Florida House Bill Proposes Major Cuts to Advanced Academic Program Funding

A proposed Florida House bill that would significantly reduce funding for advanced academic programs in public schools is gaining momentum in the state legislature.

House Bill 5101, currently under consideration, includes a 50% reduction in state funding for programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment. These programs, which offer students opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school, have traditionally received supplemental funding from the state to help cover costs associated with instruction and materials.

State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, D-Orlando, voiced strong opposition to the measure, warning that districts like Orange County could face severe financial consequences. In a memo, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) estimated a potential loss of nearly $17 million due to the proposed funding cuts. The district also highlighted possible ripple effects, including reduced availability of qualified instructors, fewer professional development opportunities for teachers, and increased out-of-pocket expenses for families, such as exam and materials fees.

On the House floor, however, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, offered a different perspective. She argued that while the funding mechanism is changing, the overall per-student funding is increasing, and school districts will have more flexibility in how they allocate those funds to serve students.

Eskamani countered that explanation, suggesting the bill shifts financial responsibility to local districts without ensuring adequate support for advanced academic offerings. She emphasized that while districts might technically receive more overall funding, the designated support for programs like AP and IB would be slashed, limiting their ability to maintain these options without passing costs onto families or cutting back resources.

A companion bill is currently making its way through the Florida Senate, and neither proposal will be finalized until both chambers reach an agreement during the budget reconciliation process.