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FLORIDA - Florida’s legislature has passed a new education bill that bans cell phone use for elementary and middle school students throughout the entire school day and lays the groundwork for expanding charter schools across the state.
Previously, Florida law only restricted phone usage during class time.
The new measure extends the ban from the first to last school bell for grades K through 8, aiming to reduce distractions and improve focus in learning environments.
While high schools are not immediately included, the law introduces a pilot program to study the effects of full-day phone bans at the high school level.
The pilot will be tested in six counties representing different school district sizes, with results informing potential future policy changes.
Republican Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera of Coral Gables championed the bill, emphasizing the importance of limiting screen time to enhance academic performance.
In addition to phone restrictions, the legislation makes it easier for traditional public schools to convert into charter schools.
Under the new rules, only parents of current students can petition for the change, eliminating the need for staff or advisory council approval.
A simple majority of participating parents would be enough to initiate conversion.
The bill also allows municipalities to convert underperforming schools into specialized “job engine” charter schools to support local economic development.
These schools would be exempt from certain facility fees and would retain school property after conversion.
The bill now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law. If approved, the changes will take effect in July 2025.