What’s in Florida’s new Universal School Choice Law
Bottom Line: As Governor DeSantis said when he signed the Education, or Universal School Choice bill into law Monday... Florida is number one when it comes to education freedom and education choice, and today’s bill signing represents the largest expansion of education choice in the history of these United States. Florida has been the nationwide leader in school choice since the onset of the state’s program in 2005. As the third largest state in the country, and with universal school choice soon to be a reality for all parents of K-12 students in Florida, it’s all but certain it will remain that way. Starting in January, when HB1 or the Universal School Choice Education bill was first proposed, I’ve extensively covered the proposal. That said, a few things have changed with the legislation and most importantly, it’s set to become a reality. So, what’s in it and what will it mean to you?
- The law takes effect July 1st making expanded vouchers available for the 2023-2024 school year
- A student is eligible for a voucher if the student is a resident of this state and is eligible to enroll in kindergarten through grade 12 in a public school
- Priority/first choice is given to a student whose household income level does not exceed 185 percent ($51,338) of the federal poverty level or who is in foster care or out-of-home care
- Priority/next choice is offered to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
- Immediately ends the waiting list for special needs children seeking school vouchers
- Scholarship amounts of $7,250 to $7,850 per eligible student per year
- $750 credit towards transportation (resulting in net vouchers of $8,000 to $8,650 per student)
- 10,000 home school scholarships funded next school year rising by 20,000 annually through June 2027.
The existing Florida Tax Credit Scholarships program, used for the issuance and management of Florida’s existing school voucher program will be expanded for use by all parents who chose to participate in the expanded voucher program.