FL H0217

Amends Florida Statutes section 1003.435 to establish alternative pathways for earning high school equivalency diplomas for students who fail required assessments under section 1008.22(3).

Allows equivalency diploma awards to students who complete 24 credits (or 18 credits under section 1002.3105(5)), achieve a 2.5 GPA in academic core courses, and earn an industry certification while enrolled in high school.

Permits candidates to take equivalency exams at age 17 if they meet course credit, GPA, and industry certification requirements (or age 18 for those taking standard exams), with district boards allowed to approve candidates as young as 16 in extraordinary circumstances.

Requires each district school board to develop plans with Florida College System institutions to provide advanced instruction for students meeting equivalency requirements, with equitable fund distribution and priority given to programs offered in high schools.

Establishes that high school equivalency diplomas issued under this section have equal status with traditional high school diplomas for all state purposes, including admission to state universities and Florida College System institutions; effective July 1, 2020.