DeSantis Signs Bill for Universal School Choice

Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a piece of legislation to expand school choice options to all students across the state of Florida. Joining Arizona, Arkansas, Iowa, Utah and West Virginia—Florida will become the sixth state to implement a universal school choice option. Through the passing of this legislation, Florida looks to further cement itself as the nation leader in educational liberty and freedom. This bill (HB 1) sets out to prioritize the needs of students and their families by eliminating demographic and financial hurdles that may prevent families from having access to the educational facility of their choice.

Florida state Senator, Corey Simon (Tallahassee) who pushed detailed provisions for this bill explained, “A street address or level of income should never replace the vital and irreplaceable role of a parent to decide what academic experience best fits the needs of their child. This bill is about access and opportunity for all students and every family in our state.” Last week, Simon also commented on the record level financial support public schools will receive in the state budget this year. “[Democrats] won’t tell you that. Because they’re not arguing for the kids. They’re not arguing for the parents. They’re arguing for the system.” Simon offered this in response to opposition coming from Democratic representatives that claimed HB 1 would pull money away from public schools around the state.

HB 1 will also provide financial support to qualifying families in the form of student vouchers worth up to $8,000 per student. If a student opts for school choice, this voucher can be used to cover a multitude of expenses beyond the cost of tuition; the voucher can also be used by families for transportation to a non-districted public school, instructional materials (i.e. internet resources and digital materials), fees associated with home school education, and so on.

“Florida puts parents and students first by giving them the freedom to customize their education to fit every child’s unique needs,” said House Speaker Paul Renner. “Thanks to the steadfast support of Governor DeSantis and [Senate] President Passidomo, the relentless work by Representative Tuck and Senator Simon, and the passionate commitment to educational excellence by countless school choice advocates, Florida has delivered the greatest expansion of educational freedom in the nation and will unleash a wave of opportunity for millions of families.”

Contained in the scholarship section of this bill is a tiered distribution system which will first prioritize households that make below 185% of the poverty level income line (roughly $51,000 for a family of four). The second tier of distribution will focus on households that make between 185% and 400% of the poverty level income line (roughly $111,000 for a family of four). This tiered and capped distribution structure puts to rest the concerns from Democrat representatives that this bill is merely handouts for, “Millionaires [and] billionaires.” Instead, this bill will serve as a historical win for families all over the state by creating a more level playing field for educational systems and the students that attend. HB 1 will shift the focus of state funds toward the students, not a system.

For more information about HB 1, click here