Florida’s HB 1105: Transforming Education with New Standards and Opportunities

TALLAHASSEE, FL - On July 1, 2025, Florida’s House Bill 1105 (CS/CS/CS/HB 1105), a comprehensive education reform package, takes effect, introducing transformative changes to the state’s K–20 education system. Sponsored by Representative Kincart Jonsson and others, and developed through multiple committees, this legislation addresses charter school funding, high school graduation requirements, school bus safety, student device policies, and postsecondary opportunities, aiming to enhance educational access, accountability, and workforce readiness.

Overhaul of Charter School Policies

A cornerstone of HB 1105 is its overhaul of charter school policies. The bill mandates that school districts share local government infrastructure surtax revenues with eligible charter schools based on enrollment, starting with levies approved on or after July 1, 2025. It also requires transparency in sharing discretionary revenue details and introduces a standard monitoring tool to track charter school performance. Additionally, the bill streamlines charter school conversion processes by requiring applications to come from parents of enrolled students, eliminating the need for teacher support. A novel “job engine” charter school model is introduced, allowing municipalities to establish schools that prioritize enrollment for children of employees at job-creating entities, fostering economic development.

High School Changes

The bill also reforms high school education. It allows marching band to substitute for performing arts or physical education credits, removes the certificate of completion, and mandates the Department of Education (DOE) to develop adult education and postsecondary guidance by January 1, 2026. New applied and integrated courses, including work-based internships, will be developed to meet graduation requirements. The Florida Seal of Fine Arts now includes AICE arts courses, and a mathematics endorsement for teachers will be established by August 1, 2026, focusing on key competencies.

Expands Bright Futures Scholarship Program and Other Programs

HB 1105 expands the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, making it accessible to students graduating from non-Florida high schools if their parent or guardian recently retired from military or public service. It also allows the AP Capstone designation to count toward Florida Academic Scholars award eligibility, though not for a standard diploma. The Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Act is updated to require CAPE academies to offer pathways for the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award, with revised eligibility for the Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award now requiring 75 volunteer hours.

Workforce Needs

To address workforce needs, the bill enhances dual enrollment access by mandating transportation and scheduling details in agreements between career centers and high schools. A new credentialing program for students with disabilities, launching by January 1, 2026, will provide employer-recognized credentials, validated by exceptional student education instructors and aligned with OSHA standards.

Prohibit Cell Phone Use Except for Medical or Educational Needs and Expanded Trespassing Laws

Student device use is another focus, with HB 1105 prohibiting cell phone use during the school day for elementary and middle school students and during high school instructional time, except for medical or educational needs. A pilot program will study full-day restrictions in six districts, with a DOE report due by December 1, 2026. School bus safety is strengthened by expanding trespassing laws to include school buses and authorizing arrests based on probable cause.

Enhances Black Men and Boys Council and ABLE Governance

Finally, the bill transfers the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, adjusts its quorum rules, and revises Florida ABLE, Inc.’s governance structure.