FL S1554

Charter schools receiving capital outlay funding for construction of new facilities must 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 construction; conversion charter schools continue to be required to comply with these standards.

Local governing authorities are prohibited from adopting building requirements or site-development restrictions that are more stringent than those in the State Requirements for Educational Facilities.

Local governing authorities must treat charter schools equitably compared to similar public schools regarding requirements, restrictions, and site planning processes.

Charter schools may bring an action in circuit court for injunctive relief if local officials refuse to comply, with prevailing parties eligible to recover attorney fees and court costs.