for those parents and those kids that have looked down on, or just flat out ignored for far too long,” he said.

The legislation also eliminates the waiting list for students with unique abilities to ensure their unique needs are met. It also allows parents to use “Education Savings Accounts” to cover eligible educational products and services.

Several immediate revisions will be made to Florida’s Education Code, identified by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. For example, the bill reduces hurdles to a 5-year temporary teacher certificate for anyone with a bachelor’s degree and for those with three years of effective or highly effective service.

The legislation repeals the requirement that a student take one online course in order to graduate from high school, which is not currently required in private schools.

The bill also offers districts flexibility in facility costs for new construction, and offers student transportation flexibility to improve efficiency, while maintaining student safety.

Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, opposed the bill and said one concern is the money.

“It’s going to be $2.2 billion that we budgeted already for this year. This is a zero sum game. We don’t have infinite money, and I can’t image that that doesn’t, in some way, impact our public schools,” Berman said, “It’s going to hurt our students.”

“The Florida model factors in the unique learning needs of every child to deliver education by empowering parents and students to choose the best way to achieve their educational goals, regardless of zip code, race, or income,” said Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast.

“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Representatives Kaylee Tuck and Susan Plasencia, Florida is poised to unlock the full potential of every student in the state.”

“Universal school choice means that every school has a chance to compete for students, and their parents can decide the best fit. Additionally, by reducing red tape that burdens our traditional public schools, these institutions, which have served our communities for generations, will have a meaningful chance to compete right alongside other school choice options,” said Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples.

Gov. Ron DeSantis previously voiced support for the legislation, and is expected to sign off on the bill.

During his State of the State Address, he emphasized expanding school choice, passing a teacher’s bill of rights, and fortifying parental rights.

“Our schools must deliver a good education, not political indoctrination,” the governor said.

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