Bill > S0574

This bill requires the Florida Department of Education to develop and maintain a comprehensive statewide strategic plan focused on recruiting, retaining, and supporting speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in public schools and charter schools. The plan mandates an in-depth analysis of staffing needs, including the total number of schools, current SLP employment levels (categorized by education level), caseloads, and compensation. The department must track annual changes in SLP workforce, examine recruitment and retention strategies such as tuition assistance, continuing education opportunities, flexible work schedules, mentorship programs, and differentiated pay. The plan also requires developing a weighted calculation methodology for SLP workloads that accounts for therapeutic instruction, diagnostic evaluations, consultation services, documentation, Medicaid billing, and other professional activities. School districts and charter schools must complete an annual survey by October 31st, providing detailed data, and the department must publish the strategic plan and provide legislative updates by November 30th each year. The goal is to address workforce challenges and ensure quality speech-language services for students with disabilities, with the plan taking effect on July 1, 2026.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/574