FL S1656

Requires K-8 schools to classify classrooms housing kindergarten through grade 5 students as elementary school capacity and classrooms housing grades 6-8 students as middle school capacity when reporting facility capacity in the Florida Inventory of School Houses.

Authorizes district school boards to apply to the Commissioner of Education for exemptions allowing facilities to be constructed under requirements in s. 1002.33(18) instead of State Requirements for Educational Facilities, provided the exemption demonstrates cost savings and conforms to the district's 5-year facilities work plan.

Requires exempted facilities to remain subject to the Florida Building Code, Florida Fire Prevention Code, and substantial compliance with s. 255.2575, and prohibits exemptions that negatively impact the health, safety, or welfare of students and staff.

Mandates the State Board of Education adopt rules establishing procedures for submission and disposition of facility exemption applications, including specified timeframes.

Effective July 1, 2018.