HB 511 Summary

• Requires charter schools receiving capital outlay funding for construction of new facilities to comply with the State Requirements for Educational Facilities of the Florida Building Code, effective July 1, 2018.

• Startup charter schools remain exempt from State Requirements for Educational Facilities unless they receive capital outlay funding for new facility construction; conversion charter schools must comply with these requirements.

• Prohibits local governing authorities from adopting building requirements or site-development restrictions (including parking, site-size, student enrollment, and occupant load) that are more stringent than state requirements for charter schools.

• Requires local governing authorities to treat charter schools equitably compared to similar requirements and restrictions imposed on traditional public schools.

• Allows aggrieved charter schools to bring immediate circuit court action for injunctive relief against non-compliant local officials, with potential recovery of attorney fees and court costs.