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CS/CS/SB 248 — Student Participation in Interscholastic and Intrascholastic Extracurricular Sports
by Judiciary Committee; Education Pre-K – 12 Committee; and Senator Simon
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K - 12 Committee (ED)
This bill expands the ability of home education program and private school students to participate in interscholastic or intrascholastic athletics at Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) member schools. The bill authorizes students enrolled in a home education program to participate on interscholastic athletic teams at any public school within their school district, provided they reside in that district and meet certain conditions.
The bill provides that middle or high school students in private schools may participate in interscholastic or intrascholastic sports at member public or private schools by:
- Allowing middle or high school students attending an FHSAA-member private school that does not offer their sport of interest to participate in interscholastic or intrascholastic sports at a member public or private school. Current law allows such participation from a non-member FHSAA private school, regardless of whether the schools offers the sport.
- Eliminating the requirement that students be enrolled in a non-FHSAA member private school consisting of 200 students or fewer to participate in activities or sports.
The bill clarifies that, in determining whether an FHSAA school offers an activity or sport, the activity or sport must be expressly designated as one of the following based on the biological sex at birth of the team members: males, men, or boys; females, women, or girls; or coed or mixed, including both males and females.
Finally, the bill requires that any decisions made by an FHSAA committee on appeals, the executive director or his or her designee, and the FHSAA board of directors must be posted online in a searchable format, in compliance with safeguards for privacy of educational records.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 36-1; House 88-10