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Florida
5th February 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida bill sparks school voucher fears

In Florida, a new bill (HB 1471) is raising alarms among Muslim advocates and free speech experts, who fear it could discriminate against Islamic schools. Critics argue that the bill may violate the First Amendment by targeting specific religions. Hiba Rahim, deputy executive director of the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), expressed concern about the potential for "false association with things like Sharia." The bill prohibits schools linked to designated terrorist organizations from receiving voucher funds, which could disproportionately affect Islamic institutions. Attorney General James Uthmeier's comments on Islamic schools have also fueled fears of discrimination. Alex Luchenitser from Americans United for Separation of Church and State warned that denying vouchers to Muslim schools while allowing them for others would constitute "religious discrimination."

STATE NEWS

Students protest, schools push back

In response to nationwide student walkouts protesting federal immigration policies, Florida's Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has warned against allowing such protests during school hours. He emphasized that "we will not tolerate educators encouraging school protests and pushing their political views onto students." The Leon County School District echoed this sentiment, stating that disruptions to the school routine would not be accepted. The protests, sparked by the shooting deaths of Immigration and Customs Enforcement protestors, have gained traction among students, with more demonstrations anticipated. Brevard County School Board Chair Matt Susin also reiterated that while students can express their views outside school hours, disruptions during the school day will not be tolerated.

Florida classroom camera bills advance

The House bill, HB 859, sponsored by Reps. Chase Tramont and Kevin Chambliss, has passed two committees and is on its way to the full House. Chambliss emphasized the bill's focus on safety, stating: "This is a situation that is a safety concern." The Senate version, SB 1170, sponsored by Sen. Alexis Calatayud, has also gained committee approval. The legislation allows parents to request video cameras in classrooms where most students receive special education services. Advocates, including Elizabeth Bonker, highlighted the importance of this measure for protecting non-speaking children, saying: "SB 1170 is vitally important to protect voiceless children." While the bills have received unanimous support, concerns about classroom overreach have been raised. The legislation does not currently allocate funds for camera installation, leaving schools to cover costs if the bills pass.

Florida's book bans escalate again

Florida lawmakers are intensifying their efforts to ban books in schools with two new bills, HB 1119 and HB 1071. These measures aim to simplify the removal of books while complicating educators' ability to defend the freedom to read. Since 2021, nearly 9,000 titles have been banned in Florida, according to PEN America, raising concerns about the impact on students' education. The proposed legislation threatens to undermine First Amendment rights and could lead to widespread censorship, particularly targeting books that feature diverse perspectives.

NATIONAL NEWS

Minnesota schools fight back against ICE presence

Fridley and Duluth schools, alongside the Minnesota teachers union, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent federal immigration agents from operating on school property. The lawsuit, submitted to U.S. District Court in Minnesota, seeks to reinstate the "protected areas" policy that limited enforcement in sensitive locations like schools. School leaders have expressed concerns over increased federal activity, stating that "students can't learn, and educators can't teach, when there are armed, masked federal agents stationed within view of classroom windows." The lawsuit highlights the negative impact on student attendance and the additional burden on educators, who are forced to adapt to a climate of fear and disruption.

Cellphone bans gain momentum in schools

Cellphone bans in schools are gaining traction across more than half of U.S. states, with educators and experts advocating for these policies to enhance student achievement and mental health. Kara Stern, director of education and engagement for SchoolStatus, said: "During remote learning, phones became a primary way kids entertained themselves and stayed connected," but have since contributed to disconnection in classrooms. Currently, 38 states and Washington, D.C., have some form of cellphone restrictions, with 18 states implementing full-day bans. While many support these measures, compliance remains inconsistent, as a 2025 University of Southern California study found that most students still use phones during school hours.

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GOVERNANCE

Duval County School Board gains autonomy

The Duval County School Board is set to gain the ability to hire its own general counsel, a change that has passed through a third House panel. Currently, Duval is the only school district in Florida that does not have this autonomy. The proposed legislation, House Bill 4049, aims to ensure the board can attract top legal talent while still being subject to the legal authority of Jacksonville's general counsel. Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, sponsors the bill, which states that the board's counsel “shall be independent of the office of the general counsel of the city of Jacksonville but shall be subject to the opinion, binding or otherwise, of the general counsel of the city.” The charter change has yet to be voted on in the Senate.

LEGAL

Collier County School Board stands firm

The Collier County Public School Board has unanimously rejected a proposed settlement with the Florida Citizens Association, which sought access to parent email addresses. The request, initially made in 2023, was denied due to privacy laws, leading to a court complaint. The trial is expected to begin around March, while the Florida Citizens Association prepares for next steps.

Broward students face competition crisis

The ongoing legal dispute between Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and WGI, a nonprofit youth organization, threatens to prevent students from participating in upcoming color guard and marching band events. Parents are rallying support, with over 4,000 signatures on a Change.org petition urging the district to resolve the issue before the February 10 school board meeting. BCPS board member Adam Cervera mentioned that the contract negotiations have hit two main sticking points: compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and termination clauses.

DISTRICTS

Parents fear loss of virtual school

Parents are concerned about the potential closure of Leon County Virtual School, which provides flexible education for students with diverse needs, including those with learning disabilities. High school senior Gabriella Swain, who benefits from this virtual option, expressed: “Being able to have that one-on-one time and getting to know the teachers and just all the staff members is really something important and special to me.” However, Superintendent Rocky Hanna is recommending the closure to address budget shortfalls, citing only 90 full-time students enrolled and potential savings of $6.7m.

TECHNOLOGY

Florida students harness AI for success

Florida students are increasingly utilizing AI as a learning tool, despite concerns about its accuracy. Tallahassee State College reports a 52% inaccuracy rate for AI chatbots, yet students like Destinee Vritto advocate for its benefits, stating: "AI is literally only what you make it." Students emphasize the importance of fact-checking AI responses and using the technology to enhance their research. Professor Vanessa Dennen from Florida State University highlights ongoing concerns about cheating, noting that AI can produce high-quality outputs. Experts agree that AI is here to stay, and educators must embrace it to help students leverage its advantages, such as improving writing and providing critical feedback.
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