TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In the wake of looming debates, a local Senator filed a proposal that would repeal requirements aimed at later start times for many high schools.
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Sen. Jennifer Bradly, R-Fleming Island, would undo changes made by lawmakers in 2023, which signify that by July 2026, middle schools cannot start earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools cannot start earlier than 8:30 a.m.
The topic of school start times has been a heavily debated topic throughout school districts and Senators. For example, the Small School District Council Consortium, which represents small districts across the state, says the upcoming requirements are “problematic”.
Lawmakers initially approved the bill, citing that older students were not receiving enough sleep which was affecting their academic performance and health.
“This is one of those pieces of legislation where we understand the ‘why’ very well,” Senate bill sponsor Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, said during a 2023 debate on the issue. “Studies [and] medical science have shown that this is what’s best. What we’re doing now is not what’s best for our kids, for the adolescents especially.”
Sen. Bradley’s bill is filed for consideration during the legislative session that will start March 4
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