Florida SAT scores increase in 2025, but still lag national averages
Florida’s SAT scores increased this year after dropping four years in a row. The state continues to lag the national average, but remains among the better scorers among states with high participation rates. Florida’s average SAT score rose to 970 out of 1600, a 22-point increase from 2024, according to recently released data from the College Board, makers of the SAT, compared to a national average score of 1029. The increase largely mirrors the national trend. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Analysis: Florida schools could lose billions if state nixes property tax
While Florida cities and counties have loudly decried the potential revenue loss — and the DeSantis administration has responded by accusing local governments of wasting taxpayer money — far less attention has been paid to the impact on public schools. Now, a new Florida Policy Institute study has concluded that school districts generated $21.4 billion in combined property tax revenue in 2024, about 36% of which was from homesteaded properties. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
Schools, parents removed fewer books last year, reports find
Both the Florida Department of Education and PEN America, a nonprofit advocating for freedom of expression, have released their annual lists of books removed from school classrooms and libraries, each reporting fewer removals than last year. The Florida Department of Education reported that 444 titles were removed in some capacity across 16 counties in the state during the 2024-25 school year, down from 732 titles removed the school year before. In this, PEN’s fourth year of reporting, Florida ranked highest in the nation with 2,304 bans statewide of the 6,870 reported nationwide. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
Education commissioner awards $40 million to Florida workforce programs
Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has allocated $40 million to school districts and colleges across the state to significantly expand programs training students for high-demand jobs. The funding, distributed through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program, or Workforce CAP, will boost the capacity of 49 workforce education programs by 59% statewide. “Florida’s workforce is stronger than ever because we [Source: Florida's Voice]
Teachers now must self-report certain arrests to their schools
Florida law now requires educators to self-report to their employers within 48 hours an arrest for a felony or certain misdemeanors. The list of offenses ranges from sexual misconduct with mental health patients, felony fraud, murder, aggravated assault, human trafficking, weapons on school grounds, prostitution, felony voyeurism, threats to kill, and more. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› New Florida law named after Tampa advocate promotes disability awareness in schools
The Evin B. Hartsell Act aims to promote a greater understanding of disability awareness in public schools. Sponsored by then-Republican Sen. Jay Collins, who now serves as the state's lieutenant governor, the law requires public schools statewide to teach structured disability history and awareness during the first two weeks of October. The law also authorizes the Department of Education to consult with the Evin B. Hartsell Foundation in developing the curriculum.
› UWF gauging interest in opening free K-3 school on campus
A new school for kindergarten through third graders may be coming to the University of West Florida. The university is currently surveying faculty, staff and students about the interest in opening a K-3 laboratory “lab” school, charter school or philanthropically funded school on the Pensacola campus.
› Education uses shift Olympia Theater to charter school
The historic Olympia Theater in downtown Miami has been sold to public charter school SLAM, which pledges $50 million in planned renovations while preserving the theater as a public and educational venue. During their Sept. 25 meeting, city commissioners unanimously concluded the sale of the Olympia Theater and the neighboring 10-story office building to SLAM, also known as Sports Leadership Arts Management.
› $6.5M STEM center coming to USF Sarasota-Manatee campus
Plans for a new $6.5 million STEM facility on the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus have received unanimous approval from the USF Board of Trustees Finance Committee. Officials are aiming for a fall 2027 opening. The new STEM facility will span about 7,000 square feet and include modern labs and prep space, according to a statement.