FL S0654

Defines "caregiving youth" as individuals under 18 who provide care — including medical care, household management, emotional support, and sibling parenting — to a household member with a chronic illness, disability, aging-related frailty, or substance abuse condition

Creates the Florida Caregiving Youth Task Force within the Department of Health, composed of 18 members from state agencies, advocacy organizations, and the public, with a first meeting required by August 1, 2023, and a final report due to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2025, expiring June 30, 2025

Requires every middle and high school to designate a caregiving youth liaison to connect students with available supports including tutoring, mentoring, mental health services, transportation, financial assistance, and tuition waiver information

Allows caregiving youth to count hours spent caring for a household member toward high school graduation community service requirements and Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program service hours, and exempts caregiving youth from tuition and fees at state universities, Florida College System institutions, and workforce education programs when pursuing a health-related field of study

Directs the Department of Education to establish an evidence-based training program, facilitated by a regional or national authority on caregiving youth, to help school personnel identify caregiving youth, understand their challenges, and learn skills to support their academic success