FL S1224

Requires the Department of Education to approve third-party credentialing entities to develop and administer certification programs for charter school principals, governing board members, and chief financial officers, with core competencies in business planning, financial management, grants, and governance.

Mandates all applicants undergo level 2 background screening and denies certification to those convicted of offenses listed in section 435.04(2) unless a department exemption is issued; requires credentialing entities to confirm prior fingerprinting within the school district.

Imposes 5-year ban on submitting charter school applications for owners, presidents, governing board members, and relatives of individuals involved in charter closures involving material fraud or intentional malfeasance, and 10-year ban for convictions of related crimes.

Requires each charter school principal, governing board member, and chief financial officer to hold valid third-party certification at least 30 days before school opens or within 30 days of employment, whichever comes first.

Authorizes virtual charter schools to provide both part-time and full-time virtual instruction and allows charter schools to open before the district's next school year if ready after application approval.