Florida legislators are advancing a series of education-focused bills that could bring significant changes for public school students and their families. Among the proposed measures are a requirement for cursive instruction in elementary schools, a comprehensive ban on cellphone use during the school day, and a repeal of the planned later start times for middle and high schools.
Expanding the School Cellphone Ban
A newly introduced bill, FL HB949 (25R), seeks to extend Florida’s existing restrictions on student cellphone use, which currently prohibit the devices during instructional time. If enacted, this measure would require students to keep their phones out of use throughout the entire school day, except in designated areas approved by school administrators.
Since Florida’s initial school cellphone ban took effect, more than a dozen states have enacted similar laws, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Virginia, and South Carolina, which have implemented all-day restrictions. Proponents argue that the extended ban will enhance student focus, reduce distractions, and curb cyberbullying. Some Florida districts, such as Orange County Public Schools, have already implemented these rules with reported positive outcomes from parents and administrators alike.
While the House bill has received bipartisan support, concerns remain regarding how parents can reach their children during emergencies. Despite the measure’s progress in the House, there is currently no corresponding bill in the Senate. Instead, the Senate is considering SB1296 (25R), which would establish a pilot program to test all-day cellphone bans in six school districts before implementing a statewide policy.
Reversing Later School Start Times
In 2023, Florida passed legislation mandating later school start times for middle and high school students, set to take effect in July 2026. The law would prevent middle schools from starting before 8 a.m. and high schools before 8:30 a.m., citing adolescent sleep research that links early start times to sleep deprivation and negative academic outcomes.
However, a new bill, SB 296, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island), seeks to repeal this requirement. The Senate Pre-K-12 Education Appropriations Committee voted 8-1 in favor of advancing the measure, citing logistical concerns from school districts. Challenges include the cost of additional buses, driver shortages, and disruptions to after-school activities and childcare arrangements. The House counterpart, HB 261, has yet to be scheduled for a committee hearing.
Bringing Back Cursive Writing
Another proposed bill, HB 921, would mandate that elementary schools provide cursive instruction beginning in second grade. By the end of fifth grade, students would need to demonstrate proficiency in cursive writing through evaluated coursework. The House Student Academic Success Subcommittee unanimously approved the bill, which now faces one final committee review before reaching the House floor. A similar bill, SB 1394, is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate.
What’s Next for Florida Schools?
As these bills move through the legislative process, their potential impact on students, parents, and educators continues to be a topic of debate. While some see these measures as necessary steps to enhance learning and discipline, others argue they may present unforeseen challenges. The coming months will determine whether these proposed changes become law and reshape Florida’s education landscape.