FL H0939

Creates the Florida Scholars Academy within the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide educational opportunities for students in residential commitment programs, with each residential program site serving as a campus of the academy.

Establishes a 5-member board of trustees composed of the Secretary of Juvenile Justice and 4 members appointed by the Governor, with powers including developing education delivery systems, setting performance measures, and maintaining financial records.

Requires the department to contract with an education service provider to deliver full-time instruction for high school diplomas, high school equivalency diplomas, state college/university enrollment, and industry-recognized credentials from the Master Credentials List.

Mandates annual independent financial audits by certified public accountants, with audit reports submitted within 9 months of fiscal year end and board response to recommendations within 45 days.

Appropriates $12,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2023-2024 and establishes the academy as a component of Florida's Early Learning-20 education system; effective July 1, 2023.