Fla. Stat. 1011.62
Funds for operation of schools
(1)
COMPUTATION OF THE BASIC AMOUNT TO BE INCLUDED FOR OPERATION.—The following procedure shall be followed in determining the annual allocation to each district for operation:Determination of full-time equivalent membership.—During each of several school weeks, including scheduled intersessions of a year-round school program during the fiscal year, a program membership survey of each school shall be made by each district by aggregating the full-time equivalent student membership of each program by school and by district. The department shall establish the number and interval of membership calculations, except that for basic and special programs such calculations shall not exceed nine for any fiscal year. The district’s full-time equivalent membership shall be computed and currently maintained in accordance with regulations of the commissioner.Determination of base student allocation.—The base student allocation for the Florida Education Finance Program for kindergarten through grade 12 shall be determined annually by the Legislature and shall be that amount prescribed in the current year’s General Appropriations Act.Determination of programs.—Cost factors based on desired relative cost differences between the following programs shall be established in the annual General Appropriations Act. The cost factor for secondary career education programs must be greater than the cost factor for basic programs grade 9 through 12. The Commissioner of Education shall specify a matrix of services and intensity levels to be used by districts in the determination of the two weighted cost factors for exceptional students with the highest levels of need. For these students, the funding support level shall fund the exceptional students’ education program, with the exception of extended school year services for students with disabilities.
Basic programs.—
Kindergarten and grades 1, 2, and 3.
Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Programs for exceptional students.—
Support Level IV.
Support Level V.
Secondary career education programs.
English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Funding model for exceptional student education programs.—The funding model for exceptional student education programs shall include all of the following:
For programs for exceptional students in support levels IV and V as established in paragraph (c), the funding model shall include program cost factors.
Exceptional education cost factors are determined by using a matrix of services to document the services that each support level IV and support level V exceptional student will receive. The nature and intensity of the services indicated on the matrix shall be consistent with the services described in each exceptional student’s individual educational plan.
In order to generate funds using one of the two weighted cost factors, a matrix of services must be completed at the time of the student’s initial placement into an exceptional student education program and at least once every 3 years by personnel who have received approved training. Nothing listed in the matrix shall be construed as limiting the services a school district must provide in order to ensure that exceptional students are provided a free, appropriate public education.
For students identified as exceptional in accordance with chapter 6A-6, Florida Administrative Code, who do not have a matrix of services as specified in subparagraph 1. and for students who are gifted in grades kindergarten through 8, the funding model shall include the funds generated on the basis of full-time equivalent student membership in the Florida Education Finance Program at the same funding level per student as provided for a basic student and additional funds provided by the exceptional student education guaranteed allocation established pursuant to subsection (8).
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership for small school district exceptional student education.—An additional value per full-time equivalent student membership is provided to school districts with a full-time equivalent student membership of fewer than 10,000 and fewer than three full-time equivalent students in exceptional student education support levels IV and V. The Department of Education shall set the amount of the additional value based on documented evidence of the difference between the cost of the school district’s exceptional student education support levels IV and V services and the applicable Florida Education Finance Program funds appropriated in the General Appropriations Act. The total statewide value may not exceed a value per weighted full-time equivalent student as specified in the General Appropriations Act. The additional value for an eligible school district shall not exceed three full-time equivalent students for each of the exceptional student education support levels IV and V.Small district factor.—An additional value per full-time equivalent student membership is provided to each school district with a full-time equivalent student membership of fewer than 20,000 full-time equivalent students which is in a fiscally constrained county as described in s. 218.67(1). The amount of the additional value shall be specified in the General Appropriations Act.Education for speakers of other languages.—A school district or a full-time virtual instruction program is eligible to report full-time equivalent student membership in the ESOL program in the Florida Education Finance Program provided the following conditions are met:The school district or the full-time virtual instruction program has a plan approved by the Department of Education.
The eligible student is identified and assessed as limited English proficient based on assessment criteria.
An eligible student may be reported for funding in the ESOL program for a base period of 3 years. However, a student whose English competency does not meet the criteria for proficiency after 3 years in the ESOL program may be reported for a fourth, fifth, and sixth year of funding, provided his or her limited English proficiency is assessed and properly documented prior to his or her enrollment in each additional year beyond the 3-year base period.
If a student exits the program and is later reclassified as limited English proficient, the student may be reported in the ESOL program for funding for an additional year, or extended annually for a period not to exceed a total of 6 years pursuant to this paragraph, based on an annual evaluation of the student’s status.
An eligible student may be reported for funding in the ESOL program for membership in ESOL instruction in English and ESOL instruction or home language instruction in the basic subject areas of mathematics, science, social studies, and computer literacy.
