FL S1300

Establishes a Charter School Commission to review charter school applications submitted directly by applicants, in addition to sponsor review; applicants must provide a copy of their application to the sponsor within 3 days of submission to the commission.

Requires the commission to recommend denial of any charter school application that does not propose a reading curriculum consistent with scientifically based reading research.

Allows sponsors to appeal the commission's recommendation to approve an application to the State Board of Education within 30 days; allows applicants to appeal the commission's recommendation to deny within 30 days; Commissioner of Education must review appeals and make recommendations to the State Board.

Changes the charter application deadline from August 1 to February 1 annually, with charter schools to open 18 months later, and establishes a 90-day timeline for application approval or denial by either the sponsor or commission.

Prohibits individuals or entities involved with a charter school that was not renewed, terminated, or closed prematurely from submitting new charter applications for 5 years; imposes a 10-year prohibition on those convicted of crimes related to charter school operation.