CS/CS/HB 801 - Certified School Counselors

• Requires all counselors in elementary, middle, and high schools to be certified school counselors, replacing references to "guidance counselors" with "certified school guidance counselors" throughout Florida Statutes.

• Updates terminology and requirements across multiple education statutes (16 sections total) to mandate certification standards for school counseling positions.

• Affects school attendance waivers, health services programs, student support services, career education planning, and professional development initiatives by requiring certified personnel involvement.

• Includes certified school counselors as instructional personnel eligible for Florida Education Finance Program funding and the Florida Teachers Lead Program.

• Takes effect July 1, 2013.