Small, isolated schools.—Districts that levy the maximum nonvoted discretionary millage, exclusive of millage for capital outlay purposes levied pursuant to s. 1011.71(2), may calculate full-time equivalent students for small, isolated district-operated schools by multiplying the number of unweighted full-time equivalent students times 2.75. The following schools may be considered small, isolated schools under this paragraph:A high school that is located at least 28 miles by the shortest route from another high school; has been serving students primarily in basic studies provided by sub-subparagraphs (c)1.b. and c. and may include subparagraph (c)4.; and has a membership of at least 28, but no more than 100, students in grades 9 through 12; or
A district elementary school with a grade configuration of kindergarten through grade 5, but which may also include prekindergarten, grade 6, grade 7, or grade 8, that is located at least 35 miles by the shortest route from another elementary school within the district; has been serving students primarily in basic studies provided by sub-subparagraphs (c)1.a. and b. and may include subparagraph (c)4.; has a student population in which 75 percent or greater of students are eligible for free and reduced-price school lunch; and has a membership of at least 28, but no more than 100, students.
Calculation of full-time equivalent membership with respect to dual enrollment instruction.—Full-time equivalent students.—Students enrolled in dual enrollment instruction pursuant to s. 1007.271 may be included in calculations of full-time equivalent student memberships for basic programs for grades 9 through 12 by a district school board. Instructional time for dual enrollment may vary from 900 hours; however, the full-time equivalent student membership value shall be subject to the provisions in s. 1011.61(4). Dual enrollment full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated in an amount equal to the hours of instruction that would be necessary to earn the full-time equivalent student membership for an equivalent course if it were taught in the school district. Students in dual enrollment courses may also be calculated as the proportional shares of full-time equivalent enrollments they generate for a Florida College System institution or university conducting the dual enrollment instruction. Early admission students shall be considered dual enrollments for funding purposes. Students may be enrolled in dual enrollment instruction provided by an eligible independent college or university and may be included in calculations of full-time equivalent student memberships for basic programs for grades 9 through 12 by a district school board. However, those provisions of law which exempt dual enrolled and early admission students from payment of instructional materials and tuition and fees, including laboratory fees, shall not apply to students who select the option of enrolling in an eligible independent institution. An independent college or university, which is not for profit, is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, and confers degrees as defined in s. 1005.02 shall be eligible for inclusion in the dual enrollment or early admission program. Students enrolled in dual enrollment instruction shall be exempt from the payment of tuition and fees, including laboratory fees. No student enrolled in college credit mathematics or English dual enrollment instruction shall be funded as a dual enrollment unless the student has successfully completed the relevant section of the entry-level examination required pursuant to s. 1008.30.
Additional full-time equivalent student membership.—For students enrolled in an early college program pursuant to s. 1007.273, a value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who completes a general education core course through the dual enrollment program with a grade of “A” or better. For students who are not enrolled in an early college program, a value of 0.08 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who completes a general education core course through the dual enrollment program with a grade of “A.” A value of 0.08 full-time equivalent student membership must be calculated for each student who completes a career course through the dual enrollment program with a grade of “A” in a pathway that leads to an industry certification that is included on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List. In addition, a value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for any student who receives an associate degree through the dual enrollment program with a 3.0 grade point average or better. This value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. This section shall be effective for credit earned by dually enrolled students for courses taken in the 2020-2021 school year and each school year thereafter. If the associate degree described in this paragraph is earned in 2020-2021 following completion of courses taken in the 2020-2021 school year, then courses taken toward the degree as part of the dual enrollment program before 2020-2021 may not preclude eligibility for the 0.3 additional full-time equivalent student membership bonus. Each school district shall allocate at least 50 percent of the funds received from the dual enrollment bonus FTE funding, in accordance with this paragraph, to the schools that generated the funds to support student academic guidance and postsecondary readiness.
Qualifying courses.—For the purposes of this paragraph, general education core courses are those that are identified in rule by the State Board of Education and in regulation by the Board of Governors pursuant to s. 1007.25(3).
