Great news coming out of the Sunshine State!  The Florida legislature passed a measure to significantly increase school choice in the state.  The bill, H.B. 7197, will greatly expand virtual learning in the state by requiring each district to allow for the creation of virtual charter schools in their district.  Families will also have the opportunity to choose between multiple providers, opening up the state to competition between qualified virtual education providers.  The bill also removes the current prerequisite that a kindergarten or first grade student must have previously attended a brick and mortar school before they are eligible to attend a virtual institution. 

H.B. 7197, sponsored by Rep. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland)  and Sen. Anitere Flores (R-Miami) was overwhelmingly approved by the House on Monday, and received a 27-12 stamp of approval in the Senate today.

Wendy Howard, President of the Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options applauded the legislature, saying, "By creating additional avenues to access a quality state approved online school, Florida lawmakers recognized that when it comes to our children's education, one size doesn't fit all."

The bill will now head over to the Governor's office, where it is expected to be signed into law.