Bill > H0345

This bill modifies the funding provisions for Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program by establishing a new method for calculating and adjusting the base student allocation. Starting in the 2026-2027 program year, the base student allocation for both school-year and summer prekindergarten programs will be set at least at the previous year's appropriated amount, with an annual adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers, not to exceed 5% each year. The bill requires the Division of Early Learning to publish the adjusted base student allocation on its website and provide the amount to early learning coalitions by May 1 for the upcoming program year. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that base student allocations will be equal for students in both public schools and private providers, and it explicitly authorizes the Legislature to provide additional funding or supplements for the VPK program through the General Appropriations Act. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these new funding calculations and reporting requirements.

Budget and Finance

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/345