News Summary
Florida’s HB 443 bill has been approved, allowing charter schools to enforce stricter conduct codes and increase student enrollment. Concerns arise regarding potential discrimination and exclusion of certain students, while supporters argue for enhanced parental choice. The bill, which gained bipartisan support, awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature, marking a significant shift in the state’s charter school landscape.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida lawmakers have approved a significant bill, HB 443, that introduces new regulations for charter schools, including the ability to implement stricter codes of conduct. The measure received strong support in the Republican-controlled House, passing with a vote of 86-25, following a favorable Senate vote of 30-7. The bill is now set to be signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The new legislation allows charter schools, which operate as public schools but are often managed by private entities, to establish codes of conduct that may be more stringent than those applied in traditional public schools. This move has sparked concerns among some lawmakers and advocates who fear it could lead to the exclusion of certain students based on arbitrary criteria.
Among the chief concerns is the potential for charter schools to “pick and choose” students, as expressed by Democratic Representative Robin Bartleman. This apprehension raises issues surrounding possible discrimination based on personal appearance, including hairstyles, fueling skepticism about the implications of the new conduct codes.
In contrast, Republican Representative Alex Rizo, a primary sponsor of the bill, argued that many schools already implement rigorous standards relating to dress codes and conduct. He emphasized that the legislation intends to provide parents with more choices and an opportunity to opt for schools that uphold higher standards.
Another significant aspect of the legislation is the requirement for parents to acknowledge the new codes of conduct, either electronically or in writing. This aims to ensure that families are aware of the expectations set by charter schools.
The bill also allows charter schools to increase their student enrollment numbers beyond initial limits as long as facilities do not exceed their capacity. Furthermore, it enforces a rule prohibiting the landlords of charter schools, and their spouses, from serving on the governing boards of these institutions, thereby enhancing oversight and reducing conflicts of interest.
Additionally, the Senate made adjustments to the bill by removing a provision that would have granted charter schools “right of first refusal” when it comes to the sale, lease, or disposal of school district properties, which was viewed as a controversial point in the wider discussion about charter school regulations.
Support for the bill was not solely confined to the Republican party; three Democratic lawmakers also aligned with their Republican counterparts in favor of its passage in the House. This bipartisan support reflects varying viewpoints on how to best manage Florida’s charter school landscape.
As of the 2022-2023 academic year, Florida hosted a robust network of 726 charter schools operating across 46 districts, with an enrollment of 382,367 students—an increase from 229,428 students in the 2013-2014 school year. The expansion of charter schools in Florida reflects a growing trend toward educational alternatives within the public school system, raising ongoing debates about equal access and accountability within these institutions.
As the bill awaits the governor’s signature, the implications of these stricter conduct codes and changes in enrollment practices will likely continue to ignite discussions among educators, lawmakers, and families in Florida.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida Lawmakers Approve Stricter Charter School Regulations
Major Changes for Schools in Tallahassee
Tallahassee Engages in Heated School Choice Debate
Jacksonville School District Celebrates New Education Reforms
Additional Resources
- Gainesville.com: ACPS Votes to Close Charter School
- TCPalm: Charter Schools Get Help if DeSantis Signs Bill
- Sun Sentinel: Boost for Florida Charter Schools
- Florida Politics: Dems Decry Charter School Conversion Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter School
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
