Bill > S0372

This bill amends existing Florida law to require state universities and Florida College System institutions to waive tuition and fees for sheriff's office employees, allowing them to enroll in up to 6 credit hours of courses per term on a space-available basis. The bill expands the current state employee tuition waiver program to specifically include sheriff's office personnel, defining such employees as full-time sworn law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and civilian employees of a sheriff's office. The legislation also mandates that the Chief Financial Officer work with educational institutions to simplify the administrative process of verifying employment status for these waivers. Notably, the bill provides a mechanism for sheriff's office employees to access higher education with reduced financial burden, potentially supporting professional development and career advancement for law enforcement personnel. The tuition and fee waiver program will become effective on July 1, 2026, giving institutions time to prepare for implementation of these new requirements.

Budget and Finance

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/372