News

Florida lawmakers advance measure clarifying what makes school books ‘harmful to minors’

It builds on a 2023 law granting school boards authority to remove books parents challenge as being ‘pornographic’

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix March 19, 2025July 7, 2025

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Florida lawmakers approve bills to remove ‘Gulf of Mexico’ from state laws, school books

Sen. Nick DiCeglie, an Indian Rocks Beach Republican, called the gulf’s name change ‘patriotic’

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida March 12, 2025July 13, 2025

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Stricter phone ban in Florida schools gets unanimous support in House committee

‘When you say, “It’s the law,” it just kind of ends the conversation there’

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix March 11, 2025March 30, 2025

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Florida Senate moves forward with bill to repeal later school start times

School districts have said they are struggling to comply because of issues such as needing to buy buses and find bus drivers

by News Service of Florida March 11, 2025April 28, 2025

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After passing bill requiring later start times for Florida schools, lawmakers now want to repeal it

The requirements are slated to take effect in 2026, but as the deadline has neared, districts have said they are struggling to comply

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida March 4, 2025July 29, 2025

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Florida public schools drop in reading and math performance, federal report says

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz argues private schools should have been included in the data

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix February 10, 2025May 27, 2025

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Florida Gov. DeSantis’ education budget targets teacher pay, maintains low tuition

The budget proposes nearly $30 billion for K-12 education and a $222 per student funding increase for next school year

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix February 4, 2025July 6, 2025

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New Florida bill targets start time requirements for middle and high schools

The requirements have faced concerns from school districts about issues such as bus schedules

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida January 20, 2025April 6, 2025

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755,000 Florida kids didn’t have enough food during past two summers, according to report

The report published Monday urges state lawmakers to opt into SUN Bucks, a federal summer program that gives low-income families financial assistance for food

by Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix January 13, 2025May 14, 2025

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Florida’s controversial pronoun law debate could extend to cities and counties

Lobbyist John Labriola said he hopes the issue will be considered during this year’s legislative session, which will start March 4

by Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida January 9, 2025July 7, 2025

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Lawsuit over Florida school’s refusal to hang ‘Satan Loves the First Amendment’ banners will go to trial

Activist Timothy ‘Chaz’ Stevens, a minister of The Church of Satanology and Perpetual Soiree, filed the lawsuit

by News Service of Florida January 6, 2025June 4, 2025

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Groups urge Florida school officials to not remove books about anatomy, other health information

They warn against removing books that include topics such as anatomy, teen pregnancy and sexual assault

by Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix December 16, 2024December 31, 2024

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Florida parents could face ‘severe consequences’ if their kids threaten schools

Board Chairman Ben Gibson said it’s important parents and guardians understand the potential repercussions of false threats

by Jim Turner News Service of Florida November 21, 2024April 30, 2025

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Florida removed more library books than any state last year, says report

Orange county’s removal numbers were among the highest in the state

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix November 1, 2024May 20, 2025

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Florida Democrats urge DeSantis to participate in federal food assistance program for kids

The Sunshine State was one of 13 states that passed up millions in federal funds for the summer EBT program

by Jackie Llanos, Florida Phoenix August 14, 2024September 5, 2024

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Florida faith leaders raise concern about ‘religious indoctrination’ in voluntary school chaplain program

School districts have shown little interest in welcoming volunteer chaplains to serve in their facilities

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix August 13, 2024August 5, 2025

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Federal judge allows teacher lawsuit against controversial pronoun law to continue

The judge said plaintiffs ‘plausibly’ alleged the law violates protections against workplace discrimination

by Dara Kam, News Service of Florida July 12, 2024February 3, 2025

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Chaplains, communism, child labor: Florida education laws that take effect July 1

The 2024 legislative session saw approval of divisive education-related laws, several of which take effect Monday

by Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix July 1, 2024October 20, 2024

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Teachers union criticizes Florida for keeping history standard touting ‘benefits’ of slavery

The backlash centered on a standard that says slaves developed beneficial skills from slavery

by News Service of Florida May 30, 2024January 5, 2025

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Florida Gov. DeSantis signs series of school ‘deregulation’ bills

The bills were a priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo during the 2024 legislative session

by News Service of Florida May 13, 2024July 27, 2024