FL H1361

Prohibits public school employees from using corporal punishment on public school students, defined as physical force or contact used to discipline or enforce school rules.

Removes corporal punishment as a student behavior management option for teachers and instructional personnel, though reasonable force for self-defense or protecting other students remains permitted.

Eliminates requirement for school boards to review corporal punishment policies every 3 years and removes related procedural requirements for administering such punishment.

Updates multiple statutory cross-references throughout Florida education law to conform with the removal of corporal punishment provisions.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.