FL S0818

Establishes the Florida Virtual School Justice Education Program beginning in the 2026-2027 school year to provide inmates under 22 years old in Department of Corrections facilities the opportunity to earn a standard high school diploma through online and blended learning courses

Expands gain-time awards for inmates, allowing 60-180 additional days for completing vocational certificates or workforce preparedness programs, up to 5 days per month for participating in vocational programs (capped at 15% of sentence), and up to three additional 60-day awards for demonstrated commitment to rehabilitation

Reduces the minimum sentence requirement from 85% to 65% for inmates convicted of nonviolent felonies as defined in statute, while maintaining the 85% requirement for violent offenses

Requires the Florida Virtual School and Department of Corrections to negotiate an annual cooperative agreement by July 1, 2027, covering curriculum delivery, assessment procedures, resource allocation, personnel roles, and transition plans for students

Allows students who turn 22 while enrolled in the Justice Education Program to remain enrolled with approval, though funding for those students cannot be reported through the Florida Education Finance Program