Instruction in exploratory career education.—Students in grades 7 through 12 who are enrolled for more than four semesters in exploratory career education may not be counted as full-time equivalent students for this instruction.Study hall.—A student who is enrolled in study hall may not be included in the calculation of full-time equivalent student membership for funding under this section.Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based on International Baccalaureate examination scores of students.—A value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student enrolled in an International Baccalaureate course who receives a score of 4 or higher on a subject examination. A value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who receives an International Baccalaureate diploma. Such value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. Each school district shall allocate 80 percent of the funds received from International Baccalaureate bonus FTE funding to the school program whose students generate the funds and to school programs that prepare prospective students to enroll in International Baccalaureate courses. Funds shall be expended solely for the payment of allowable costs associated with the International Baccalaureate program. Allowable costs include International Baccalaureate annual school fees; International Baccalaureate examination fees; salary, benefits, and bonuses for teachers and program coordinators for the International Baccalaureate program and teachers and coordinators who prepare prospective students for the International Baccalaureate program; supplemental books; instructional supplies; instructional equipment or instructional materials for International Baccalaureate courses; other activities that identify prospective International Baccalaureate students or prepare prospective students to enroll in International Baccalaureate courses; and training or professional learning for International Baccalaureate teachers. School districts shall allocate the remaining 20 percent of the funds received from International Baccalaureate bonus FTE funding for programs that assist academically disadvantaged students to prepare for more rigorous courses. The school district shall distribute to each classroom teacher who provided International Baccalaureate instruction:A bonus in the amount of $50 for each student taught by the International Baccalaureate teacher in each International Baccalaureate course who receives a score of 4 or higher on the International Baccalaureate examination.
An additional bonus of $500 to each International Baccalaureate teacher in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” who has at least one student scoring 4 or higher on the International Baccalaureate examination, regardless of the number of classes taught or of the number of students scoring a 4 or higher on the International Baccalaureate examination.
Bonuses awarded under this paragraph shall be in addition to any regular wage or other bonus the teacher received or is scheduled to receive. For such courses, the teacher shall earn an additional bonus of $50 for each student who has a qualifying score.
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based on Advanced International Certificate of Education examination scores of students.—A value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student enrolled in a full-credit Advanced International Certificate of Education course who receives a score of E or higher on a subject examination. A value of 0.08 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student enrolled in a half-credit Advanced International Certificate of Education course who receives a score of E or higher on a subject examination. A value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who receives an Advanced International Certificate of Education diploma. Such value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. Each school district shall allocate at least 80 percent of the funds received from the Advanced International Certificate of Education bonus FTE funding, in accordance with this paragraph, to the school program that generated the funds and to school programs administered by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate that prepare prospective students to enroll in Advanced International Certificate of Education courses. These funds shall be expended solely for the payment of costs associated with the application and registration process; program fees and site licenses; training, professional learning, salaries, benefits, and bonuses for instructional personnel and program coordinators; examination and diploma fees; membership fees; supplemental books; instructional supplies, materials, and equipment; and other activities that identify prospective Advanced International Certificate of Education students or prepare prospective students to enroll in Advanced International Certificate of Education courses. The school district shall distribute to each classroom teacher who provided Advanced International Certificate of Education or International General Certificate of Secondary Education (pre-AICE) instruction:A bonus in the amount of $50 for each student taught by the Advanced International Certificate of Education teacher in each Advanced International Certificate of Education course who receives a score of E or higher on the Advanced International Certificate of Education examination. A bonus in the amount of $25 for each student taught by the pre-AICE teacher in each pre-AICE course who receives a score of E or higher on the pre-AICE examination.
An additional bonus of $500 to each Advanced International Certificate of Education teacher in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” who has at least one student scoring E or higher on the Advanced International Certificate of Education examination, regardless of the number of classes taught or of the number of students scoring an E or higher on the Advanced International Certificate of Education examination.
Additional bonuses of $250 each to teachers of pre-AICE classes in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” which has at least one student scoring an E or higher on the pre-AICE examination in that class. Teachers receiving an award under subparagraph 2. are not eligible for a bonus under this subparagraph.
Bonuses awarded to a teacher according to this paragraph shall be in addition to any regular wage or other bonus the teacher received or is scheduled to receive.
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based on college board advanced placement scores of students and earning college board advanced placement capstone diplomas.—A value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student in each advanced placement course who receives a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination for the prior year and added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. A value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who receives a College Board Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma and meets the requirements for a standard high school diploma under s. 1003.4282. Such value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. Each district must allocate at least 80 percent of the funds provided to the district for advanced placement instruction, in accordance with this paragraph, to the high school that generates the funds. The school district shall distribute to each classroom teacher who provided advanced placement instruction:A bonus in the amount of $50 for each student taught by the Advanced Placement teacher in each advanced placement course who receives a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination.
An additional bonus of $500 to each Advanced Placement teacher in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” who has at least one student scoring 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination, regardless of the number of classes taught or of the number of students scoring a 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination.
Bonuses awarded under this paragraph shall be in addition to any regular wage or other bonus the teacher received or is scheduled to receive. For such courses, the teacher shall earn an additional bonus of $50 for each student who has a qualifying score.
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based on successful completion of a career-themed course pursuant to ss. 1003.491-1003.493, or courses with embedded CAPE industry certifications or CAPE Digital Tool certificates, and issuance of industry certification identified on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List pursuant to rules adopted by the State Board of Education or CAPE Digital Tool certificates pursuant to s. 1003.4203.—A value of 0.025 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for CAPE Digital Tool certificates earned by students in elementary and middle school grades.
