SESSION WATCH
Died HOUSE · SESSION 2026

No. HB 523

Virtual Learning
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SPONSOR
Chambliss
FILED BY
Kevin Chambliss — District 117, Democrat [search donations]
EFFECTIVE
7/1/2026
DIED IN
Student Academic Success Subcommittee

Filed under Education.

PROVIDED SUMMARY

Virtual Learning; Revises purpose of FLVS to provide for development & delivery of blended learning; revises provisions relating to student priority, funding, reporting requirements, & examinations & assessments; provides for establishment of Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program; provides requirements for such program, including students participating in such program and FLVS, DOC, & DOE responsibilities; & revises definition of term "full-time equivalent student."

Full bill text →

Plain English Summary

AI-GENERATED
Creates a state-funded virtual school program for incarcerated youth under 22.

The bill creates a new program, the Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program, for inmates under 22. It mandates that the Department of Corrections and the Florida Virtual School deliver high school diploma courses to these students.

The program is funded through the state's main education budget. It requires a summer school period and allows students to remain enrolled past age 22, though they lose state funding at that point.

The bill redefines the Florida Virtual School's purpose to include blended learning. It requires the school to report on the new justice program and assess its performance based on student learning gains.

KEY PROVISIONS
§ 1 Adds Blended Learning to FLVS Mission moderates. 1002.37(1)(a)

AIExpands FLVS statutory purpose to include blended learning, not just distance learning.

“development and delivery of online and blended learning education”
§ 2 Funding for Justice Program via FEFP majors. 1002.37(3)(c)

AIRequires FEFP funding for full-time Justice Program students, including summer, with a 25-hour weekly cap.

“must be funded through the Florida Education Finance Program” bill text, line 173 →
§ 3 Cooperative Agreement with DOC moderates. 1002.371(8)

AIRequires annual negotiated agreement between FLVS and DOC covering curriculum, safety, and staffing.

“shall negotiate a cooperative agreement with the Department of Corrections” bill text, line 284 →
TIMELINE
3/13/2026
Died in Student Academic Success Subcommittee
1/13/2026
1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
12/3/2025
Now in Student Academic Success Subcommittee
12/3/2025
Referred to Education & Employment Committee
12/3/2025
Referred to PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee
12/3/2025
Referred to Student Academic Success Subcommittee
11/24/2025
Filed
1 EARLIER →
STATUTES IT CHANGES
s. 1002.37
+336 / −11
s. 1002.371
+816 / −0
s. 1011.61
+4 / −0
s. 1011.62
+11 / −0
s. 1002.37
+0 / −0