Bill > H0049

This bill creates new regulations for political activities on school grounds, establishing clear guidelines for what is and is not permissible in public K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The bill defines key terms such as "candidate" (which includes declared candidates, incumbents, and those speculated to be potential candidates) and "school grounds" (buildings and facilities of public educational institutions). Allowed activities include candidate forums with all qualified candidates, facility usage under standard terms, political advertisements following existing facility guidelines, student newspaper editorials with appropriate disclaimers, and non-partisan voter registration events. Candidates may be invited to speak, but only if all candidates receive similar invitation opportunities and with a clear disclaimer that the school does not endorse any candidate. Prohibited activities include posting campaign signs, distributing campaign literature, active campaigning, creating impressions of candidate support, collecting campaign donations, and partisan voter registration events. The bill also restricts faculty and staff from using school email, offices, or work time for political advocacy. Violations of these provisions are classified as second-degree misdemeanors, with each violation considered a separate offense. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, providing schools and educational institutions time to prepare for and implement these new guidelines.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/49