FL S1724

Replaces "code of student conduct" with "standards for intervention" throughout Florida law, requiring standards to address root causes of misbehavior and include interventions aimed at keeping students in school rather than using exclusionary discipline.

Prohibits exclusionary discipline for minor infractions including truancy, dress code violations, and non-dangerous behavior disruptions; requires a discipline matrix showing that exclusionary discipline is a last resort for serious misconduct only.

Restricts school resource officers and school safety officers from arresting students only for violations constituting serious threats to school safety, and prohibits arrests for petty acts of misconduct unless failure to arrest would endanger physical safety, with written documentation required.

Requires school districts to implement and fund restorative justice practices, hire additional support staff (counselors, social workers) at nationally recommended ratios, and conduct annual surveys on school safety and discipline; mandates cooperative agreements with law enforcement that clarify roles and limit police involvement in minor incidents.

Changes "zero-tolerance" policies to "referral policies" that distinguish between petty acts of misconduct (which must not be referred to law enforcement) and serious threats to school safety, and requires the Department of Education to develop a model policy and annually report implementation data to the Governor and Legislature.