FL S0960

Extends the 2-year initial award eligibility period and 5-year renewal period for students unable to accept awards immediately after high school due to full-time religious or service obligations lasting at least 18 months, with the clock beginning upon completion of the obligation instead of high school graduation.

Requires the sponsoring organization for religious or service obligations to be a nonprofit under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) or a federal government service organization including Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, with written verification on a standardized departmental form.

Changes volunteer service requirements for Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars to require students to identify a social or civic issue or professional area of interest and develop a personal involvement plan addressing that issue or area.

Prohibits students from receiving remuneration or academic credit for volunteer service work except for credit earned through service-learning courses adopted pursuant to statute, and requires written documentation of service hours signed by the student, parent or guardian, and organization representative.

Removes obsolete examination score requirements for high school students graduating in 2010-2014 academic years, establishing current requirements for students graduating in 2013-2014 academic year and thereafter.