FL S1136

Requires charter school applications and charters to document that governing boards are independent of management companies and may terminate management contracts at their discretion, with at least one board member being a parent of an enrolled student.

Mandates charter schools return all unexpended operating funds to school districts if a charter is not renewed or terminated, and requires performance bonds equal to half of projected operating funds.

Establishes procedures for student withdrawals: voluntary withdrawals trigger pro rata funding transfers to receiving schools within 15 days, while school-initiated withdrawals for expellable offenses require expulsion recommendations to district school boards.

Prohibits charter school students from being dismissed or requested to withdraw based on poor academic performance, assessment scores, or behavior unless the conduct constitutes an expellable offense.

Creates new conflict-of-interest rules preventing governing board members from receiving compensation from the charter school, having family members employed by the school, or having business relationships with entities contracting with the school, with violations rendering contracts voidable.

Allows parents and individuals to file complaints directly with the Department of Education regarding charter school violations of state or federal law, requiring a fact-finding report within 90 days.