South Florida Schools Prepare for 2025-2026 Year Amidst New Laws and Funding Uncertainty
Florida’s public schools in the south are finalizing preparations for the 2025-2026 academic year, navigating a landscape of new state laws and a significant freeze in federal funding. While most districts will begin classes on Monday, August 11, 2025, Miami-Dade County has opted for a slightly later start date of Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Varying Start Dates Across South Florida Counties
The majority of counties across Florida are aligning with an August 11th start date, but Miami-Dade County has chosen to begin a few days later, according to the district’s official calendar. Residents can access and download the complete Miami-Dade County school calendar via the district’s official web portal. Broward County will also commence the school year on Monday, August 11, 2025, adhering to state law. Similarly, Palm Beach County public schools are scheduled to begin lessons on the same date, with a detailed calendar available for download on the district website.
New Legislation Impacts Student Health and Safety
Several new state laws, effective July 1, 2025, will reshape operations and protocols within Florida’s public schools. These laws focus heavily on student health and safety. Senate Bill (SB) 1514 mandates that all public schools, serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, establish comprehensive emergency action plans for anaphylaxis. These plans must include readily available, qualified personnel equipped to administer EpiPens during school hours and school-sponsored activities.
SB 1070, dubbed the “law of the second opportunity,” requires all student-athletes to undergo medical evaluations, including an electrocardiogram, before participating in any sports-related training, competition, or practice. Exemptions are permitted for religious reasons or with a certified medical recommendation. Notably, the Miami-Dade district had proactively approved this measure prior to its statewide enactment, following a serious incident at a private school.
House Bill (HB) 597 addresses diabetes management, allowing students diagnosed with diabetes to possess and use their medical supplies during school hours with proper written authorization from both parents and a medical professional. Schools are also now permitted to store glucagon for emergency use under the supervision of qualified personnel.
Federal Funding Freeze Creates Financial Strain
A major challenge facing South Florida school districts is the suspension of over $6 billion in federal funds by the United States Department of Education. This blockade impacts six key subsidy programs vital to school operations.
In Miami-Dade County, a school board member estimated the district faces a potential loss of approximately $45 million. “There is concern regarding the criteria on which these funds were suspended and the immediate consequences for educational programs,” the official stated. Broward County officials acknowledge the freeze will have “significant implications,” though the extent of potential job losses remains undetermined. A union president in Miami-Dade described the situation as “devastating for education workers,” warning of program cancellations aimed at attracting and retaining qualified teachers. The impacted funds are allocated to:
- Professional Development for Teachers
- Summer School Programs
- Extracurricular Activities
- English Language Teaching
- Education for Children of Migrant Workers
- Adult Literacy Programs
School Hours and Mandatory Instruction Days
Despite a 2023 law mandating that middle schools begin at 8:00 AM and high schools after 8:30 AM, this change will not be implemented until the 2026-2027 school year. The Florida Senate is currently reviewing a bill (SB 296) to reverse this measure, citing logistical and financial constraints for school districts.
The State of Florida requires a minimum of 180 days of instruction annually, with specific hourly requirements: 720 hours for students in kindergarten through third grade and 900 hours for students in fourth through twelfth grade. Districts have flexibility in structuring their calendars, provided they meet these minimum standards.
The 2025-2026 school year presents significant hurdles for South Florida schools, with new laws demanding operational adjustments and a looming financial crisis threatening vital programs. The coming months will be critical as districts adapt to these challenges and strive to provide a quality education for all students.
