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FLORIDA - Beginning July 1st, Florida school districts will be required to provide bus service to students who live in areas now considered dangerous to walk or bike through.
The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, specifically impacts communities where families have spent years pushing for safer school commutes for their children attending Florida school.
Under the new legislation, sidewalks less than four feet wide, walkways next to roads with speed limits of 50 mph or higher, and uncurbed paths not set at least three feet from traffic now meet the criteria for “hazardous conditions.”
These updated standards trigger the requirement for school bus transportation.
State Representative Kim Kendall, who sponsored House Bill 85, said the bill was prompted by multiple close calls and serious accidents in the area.
“We’ve had helicopters called in, cars hitting pedestrian crossings, and children forced to walk inches from fast-moving traffic,” Kendall told First Coast News.
“We can’t wait for a tragedy before taking action.”
Parents and local leaders hope the change will finally bring peace of mind to families who’ve long demanded safer options.