A value of 0.1 or 0.2 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who completes a course as defined in s. 1003.493(1)(b) or courses with embedded CAPE industry certifications and who is issued an industry certification identified annually on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List approved under rules adopted by the State Board of Education. A value of 0.2 full-time equivalent membership shall be calculated for each student who is issued a CAPE industry certification that has a statewide articulation agreement for college credit approved by the State Board of Education. For CAPE industry certifications that do not articulate for college credit, the Department of Education shall assign a full-time equivalent value of 0.1 for each certification. Middle grades students who earn additional FTE membership for a CAPE Digital Tool certificate pursuant to sub-subparagraph a. may not rely solely on the previously funded examination to satisfy the requirements for earning an industry certification under this sub-subparagraph. The State Board of Education shall include the assigned values on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List under rules adopted by the state board. Such value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership for grades 6 through 12 in the subsequent year. CAPE industry certifications earned through dual enrollment must be reported and funded pursuant to s. 1011.80. However, if a student earns a certification through a dual enrollment course and the certification is not a fundable certification on the postsecondary certification funding list, or the dual enrollment certification is earned as a result of an agreement between a school district and a nonpublic postsecondary institution, the bonus value shall be funded in the same manner as other nondual enrollment course industry certifications. In such cases, the school district may provide for an agreement between the high school and the technical center, or the school district and the postsecondary institution may enter into an agreement for equitable distribution of the bonus funds.
A value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for student completion of at least three courses and an industry certification in a single career and technical education program or program of study.
A value of 0.5 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for CAPE Acceleration Industry Certifications that articulate for 15 to 29 college credit hours, and 1.0 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for CAPE Acceleration Industry Certifications that articulate for 30 or more college credit hours pursuant to CAPE Acceleration Industry Certifications approved by the commissioner pursuant to ss. 1003.4203(4) and 1008.44.
Each district must allocate at least 80 percent of the funds provided for CAPE industry certification, in accordance with this paragraph, to the program that generated the funds, and any remaining funds provided for CAPE industry certification for school district career and technical education programs. This allocation may not be used to supplant funds provided for basic operation of the program.
For CAPE industry certifications earned in the 2013-2014 school year and in subsequent years, the school district shall distribute to each classroom teacher who provided direct instruction toward the attainment of a CAPE industry certification that qualified for additional full-time equivalent membership under subparagraph 1.:
A bonus of $25 for each student taught by a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List with a weight of 0.1.
A bonus of $50 for each student taught by a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List with a weight of 0.2.
A bonus of $75 for each student taught by a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List with a weight of 0.3.
A bonus of $100 for each student taught by a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List with a weight of 0.5 or 1.0.
Bonuses awarded pursuant to this paragraph shall be provided to teachers who are employed by the district in the year in which the additional FTE membership calculation is included in the calculation. Bonuses shall be calculated based upon the associated weight of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List for the year in which the certification is earned by the student. Any bonus awarded to a teacher pursuant to this paragraph is in addition to any regular wage or other bonus the teacher received or is scheduled to receive. A bonus may not be awarded to a teacher who fails to maintain the security of any CAPE industry certification examination or who otherwise violates the security or administration protocol of any assessment instrument that may result in a bonus being awarded to the teacher under this paragraph.
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based upon early high school graduation.—Each school district may receive funding for each student who graduates early pursuant to s. 1003.4281. A district may earn 0.25 additional FTE for a student who graduates one semester in advance of the student’s cohort and 0.5 additional FTE for a student who graduates 1 year or more in advance of the student’s cohort. If the student was enrolled in the district as a full-time high school student for at least 2 years, the district shall report the additional FTE for payment in the subsequent fiscal year. If the student was enrolled in the district for less than 2 years, the district of enrollment shall report the additional FTE and shall transfer a proportionate share of the funds earned for early graduation to the district in which the student was previously enrolled. Additional FTE included in the 2014-2015 Florida Education Finance Program for early graduation shall be reported and funded pursuant to this paragraph.Year-round-school programs.—The Commissioner of Education is authorized to adjust student eligibility definitions, funding criteria, and reporting requirements of statutes and rules in order that year-round-school programs may achieve equivalent application of funding requirements with non-year-round-school programs.Extended-school-year program.—It is the intent of the Legislature that students be provided additional instruction by extending the school year to 210 days or more. Districts may apply to the Commissioner of Education for funds to be used in planning and implementing an extended-school-year program.Determination of the basic amount for current operation.—The basic amount for current operation to be included in the Florida Education Finance Program for kindergarten through grade 12 for each district shall be the product of the following:The full-time equivalent student membership in each program, multiplied by
The cost factor for each program, adjusted for the maximum as provided by paragraph (c), multiplied by
The comparable wage factor, multiplied by
The small district factor, and multiplied by
The base student allocation.
