It is essentially the “who’s ‘who’s'” of school choice, urging Florida lawmakers to help families use scholarships for full-time private school programs.
In recent years, Florida has been the national leader in the school choice movement. With the significant passing of HB 1 in 2023, the state has become one of seven states offering the Universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program.
HB 1 expanded its Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) to all K-12 students, providing access to all Florida families with a variety of educational options, including tuition fees, instruction, home education, secondary education institutions and other educational services in sectarian and non-Jewish private schools. However, HB 1 did not extend FES to a full-time private online or blended school program (both religious and non-denominational).
Virtual schools play a small but important role in Florida’s school selection ecosystem. Some military families feel that virtual schools are the best ones that suit their needs. Some parents have registered their children at virtual schools to save them from bullying. Some parents found that virtual school education offers children the flexibility to attend brick and mortar stores with great flexibility. Whatever their reasons, thousands of Florida families have decided that virtual schooling is their best option.
Diverse groups supporting the law include ALEC Action, the United States Federation for Children, the United States Federation for Prosperity, Florida Related Industry, Ed Cois, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Foundation for the Future of Florida, Foundation for School Options, Heritage Action, James Madison Institute, Liberty Council Action, and Teaching.
The coalition ensures that the Family Empowerment Scholarship provides Florida parents with full access to all educational options, including full-time, private virtual schools, by supporting Florida parents with SB 1462 by Senator Burgess and SB 1462 by Rep. Halombardo, by HB 871.
