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Florida
4th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

DOJ shift raises transition concerns

New U.S. Department of Justice guidance has raised concerns among disability advocates and researchers that schools could scale back transition planning designed to prepare students with disabilities for college, employment, and independent living. The DOJ has said it will no longer rely on Olmstead guidance when enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, although the 1999 Supreme Court ruling itself has not been overturned. Experts warn that the change could confuse educators about their obligations and weaken expectations for community-based, independent living, while transition plans required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act must still address postsecondary education or training, employment, and, when appropriate, independent living. Three Democratic lawmakers have called on the DOJ to rescind the guidance, arguing that it risks reversing decades of progress toward greater integration for people with disabilities.

FREE BTS MATH RESOURCES

Back-to-School Math Resources for Florida Educators

As classrooms settle into the new school year, Florida educators are looking for practical strategies to engage students, support diverse learning needs, and build a strong foundation for mathematical success. To help, we've curated a collection of free math resources and teaching tips featuring classroom-ready activities, intervention strategies, engagement practices, and support for multilingual learners.

You'll also find information on FLDOE-approved mathematics programs from HMH, including solutions for Grades K-8, Algebra 1, and intensive intervention designed to support Florida schools.

Access Free Math Resources and FLDOE-Approved Programs

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Education Department releases 2023-24 school disparities data after eight-month delay

The U.S. Department of Education has released its 2023-24 Civil Rights Data Collection more than eight months later than initially planned, providing nationwide information on racial, ethnic, and disability-based disparities across virtually every federally funded school district, as well as charter, alternative, and juvenile justice schools. Unlike previous releases, the department quietly published only raw data files without an accompanying report highlighting major findings, trends, or comparisons with earlier years. The collection includes new measures covering preschool discipline, teacher absenteeism, and credit recovery, but the Trump administration withheld collected information on gender identity-based harassment and nonbinary students. The 2025-26 collection will also eliminate some gender identity and nonbinary reporting measures, prompting concerns among researchers that changing requirements could make it harder to consistently track disparities and student experiences over time. The department has confirmed that the congressionally authorized data collection will continue, with preparations for the 2027-28 and 2029-30 cycles already underway.

Private schools could lose tax-exempt status over race-based admissions and aid

The Trump administration has proposed Treasury regulations that would threaten the tax-exempt status of private K-12 schools, colleges, and trade schools that use race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, financial aid, athletics, or other programs. The rules, which the Treasury Department says would affect 18,000 educational institutions, would still allow schools to consider race-neutral factors such as family income, geography, individual hardship, academic achievement, and first-generation status, as well as religious affiliation. The administration has tied the proposal to the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative-action ruling and its broader campaign against DEI initiatives, while critics argue the regulations go beyond the court’s decision and could discourage schools from pursuing programs aimed at addressing discrimination. The rules would take effect after May 31 2027, and educators and advocates have 60 days to submit comments or request a public hearing.

STATE NEWS

Florida bans undocumented students from universities

The Florida Board of Governors has unanimously voted to prohibit undocumented students from enrolling in state universities starting in the 2027-28 academic year. This decision makes Florida the largest state to implement such a ban, joining Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. The board's decision follows a similar vote by the State Board of Education, which barred undocumented immigrants from state colleges and adult education programs. “Public colleges should be about expanding opportunity, not restricting who gets a chance to learn,” said Kaili Taylor, a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University. Critics, including Robert Cassanello, president of the United Faculty of Florida, argue that the ban is an overreach and detrimental to the state's economy, as it limits the potential contributions of undocumented students. Cassanello emphasized that these students could become productive residents, contributing to Florida's workforce.

Florida universities tackle AI policies

Florida universities currently have varied policies regarding AI usage, with no statewide regulations in place. The University of Florida mandates that AI systems must be approved through its Integrated Risk Management process, while Florida State University allows professors to decide on AI use but warns against using AI detectors due to their unreliability. "While it is tempting to use AI detectors to substantiate academic misconduct allegations, these tools are not licensed by the university and are highly unreliable," FSU's website states. The Florida Department of Education, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is proposing statewide AI rules for all public colleges and universities, emphasizing the need for policies that ensure academic integrity and transparency. The proposal also aims to protect over 130,000 dual-enrollment high school students, requiring parental notification if AI tools are used in their courses.  

DISTRICTS

Miami-Dade schools face uncertain future

Miami-Dade district Superintendent Rafael Villalobos has temporarily halted the evaluation process that could lead to the closure of 27 schools. Villalobos, who recently assumed his role, expressed the need for a pause to reassess the selected schools and engage with board members to clarify the rationale behind the decisions. "I'd like to be given that opportunity to put a pause," he said during a School Board Committee Meeting. Concerns were raised by board member Luisa Santos about the potential confusion this pause may create for families. The district has been experiencing significant drops in enrollment, with 215,078 students enrolled at the start of the 2026-2027 school year, down from 230,172 the previous year. The reassessment process will evaluate schools based on factors like student enrollment and financial sustainability.

