Florida Changes 2026-2027 School Year: What Parents Need to Know

The 2026-2027 school year in Florida begins with new rules that affect teaching, special education, graduation, and academic grade point average calculations. Several laws approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Ron DeSantis went into effect between May and July 2026.

The changes affect elementary students, middle and high school teenagers, families with IEPs, and students at Florida Virtual School. Parents should review their district’s rules before organizing schedules, tutoring, advanced courses, and support services.

What Changes Inside the Classroom?

Students in third, fourth, and fifth grade must receive cursive writing instruction. By the end of fifth grade, each student must demonstrate mastery of letters, words, and sentences in cursive. The measure is part of SB 182, effective as of July 1, 2026. The law also creates a statewide mentorship program for teachers working in schools with D or F ratings.

HB 851 requires each district to offer at least one annual training specifically on autism. The training must be designed with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities assigned to each district. Additionally, it must include evidence-based practices for instruction, communication, behavior, and inclusion. The training aims to improve care for students at different levels of the autism spectrum.

What’s New for Students with IEPs?

HB 1279 strengthens the information that districts must provide to parents of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). If a related service is not provided on the agreed-upon date, the district must notify the family within a maximum of 10 school days. The notification must explain why the service was not provided and how the missed time will be made up. Districts must also inform parents about their right to review records and progress notes.

Families can request notes from therapists, specialists, and other service providers. The district must deliver that information within 15 school days following the service. The law also requires including information about the New Worlds Reading Initiative in certain cases of reading difficulty. Parents should save emails, notices, and copies of the IEP to verify that supports are delivered according to schedule.

How Do Graduation Credits Change?

HB 453 allows two years of marching band to simultaneously fulfill physical education and performing arts requirements. The change benefits students who participate in school events, parades, and musical programs.

The law also allows students with disabilities to use Special Olympics to meet the physical education requirement. HB 1279 authorizes certain dance technique courses to fulfill physical education or performing arts requirements.

These options do not automatically change all standard diploma requirements. Students must confirm the credit plan with their school counselor before selecting courses. It is also advisable to review how each activity appears on the student’s academic record.

What Will Happen with GPA in 2026-2027?

The State Board of Education approved a uniform rule for calculating weighted high school grade point averages. The new model will begin with students entering ninth grade during the 2026-2027 school year. It also applies to high school courses taken by middle school students from this period forward. Districts cannot award additional points outside the limits set by the state rule.

Students who began ninth grade before 2026-2027 will maintain the rules in effect for their cohort. The weighted GPA can affect college applications.