Computation for funding through the Florida Education Finance Program.—The State Board of Education may adopt rules establishing programs, industry certifications, and courses for which the student may earn credit toward high school graduation and the criteria under which a student’s industry certification or grade may be rescinded.(a)
Determination of full-time equivalent membership.—During each of several school weeks, including scheduled intersessions of a year-round school program during the fiscal year, a program membership survey of each school shall be made by each district by aggregating the full-time equivalent student membership of each program by school and by district. The department shall establish the number and interval of membership calculations, except that for basic and special programs such calculations shall not exceed nine for any fiscal year. The district’s full-time equivalent membership shall be computed and currently maintained in accordance with regulations of the commissioner.(b)
Determination of base student allocation.—The base student allocation for the Florida Education Finance Program for kindergarten through grade 12 shall be determined annually by the Legislature and shall be that amount prescribed in the current year’s General Appropriations Act.(c)
Determination of programs.—Cost factors based on desired relative cost differences between the following programs shall be established in the annual General Appropriations Act. The cost factor for secondary career education programs must be greater than the cost factor for basic programs grade 9 through 12. The Commissioner of Education shall specify a matrix of services and intensity levels to be used by districts in the determination of the two weighted cost factors for exceptional students with the highest levels of need. For these students, the funding support level shall fund the exceptional students’ education program, with the exception of extended school year services for students with disabilities.Basic programs.—Kindergarten and grades 1, 2, and 3.
Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Programs for exceptional students.—Support Level IV.
Support Level V.
Secondary career education programs.English for Speakers of Other Languages.(d)
Funding model for exceptional student education programs.—The funding model for exceptional student education programs shall include all of the following:For programs for exceptional students in support levels IV and V as established in paragraph (c), the funding model shall include program cost factors.Exceptional education cost factors are determined by using a matrix of services to document the services that each support level IV and support level V exceptional student will receive. The nature and intensity of the services indicated on the matrix shall be consistent with the services described in each exceptional student’s individual educational plan.
In order to generate funds using one of the two weighted cost factors, a matrix of services must be completed at the time of the student’s initial placement into an exceptional student education program and at least once every 3 years by personnel who have received approved training. Nothing listed in the matrix shall be construed as limiting the services a school district must provide in order to ensure that exceptional students are provided a free, appropriate public education.
For students identified as exceptional in accordance with chapter 6A-6, Florida Administrative Code, who do not have a matrix of services as specified in subparagraph 1. and for students who are gifted in grades kindergarten through 8, the funding model shall include the funds generated on the basis of full-time equivalent student membership in the Florida Education Finance Program at the same funding level per student as provided for a basic student and additional funds provided by the exceptional student education guaranteed allocation established pursuant to subsection (8).(e)
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership for small school district exceptional student education.—An additional value per full-time equivalent student membership is provided to school districts with a full-time equivalent student membership of fewer than 10,000 and fewer than three full-time equivalent students in exceptional student education support levels IV and V. The Department of Education shall set the amount of the additional value based on documented evidence of the difference between the cost of the school district’s exceptional student education support levels IV and V services and the applicable Florida Education Finance Program funds appropriated in the General Appropriations Act. The total statewide value may not exceed a value per weighted full-time equivalent student as specified in the General Appropriations Act. The additional value for an eligible school district shall not exceed three full-time equivalent students for each of the exceptional student education support levels IV and V.(f)
Small district factor.—An additional value per full-time equivalent student membership is provided to each school district with a full-time equivalent student membership of fewer than 20,000 full-time equivalent students which is in a fiscally constrained county as described in s. 218.67(1). The amount of the additional value shall be specified in the General Appropriations Act.(g)
Education for speakers of other languages.—A school district or a full-time virtual instruction program is eligible to report full-time equivalent student membership in the ESOL program in the Florida Education Finance Program provided the following conditions are met:The school district or the full-time virtual instruction program has a plan approved by the Department of Education.The eligible student is identified and assessed as limited English proficient based on assessment criteria.An eligible student may be reported for funding in the ESOL program for a base period of 3 years. However, a student whose English competency does not meet the criteria for proficiency after 3 years in the ESOL program may be reported for a fourth, fifth, and sixth year of funding, provided his or her limited English proficiency is assessed and properly documented prior to his or her enrollment in each additional year beyond the 3-year base period.
If a student exits the program and is later reclassified as limited English proficient, the student may be reported in the ESOL program for funding for an additional year, or extended annually for a period not to exceed a total of 6 years pursuant to this paragraph, based on an annual evaluation of the student’s status.