FINANCE

OCPS faces $8.5m budget cuts

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) will reduce its budget by $8.5m this fall due to a decline of nearly 8,000 students compared to last year, as stated in a memo to staff and families. While the cuts are not expected to result in teacher layoffs, they may lead to staff reassignments and the elimination of vacant positions. Michael Ollendorff, an OCPS spokesperson, noted: “Staff are continuing to review central office budgets and identify potential areas where those reductions can be achieved.” The proposed operating budget for the 2026-27 school year is approximately $7.9bn, making the cuts a small fraction of overall spending. Concerns have arisen among teachers regarding the long-term impact of these cuts, with Clinton McCracken, president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, emphasizing that “teachers shouldn't be asked to choose between affordable health care and keeping educators in our schools.” The district is also grappling with a significant budget shortfall and ongoing negotiations with the teachers' union over health insurance.

ENROLLMENT

Charter schools soar as districts struggle

Florida's charter schools are experiencing unprecedented growth, with nearly 408,500 students enrolled in the 2025-26 school year, according to the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. This figure represents 14.6% of total public school enrollment and marks the second consecutive year that charter schools have surpassed 400,000 students.

Pasco County enrollment drop prompts school review

Pasco County school officials are reassessing campus usage due to a significant decline in student enrollment, which dropped by 2,415 students, exceeding projections by 400. Superintendent John Legg said: “The smaller class is going to be moving up in grade levels. That gap in enrollment is going to keep on growing.” The district has already closed and consolidated several campuses over the past five years to address immediate pressures. Legg emphasized the need for long-term strategies, stating, “We don't want to solve the crisis of today without solving the problems of tomorrow.” With 22 elementary schools below 75% capacity, the district is exploring options for schools with low enrollment while considering factors like age and condition. The school board will discuss next steps in their upcoming meeting.

GOVERNANCE

Moms for Liberty's influence fades

The influence of Moms for Liberty on Florida's school boards is diminishing, with only 11 candidates advancing to run-off elections in November, a significant drop from previous years. "I don't think that people are really paying much attention to Moms for Liberty," said Donovan Bradley, a candidate in Duval County. The organization, which previously enjoyed substantial support, has shifted its focus to state and federal politics, aligning with figures like President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Despite claims of a "parental rights majority," many of its prominent members are not seeking re-election, indicating a potential loss of conservative control in key districts. Tina Descovich, CEO of Moms for Liberty, maintains that "the movement is not slowing," despite these challenges.

Tampa Bay schools tackle political visits

In Tampa school board members are discussing a policy to limit political visits to schools following recent appearances by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy. Board member Nadia Combs expressed concern over the increasing frequency of elected officials in schools, stating: "Now every time I turn around, there's an elected official coming in here." The discussions have intensified during this election cycle, with board members worried that political visits could disrupt the educational environment. Jessica Vaughn highlighted the difference between civic engagement and "political theater," emphasizing the need for meaningful interactions. Combs also noted the importance of being informed about who visits schools, insisting that political discussions should occur outside the educational setting.

NUTRITION

SNAP cuts threaten free school meals across the U.S.

More than 1m children have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since July 2025, raising concerns that reduced participation could also threaten universal free school meals. SNAP enrollment helps determine federal reimbursement under the Community Eligibility Provision, which supported free meals at more than 49,000 public schools during the 2024-25 school year. As SNAP participation falls, some districts could receive less federal funding and may have to cover additional costs or end universal meal programs. Dozens of schools, including campuses in San Antonio, Houston, and Miami-Dade County, have already discontinued universal meals this academic year, although the role of SNAP declines remains unclear. Children can still qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income, but advocates warn that application requirements and strict eligibility thresholds could leave some families without assistance. Losing free school meals could cost families nearly $1,000 per student each school year.

 
NPR

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida Memorial University hits record enrollment

Florida Memorial University (FMU) has announced a historic enrollment of 2,556 students for Fall 2026, marking a 100% increase from the previous year and the highest in its 147-year history. President William Cullen McCormick Jr. stated: "Let history record this moment," emphasizing that this achievement is a result of "decisive leadership, disciplined execution, strategic innovation." The growth reflects renewed confidence in FMU's academic mission and community partnerships. Dr. Tymon M. Graham, vice president for Student Affairs, noted that the enrollment surge is a testament to the university's commitment to student success and a focused recruitment strategy. FMU aims to continue this momentum, with McCormick asserting: "This is not a peak. This is our new floor," as the institution strives for excellence and opportunity.

INTERNATIONAL

Toronto makes school food program available across all public schools

Toronto is expanding its school food program to every public school in the city, giving an additional 33,000 students access to meals when the new school year begins. Mayor Olivia Chow’s administration has increased annual funding for the initiative by more than 80% since her election three years ago, with a C$32m ($23.18m) investment now supporting meals for 325,000 students. The expansion comes as food costs remain elevated and one in 10 Toronto residents rely on food donations, while Chow’s two highest-profile election challengers, Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander, have both said they support continuing the program.
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