FL S0524

Creates the Florida College System Performance-Based Incentive and Distinguished Florida College System Program, establishing metrics including retention rates, graduation rates, and employment outcomes to evaluate institutions and award funding based on performance

Revises the preeminent state research universities program by creating an "emerging preeminent state research university" designation for institutions meeting at least 6 of 12 academic excellence standards, with funding distributed proportionally among designated universities

Establishes the Principal Autonomy Pilot Program Initiative allowing up to 7 school districts (including Broward, Duval, Palm Beach, and Pinellas) to grant highly effective principals increased authority over staffing and budgets at low-performing schools, with participating schools exempt from many state education laws

Creates the Florida Best and Brightest Teacher Scholarship Program providing awards to classroom teachers who scored at or above the 80th percentile on the SAT or ACT and received highly effective performance evaluations, with additional $1,000 scholarships for those in Title I schools

Revises charter school capital outlay funding by establishing weighted allocations based on student populations (with higher weights for schools serving 75%+ free/reduced lunch eligible or 25%+ students with disabilities) and prohibiting funding unless facilities are owned by public entities or qualified nonprofits