An eligible student may be reported for funding in the ESOL program for membership in ESOL instruction in English and ESOL instruction or home language instruction in the basic subject areas of mathematics, science, social studies, and computer literacy.(h)
Small, isolated schools.—Districts that levy the maximum nonvoted discretionary millage, exclusive of millage for capital outlay purposes levied pursuant to s. 1011.71(2), may calculate full-time equivalent students for small, isolated district-operated schools by multiplying the number of unweighted full-time equivalent students times 2.75. The following schools may be considered small, isolated schools under this paragraph:A high school that is located at least 28 miles by the shortest route from another high school; has been serving students primarily in basic studies provided by sub-subparagraphs (c)1.b. and c. and may include subparagraph (c)4.; and has a membership of at least 28, but no more than 100, students in grades 9 through 12; orA district elementary school with a grade configuration of kindergarten through grade 5, but which may also include prekindergarten, grade 6, grade 7, or grade 8, that is located at least 35 miles by the shortest route from another elementary school within the district; has been serving students primarily in basic studies provided by sub-subparagraphs (c)1.a. and b. and may include subparagraph (c)4.; has a student population in which 75 percent or greater of students are eligible for free and reduced-price school lunch; and has a membership of at least 28, but no more than 100, students.(i)
Calculation of full-time equivalent membership with respect to dual enrollment instruction.—Full-time equivalent students.—Students enrolled in dual enrollment instruction pursuant to s. 1007.271 may be included in calculations of full-time equivalent student memberships for basic programs for grades 9 through 12 by a district school board. Instructional time for dual enrollment may vary from 900 hours; however, the full-time equivalent student membership value shall be subject to the provisions in s. 1011.61(4). Dual enrollment full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated in an amount equal to the hours of instruction that would be necessary to earn the full-time equivalent student membership for an equivalent course if it were taught in the school district. Students in dual enrollment courses may also be calculated as the proportional shares of full-time equivalent enrollments they generate for a Florida College System institution or university conducting the dual enrollment instruction. Early admission students shall be considered dual enrollments for funding purposes. Students may be enrolled in dual enrollment instruction provided by an eligible independent college or university and may be included in calculations of full-time equivalent student memberships for basic programs for grades 9 through 12 by a district school board. However, those provisions of law which exempt dual enrolled and early admission students from payment of instructional materials and tuition and fees, including laboratory fees, shall not apply to students who select the option of enrolling in an eligible independent institution. An independent college or university, which is not for profit, is accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, and confers degrees as defined in s. 1005.02 shall be eligible for inclusion in the dual enrollment or early admission program. Students enrolled in dual enrollment instruction shall be exempt from the payment of tuition and fees, including laboratory fees. No student enrolled in college credit mathematics or English dual enrollment instruction shall be funded as a dual enrollment unless the student has successfully completed the relevant section of the entry-level examination required pursuant to s. 1008.30.Additional full-time equivalent student membership.—For students enrolled in an early college program pursuant to s. 1007.273, a value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who completes a general education core course through the dual enrollment program with a grade of “A” or better. For students who are not enrolled in an early college program, a value of 0.08 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who completes a general education core course through the dual enrollment program with a grade of “A.” A value of 0.08 full-time equivalent student membership must be calculated for each student who completes a career course through the dual enrollment program with a grade of “A” in a pathway that leads to an industry certification that is included on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List. In addition, a value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for any student who receives an associate degree through the dual enrollment program with a 3.0 grade point average or better. This value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. This section shall be effective for credit earned by dually enrolled students for courses taken in the 2020-2021 school year and each school year thereafter. If the associate degree described in this paragraph is earned in 2020-2021 following completion of courses taken in the 2020-2021 school year, then courses taken toward the degree as part of the dual enrollment program before 2020-2021 may not preclude eligibility for the 0.3 additional full-time equivalent student membership bonus. Each school district shall allocate at least 50 percent of the funds received from the dual enrollment bonus FTE funding, in accordance with this paragraph, to the schools that generated the funds to support student academic guidance and postsecondary readiness.Qualifying courses.—For the purposes of this paragraph, general education core courses are those that are identified in rule by the State Board of Education and in regulation by the Board of Governors pursuant to s. 1007.25(3).(j)
Instruction in exploratory career education.—Students in grades 7 through 12 who are enrolled for more than four semesters in exploratory career education may not be counted as full-time equivalent students for this instruction.(k)
Study hall.—A student who is enrolled in study hall may not be included in the calculation of full-time equivalent student membership for funding under this section.(l)
