FL S1756

Expands Department of Education technical assistance and employment screening database access to private schools participating in state scholarship programs, including the Gardiner Scholarship Program, McKay Scholarships, and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

Changes language from "inability" to "failure or refusal" of private schools to meet program requirements as grounds for ineligibility, shifting focus from capacity issues to compliance enforcement.

Requires private schools receiving over $250,000 in annual scholarship funds to provide auditor reports using agreed-upon procedures and establishes annual fire safety inspection requirements through the Division of State Fire Marshal.

Mandates teachers at participating private schools hold baccalaureate degrees from regionally or nationally accredited institutions (for grade 2 and above) and requires schools to report teacher qualifications to the department and parents.

Establishes mandatory annual site visits to at least 5-7 percent of participating private schools to verify health, safety, welfare compliance and teacher credentials, with unlimited follow-up visits for schools receiving notices of noncompliance within 2 years.