FL S2508

Requires state research universities to enter into formal agreements with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to offer college-sponsored merit scholarship awards as a condition of preeminent designation and to maintain institutes for online learning.

Renames the "Florida National Merit Scholar Incentive Program" to the "Benacquisto Scholarship Program" and designates recipients as "Benacquisto Scholars."

Creates a federally connected student supplement for school districts serving students connected with military installations, NASA property, or Indian lands, with allocations based on student counts and exempt property values.

Increases teacher bonuses for CAPE industry certifications from a maximum of $2,000 to $4,000 per school year, with tiered bonus amounts ($25-$100 per student) based on certification weight.

Establishes performance-based funding models for State University System and Florida College System institutions based on graduation rates, retention, job placement, and other specified metrics, with funding withheld from institutions failing to meet minimum performance thresholds.