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based on International Baccalaureate examination scores of students.—A value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student enrolled in an International Baccalaureate course who receives a score of 4 or higher on a subject examination. A value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who receives an International Baccalaureate diploma. Such value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. Each school district shall allocate 80 percent of the funds received from International Baccalaureate bonus FTE funding to the school program whose students generate the funds and to school programs that prepare prospective students to enroll in International Baccalaureate courses. Funds shall be expended solely for the payment of allowable costs associated with the International Baccalaureate program. Allowable costs include International Baccalaureate annual school fees; International Baccalaureate examination fees; salary, benefits, and bonuses for teachers and program coordinators for the International Baccalaureate program and teachers and coordinators who prepare prospective students for the International Baccalaureate program; supplemental books; instructional supplies; instructional equipment or instructional materials for International Baccalaureate courses; other activities that identify prospective International Baccalaureate students or prepare prospective students to enroll in International Baccalaureate courses; and training or professional learning for International Baccalaureate teachers. School districts shall allocate the remaining 20 percent of the funds received from International Baccalaureate bonus FTE funding for programs that assist academically disadvantaged students to prepare for more rigorous courses. The school district shall distribute to each classroom teacher who provided International Baccalaureate instruction:A bonus in the amount of $50 for each student taught by the International Baccalaureate teacher in each International Baccalaureate course who receives a score of 4 or higher on the International Baccalaureate examination.An additional bonus of $500 to each International Baccalaureate teacher in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” who has at least one student scoring 4 or higher on the International Baccalaureate examination, regardless of the number of classes taught or of the number of students scoring a 4 or higher on the International Baccalaureate examination.Bonuses awarded under this paragraph shall be in addition to any regular wage or other bonus the teacher received or is scheduled to receive. For such courses, the teacher shall earn an additional bonus of $50 for each student who has a qualifying score.
(m)
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based on Advanced International Certificate of Education examination scores of students.—A value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student enrolled in a full-credit Advanced International Certificate of Education course who receives a score of E or higher on a subject examination. A value of 0.08 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student enrolled in a half-credit Advanced International Certificate of Education course who receives a score of E or higher on a subject examination. A value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who receives an Advanced International Certificate of Education diploma. Such value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. Each school district shall allocate at least 80 percent of the funds received from the Advanced International Certificate of Education bonus FTE funding, in accordance with this paragraph, to the school program that generated the funds and to school programs administered by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate that prepare prospective students to enroll in Advanced International Certificate of Education courses. These funds shall be expended solely for the payment of costs associated with the application and registration process; program fees and site licenses; training, professional learning, salaries, benefits, and bonuses for instructional personnel and program coordinators; examination and diploma fees; membership fees; supplemental books; instructional supplies, materials, and equipment; and other activities that identify prospective Advanced International Certificate of Education students or prepare prospective students to enroll in Advanced International Certificate of Education courses. The school district shall distribute to each classroom teacher who provided Advanced International Certificate of Education or International General Certificate of Secondary Education (pre-AICE) instruction:A bonus in the amount of $50 for each student taught by the Advanced International Certificate of Education teacher in each Advanced International Certificate of Education course who receives a score of E or higher on the Advanced International Certificate of Education examination. A bonus in the amount of $25 for each student taught by the pre-AICE teacher in each pre-AICE course who receives a score of E or higher on the pre-AICE examination.An additional bonus of $500 to each Advanced International Certificate of Education teacher in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” who has at least one student scoring E or higher on the Advanced International Certificate of Education examination, regardless of the number of classes taught or of the number of students scoring an E or higher on the Advanced International Certificate of Education examination.Additional bonuses of $250 each to teachers of pre-AICE classes in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” which has at least one student scoring an E or higher on the pre-AICE examination in that class. Teachers receiving an award under subparagraph 2. are not eligible for a bonus under this subparagraph.Bonuses awarded to a teacher according to this paragraph shall be in addition to any regular wage or other bonus the teacher received or is scheduled to receive.
(n)
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based on college board advanced placement scores of students and earning college board advanced placement capstone diplomas.—A value of 0.16 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student in each advanced placement course who receives a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination for the prior year and added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. A value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who receives a College Board Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma and meets the requirements for a standard high school diploma under s. 1003.4282. Such value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership in basic programs for grades 9 through 12 in the subsequent fiscal year. Each district must allocate at least 80 percent of the funds provided to the district for advanced placement instruction, in accordance with this paragraph, to the high school that generates the funds. The school district shall distribute to each classroom teacher who provided advanced placement instruction:A bonus in the amount of $50 for each student taught by the Advanced Placement teacher in each advanced placement course who receives a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination.An additional bonus of $500 to each Advanced Placement teacher in a school designated with a grade of “D” or “F” who has at least one student scoring 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination, regardless of the number of classes taught or of the number of students scoring a 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination.Bonuses awarded under this paragraph shall be in addition to any regular wage or other bonus the teacher received or is scheduled to receive. For such courses, the teacher shall earn an additional bonus of $50 for each student who has a qualifying score.
