SB 1448 Summary

• Authorizes parents to enroll children in any public school (including charter schools) statewide that has not reached capacity (defined as exceeding 95% of facility design capacity), with schools required to accept students and report them for funding purposes.

• Modifies charter school application requirements to include disclosure of applicants, governing board members, management companies, and their academic/financial history; allows applicants to submit draft applications by May 1 for sponsor feedback.

• Establishes automatic charter termination if a school earns two consecutive "F" grades and allows high-performing charters to automatically renew for 15 years if renewal documents are not executed before expiration.

• Creates the Florida Institute for Charter School Innovation within Florida State University to conduct research on charter school accountability, provide technical assistance to applicants, and connect teachers to charter school opportunities, with annual reporting requirements.

• Repeals student eligibility restrictions for virtual instruction, allowing students in kindergarten through grade 12 to enroll in virtual programs without meeting prior eligibility criteria; creates provisions for hospitalized students to receive instruction through certified teachers or Florida Virtual School.