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The public schools in South Florida have already set their start dates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Most districts will begin on Monday, August 11, although in the case of Miami-Dade, the chosen date is the 14th.
Start dates for classes by county
Miami-Dade County
The public schools of Miami-Dade County will start the school year on Thursday, August 14, 2025. This date has been confirmed in the official district calendar, and while most counties in Florida begin classes on the 11th, Miami-Dade has chosen to start a few days later.
The complete school calendar for the district can be viewed and downloaded from the official website of the school district.
Broward County
In Broward County, the 2025-2026 school year will begin on Monday, August 11, 2025. This date aligns with state law and coincides with the majority of school districts in Florida.
Interested parties can view and download the calendar on the Broward County Public Schools website.
Palm Beach County
Public schools in Palm Beach County will also begin classes on Monday, August 11, 2025. The detailed calendar is available on the district's website, where a downloadable version with all the important dates for the year can be obtained.
New laws affecting schools in Florida
On July 1, 2025, several state laws came into effect that will have a direct impact on the operations and protocols of public schools in Florida. Below are the most relevant ones.
SB 1514 - Emergency Plans for Anaphylaxis
This law requires that all public schools, from preschool to eighth grade, have emergency action plans for anaphylaxis.
Additionally, they must have trained personnel available to administer EpiPens at any time when students are on campus or participating in school activities.
The plan must be current and accessible at all times.
SB 1070 - Mandatory Electrocardiograms for Student Athletes
Known as the "Second Chance Law," this regulation requires that all students wishing to participate in sports activities submit a medical evaluation that includes an electrocardiogram.
They will not be able to participate in training, competitions, or practices without fulfilling this requirement.
An exemption is allowed for religious reasons or by certified medical recommendation.
It is worth noting that the Miami-Dade district had already unanimously approved this measure prior to the state enactment, following a serious incident that occurred at a private school.
HB 597 - Management of diabetes in schools
The new legislation states that students diagnosed with diabetes will be allowed to carry and use their own medical supplies during the school day, as long as they have written authorization from their parents and a medical professional.
In addition, schools will be able to store glucagon without individual designation for use in emergency situations under the supervision of trained staff.
Financial risk due to freezing of federal funds
One of the biggest challenges for school districts in South Florida this year is the freeze of more than $6 billion in federal funds, announced by the U.S. Department of Education.
This measure affects six key grant programs essential for the operation of schools.
Impact on the districts
In the case of Miami-Dade County, School Board member Steve Gallon III estimated that the district is facing a loss of approximately 45 million dollars.
He expressed his concern about the lack of clarity regarding the criteria under which the funds were suspended and warned about immediate consequences for educational programs.
In Broward, John J. Sullivan, chief of staff for the district, noted that the freeze will have significant implications, although it has not yet been determined how many jobs might be affected.
Antonio White, president of the United Teachers of Dade union, described the situation as devastating for education workers and warned that key programs to attract and retain qualified teachers are already being canceled.
The allocated funds are intended for:
-Teacher professional development programs.
-Summer school services.
Extracurricular activities.
-English teaching.
Education for children of migrant workers.
-Adult literacy.
Other frequently asked questions from parents
Will the school hours change in 2025?
No. Although in 2023 a law was approved requiring middle schools to start at 8:00 a.m. and high schools after 8:30 a.m., this regulation will not be implemented until the 2026-2027 school year.
In March 2025, the Florida Senate introduced a new bill to reverse this measure (SB 296), arguing that school districts lack the logistical and financial resources to comply with it. As of now, the bill is still under legislative review.
How many school days are mandatory in Florida?
The state of Florida requires a minimum of 180 days of instruction per school year. It also establishes:
-720 hours annually for students from kindergarten to third grade.
-900 annual hours for students in grades four to twelve.
Each district can structure its calendar based on days or hours, as long as these minimum requirements are met.
The 2025-2026 school year is not without its challenges. The new laws will bring significant changes to the operation of schools, particularly concerning student health and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Start of Classes and New Laws in Schools in South Florida
When do classes start in the districts of South Florida?
Classes in public schools in South Florida will begin on Monday, August 11, 2025, except in Miami-Dade County, where they will start on Thursday, August 14. Each district has its calendar available on its respective website for more details about the school year.
What new laws affect the operation of schools in Florida?
Starting July 1, 2025, several laws will impact schools, such as SB 1514, which requires emergency plans for anaphylaxis, and SB 1070, which mandates electrocardiograms for student athletes. Additionally, HB 597 allows students with diabetes to manage their medical supplies during classes. These laws aim to enhance the safety and health of students in schools.
How does the freezing of federal funds affect schools in South Florida?
The freezing of more than 6 billion dollars in federal funds significantly affects schools in South Florida, jeopardizing essential programs such as teacher professional development, extracurricular activities, and education for migrants. In particular, Miami-Dade County could lose up to 45 million dollars, severely impacting operations and educational quality.
What health safety measures will be implemented in Florida schools this year?
Florida schools have implemented various health safety measures, such as action plans for anaphylaxis and diabetes management for students. Additionally, cases of contagious diseases like measles and tuberculosis have been reported, leading to control and vaccination actions in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health to prevent outbreaks.
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