Photo: Nuthawut Somsuk / iStock / Getty Images
FLORIDA - Florida lawmakers are backing away from a 2023 law that would have required middle and high schools to start later in the morning, citing overwhelming logistical challenges from school districts.
On Thursday, the Florida Senate unanimously passed SB 296, which would repeal the requirement for schools to delay start times and instead allow local districts to decide what works best.
The original law, set to take effect in 2026, aimed to address concerns about teens not getting enough sleep by mandating that high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and middle schools no earlier than 8:00 a.m.
However, many school districts pushed back, saying they faced steep costs for new buses and difficulties hiring drivers.
They also warned the change could disrupt after-school activities and childcare routines for families.
Senator Jennifer Bradley, a Republican from Fleming Island who sponsored the new bill, said while the intent of the 2023 law was good, its real-world consequences were too much for districts to manage.
Senator Danny Burgess, who originally championed the delayed start time law, supported repealing it, acknowledging that schools weren’t equipped to meet the mandate.
SB 296 allows districts to opt out of the delayed start time policy if they report to the Florida Department of Education on current schedules and alternative plans considered.
A similar bill is advancing in the House.
Supporters of the rollback say it’s a step toward giving districts flexibility, while still encouraging healthier schedules when feasible.