SESSION WATCH
THE BILL ITSELF

CS/SB 556

Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma

VERSION S 556 c1 · BACK TO THE SUMMARY · OFFICIAL RECORD

underlined language is being added; struck language is being deleted. Line numbers are the Legislature's own — the same ones amendments cite.

Florida Senate - 2026 CS for SB 556 By the Committee on Education Pre-K - 12; and Senator Berman 581-01915-26 2026556c1
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to requirements for a standard high
3 school diploma; amending s. 1003.4282, F.S.; providing
4 that students can substitute marching band experience
5 for physical education and performing fine arts credit
6 requirements for a standard high school diploma;
7 providing that students with disabilities may
8 participate in the Special Olympics to meet the
9 physical education requirement for a standard high
10 school diploma; providing an effective date.
12 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
14 Section 1. Paragraph (f) of subsection (3) and paragraph
15 (b) of subsection (8) of section 1003.4282, Florida Statutes,
16 are amended to read:
17 1003.4282 Requirements for a standard high school diploma.—
18 (3) STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA; COURSE AND ASSESSMENT
19 REQUIREMENTS.—
20 (f) One credit in physical education.—Physical education
21 must include the integration of health. Participation in an
22 interscholastic sport at the junior varsity or varsity level for
23 two full seasons shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in
24 physical education. A district school board may not require that
25 the one credit in physical education be taken during the 9th
26 grade year. Completion of 2 years of marching band shall satisfy
27 the one-credit requirement in physical education and or the one
28 credit requirement in performing arts. This credit may not be
29 used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the
30 requirement for adaptive physical education under an individual
31 education plan (IEP) or 504 plan. Completion of one semester
32 with a grade of “C” or better in a marching band class, in a
33 physical activity class that requires participation in marching
34 band activities as an extracurricular activity, or in a dance
35 class shall satisfy one-half credit in physical education or
36 one-half credit in performing arts. This credit may not be used
37 to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement
38 for adaptive physical education under an IEP or 504 plan.
39 Completion of 2 years in a Reserve Officer Training Corps
40 (R.O.T.C.) class, a significant component of which is drills,
41 shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education
42 and the one-credit requirement in performing arts. This credit
43 may not be used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or
44 the requirement for adaptive physical education under an IEP or
45 504 plan.
46 (8) STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.—Beginning with students
47 entering grade 9 in the 2014-2015 school year, this subsection
48 applies to a student with a disability.
49 (b) The following options, in addition to the other options
50 specified in this section, may be used to satisfy the standard
51 high school diploma requirements, as specified in the student’s
52 individual education plan:
53 1. For a student with a disability for whom the IEP team
54 has determined that the Florida Alternate Assessment is the most
55 appropriate measure of the student’s skills:
56 a. A combination of course substitutions, assessments,
57 industry certifications, other acceleration options, or
58 occupational completion points appropriate to the student’s
59 unique skills and abilities that meet the criteria established
60 by State Board of Education rule.
61 b. A portfolio of quantifiable evidence that documents a
62 student’s mastery of academic standards through rigorous metrics
63 established by State Board of Education rule. A portfolio may
64 include, but is not limited to, documentation of work
65 experience, internships, community service, and postsecondary
66 credit.
67 2. A student with a disability may participate in the
68 Special Olympics as a course substitution for the physical
69 education requirement under paragraph (3)(f). A student who
70 chooses this option must participate in the Special Olympics for
71 one school year, as determined by the student’s IEP team.
72 3. For a student with a disability for whom the IEP team
73 has determined that mastery of academic and employment
74 competencies is the most appropriate way for a student to
75 demonstrate his or her skills:
76 a. Documented completion of the minimum high school
77 graduation requirements, including the number of course credits
78 prescribed by rules of the State Board of Education.
79 b. Documented achievement of all annual goals and short
80 term objectives for academic and employment competencies,
81 industry certifications, and occupational completion points
82 specified in the student’s transition plan. The documentation
83 must be verified by the IEP team.
84 c. Documented successful employment for the number of hours
85 per week specified in the student’s transition plan, for the
86 equivalent of 1 semester, and payment of a minimum wage in
87 compliance with the requirements of the federal Fair Labor
88 Standards Act.
89 d. Documented mastery of the academic and employment
90 competencies, industry certifications, and occupational
91 completion points specified in the student’s transition plan.
92 The documentation must be verified by the IEP team, the
93 employer, and the teacher. The transition plan must be developed
94 and signed by the student, parent, teacher, and employer before
95 placement in employment and must identify the following:
96 (I) The expected academic and employment competencies,
97 industry certifications, and occupational completion points;
98 (II) The criteria for determining and certifying mastery of
99 the competencies;
100 (III) The work schedule and the minimum number of hours to
101 be worked per week; and
102 (IV) A description of the supervision to be provided by the
103 school district.
104 4. 3. Any change to the high school graduation option
105 specified in the student’s IEP must be approved by the parent
106 and is subject to verification for appropriateness by an
107 independent reviewer selected by the parent as provided in s.
108 1003.572.
110 The State Board of Education shall adopt rules under ss.
111 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement this subsection, including
112 rules that establish the minimum requirements for students
113 described in this subsection to earn a standard high school
114 diploma. The State Board of Education shall adopt emergency
115 rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54.
116 Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.