HB 1393 Summary: Florida School for Competitive Academics

• Establishes the Florida School for Competitive Academics in Alachua County as a state-supported public school for grades 6-12 beginning in the 2024-2025 school year with primary focus on rigorous academics and secondary focus on preparing students for regional, state, and national academic competitions.

• Creates a 7-member board of trustees appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, with powers including adopting rules, hiring personnel, determining student eligibility, receiving gifts and donations, and maintaining accounts and records.

• Exempts the school from most Florida Education Code requirements in chapters 1000-1013 but requires compliance with student assessment, services for students with disabilities, civil rights protections, student health/safety/welfare, and specified school safety statutes.

• Establishes separate funding and budget procedures allowing the school to receive state appropriations distributed quarterly outside the Florida Education Finance Program, with board authority to transfer funds between budget categories and carry forward unexpended funds.

• Authorizes the Auditor General to conduct audits and the Department of Education's Inspector General to investigate the school; requires Auditor General to conduct both financial and operational audits at least every 3 years.