TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A bill expanding Florida's school choice voucher system to all families has now passed the Florida legislature and awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature.

What You Need To Know

  • The Florida Legislature passed an expansion of Florida's school choice voucher system Thursday
     
  • If signed by the governor, school choice vouchers will be available to all students, regardless of income or zip code

  •  Republican lawmakers describe it as the largest school choice expansion effort in the nation

  •  The bill now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature

The proposal (HB 1) would offer school choice vouchers to all students in Florida, regardless of income or zip code. 

Proponents say it will also prioritize students with disabilities, thereby addressing the wait list of roughly 9,000 students seeking alternative schooling. Students of low and middle-income families are also prioritized. 

“We should be empowering every single family and every single child,” bill sponsor Rep. Kaylee Tuck said Friday on the House floor.

Supporters of the bill maintain the bill will allow parents to pursue schooling that best suits their child’s needs. They also contend school-choice will allow parents to overcome unique barriers like class size and curriculum. 

“With this vote today, we will send a clear message, not just to the people of Florida, but to the people of America, that here in this state we believe in funding our students, not in funding systems,” said Palm City Republican Rep. John Snyder, a proponent of the bill.

Critics, meanwhile, say the measure will deprive public schools of resources and fund private schools that lack comparatively adequate oversight.

“There’s a seat at the table for every educational option,” said House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell. “But, there’s no reason for corporate schools to steal food off the plate of our local neighborhood schools.”

The Florida House passed the legislation on March 17 along a near party-line vote, with four Democratic lawmakers approving the bill. The Florida Senate voted 26-12 Thursday to send the bill to the governor's desk. 

According to some estimates, the voucher program could cost upward of $600 million in its first year. The measure was a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner.