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FloridaHB 4532026HouseWALLET

Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma

Sponsored By: Peggy Gossett-Seidman (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationStudent Academic Success SubcommitteeEducation & Employment CommitteeRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More activity credits for high school students

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida students have more ways to meet standard high school diploma requirements. Two full seasons of junior varsity or varsity school sports satisfy the one-credit physical education requirement. Districts cannot require students to take that physical education credit in ninth grade. Two years of marching band satisfy both the one-credit physical education requirement and the one-credit performing arts requirement. Two years of Reserve Officer Training Corps classes with a significant drill component also satisfy both credits. Band and military training credits do not replace personal fitness or adaptive physical education required by an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan.

More diploma options for students with disabilities

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida students with disabilities gain standard diploma options guided by their individualized education program (IEP). One school year of Special Olympics participation can replace the physical education course, as determined by the IEP team. Students whose teams select the Florida Alternate Assessment can combine course substitutions, assessments, industry certifications, other acceleration options, or occupational completion points. State Board of Education rules govern these choices, and students need a portfolio showing standards mastery through measurable evidence. Another option lets the IEP team select mastery of academic and job skills as the best way to demonstrate skills. Students must document completion of minimum graduation requirements, including the credits required by Board rules. Their IEP teams must verify all transition-plan annual goals and short-term objectives, including required certifications and occupational completion points. Students must also document successful employment for the equivalent of one semester, working the weekly hours in their transition plans. Pay must meet minimum-wage requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Documented mastery is required, and transition plans must identify expected skills, mastery standards, work schedules, hours, and supervision. Parents must approve any change to the IEP's graduation option; a parent-selected independent reviewer must verify its appropriateness. The State Board must adopt rules setting minimum diploma requirements for these students and can use emergency rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Peggy Gossett-Seidman

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Student Academic Success Subcommittee

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 147 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 2/4/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 111 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-70; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/HB 1279 (Ch. 2026-59)

    5/12/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    5/11/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    4/30/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/5/2026House

  5. In Messages

    3/5/2026House

  6. CS passed; YEAS 36 NAYS 0 -SJ 589

    3/5/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time -SJ 589

    3/5/2026Senate

  8. Read 2nd time -SJ 589

    3/5/2026Senate

  9. Substituted for CS/SB 556 -SJ 589

    3/5/2026Senate

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/5/2026Senate

  11. Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 589

    3/5/2026Senate

  12. Received

    2/10/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules

    2/9/2026Senate

  14. In Messages

    2/4/2026Senate

  15. CS passed; YEAS 111, NAYS 0

    2/4/2026House

  16. Read 3rd time

    2/4/2026House

  17. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    2/4/2026House

  18. Read 2nd time

    2/4/2026House

  19. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/4/2026)

    1/29/2026House

  20. Added to Second Reading Calendar

    1/22/2026House

  21. Bill released to House Calendar

    1/22/2026House

  22. Reported out of Education & Employment Committee

    1/22/2026House

  23. Favorable by Education & Employment Committee

    1/22/2026House

  24. Added to Education & Employment Committee agenda

    1/20/2026House

  25. Now in Education & Employment Committee

    1/16/2026House

Bill Text

  • er

    7/1/2026

    PDF

  • c1

    1/14/2026

    PDF

  • Filed

    11/18/2025

    PDF

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