(o)
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based on successful completion of a career-themed course pursuant to ss. 1003.491-1003.493, or courses with embedded CAPE industry certifications or CAPE Digital Tool certificates, and issuance of industry certification identified on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List pursuant to rules adopted by the State Board of Education or CAPE Digital Tool certificates pursuant to s. 1003.4203.—A value of 0.025 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for CAPE Digital Tool certificates earned by students in elementary and middle school grades.
A value of 0.1 or 0.2 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for each student who completes a course as defined in s. 1003.493(1)(b) or courses with embedded CAPE industry certifications and who is issued an industry certification identified annually on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List approved under rules adopted by the State Board of Education. A value of 0.2 full-time equivalent membership shall be calculated for each student who is issued a CAPE industry certification that has a statewide articulation agreement for college credit approved by the State Board of Education. For CAPE industry certifications that do not articulate for college credit, the Department of Education shall assign a full-time equivalent value of 0.1 for each certification. Middle grades students who earn additional FTE membership for a CAPE Digital Tool certificate pursuant to sub-subparagraph a. may not rely solely on the previously funded examination to satisfy the requirements for earning an industry certification under this sub-subparagraph. The State Board of Education shall include the assigned values on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List under rules adopted by the state board. Such value shall be added to the total full-time equivalent student membership for grades 6 through 12 in the subsequent year. CAPE industry certifications earned through dual enrollment must be reported and funded pursuant to s. 1011.80. However, if a student earns a certification through a dual enrollment course and the certification is not a fundable certification on the postsecondary certification funding list, or the dual enrollment certification is earned as a result of an agreement between a school district and a nonpublic postsecondary institution, the bonus value shall be funded in the same manner as other nondual enrollment course industry certifications. In such cases, the school district may provide for an agreement between the high school and the technical center, or the school district and the postsecondary institution may enter into an agreement for equitable distribution of the bonus funds.
A value of 0.3 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for student completion of at least three courses and an industry certification in a single career and technical education program or program of study.
A value of 0.5 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for CAPE Acceleration Industry Certifications that articulate for 15 to 29 college credit hours, and 1.0 full-time equivalent student membership shall be calculated for CAPE Acceleration Industry Certifications that articulate for 30 or more college credit hours pursuant to CAPE Acceleration Industry Certifications approved by the commissioner pursuant to ss. 1003.4203(4) and 1008.44.
Each district must allocate at least 80 percent of the funds provided for CAPE industry certification, in accordance with this paragraph, to the program that generated the funds, and any remaining funds provided for CAPE industry certification for school district career and technical education programs. This allocation may not be used to supplant funds provided for basic operation of the program.For CAPE industry certifications earned in the 2013-2014 school year and in subsequent years, the school district shall distribute to each classroom teacher who provided direct instruction toward the attainment of a CAPE industry certification that qualified for additional full-time equivalent membership under subparagraph 1.:A bonus of $25 for each student taught by a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List with a weight of 0.1.
A bonus of $50 for each student taught by a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List with a weight of 0.2.
A bonus of $75 for each student taught by a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List with a weight of 0.3.
A bonus of $100 for each student taught by a teacher who provided instruction in a course that led to the attainment of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List with a weight of 0.5 or 1.0.
Bonuses awarded pursuant to this paragraph shall be provided to teachers who are employed by the district in the year in which the additional FTE membership calculation is included in the calculation. Bonuses shall be calculated based upon the associated weight of a CAPE industry certification on the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List for the year in which the certification is earned by the student. Any bonus awarded to a teacher pursuant to this paragraph is in addition to any regular wage or other bonus the teacher received or is scheduled to receive. A bonus may not be awarded to a teacher who fails to maintain the security of any CAPE industry certification examination or who otherwise violates the security or administration protocol of any assessment instrument that may result in a bonus being awarded to the teacher under this paragraph.
(p)
Calculation of additional full-time equivalent membership based upon early high school graduation.—Each school district may receive funding for each student who graduates early pursuant to s. 1003.4281. A district may earn 0.25 additional FTE for a student who graduates one semester in advance of the student’s cohort and 0.5 additional FTE for a student who graduates 1 year or more in advance of the student’s cohort. If the student was enrolled in the district as a full-time high school student for at least 2 years, the district shall report the additional FTE for payment in the subsequent fiscal year. If the student was enrolled in the district for less than 2 years, the district of enrollment shall report the additional FTE and shall transfer a proportionate share of the funds earned for early graduation to the district in which the student was previously enrolled. Additional FTE included in the 2014-2015 Florida Education Finance Program for early graduation shall be reported and funded pursuant to this paragraph.(q)
Year-round-school programs.—The Commissioner of Education is authorized to adjust student eligibility definitions, funding criteria, and reporting requirements of statutes and rules in order that year-round-school programs may achieve equivalent application of funding requirements with non-year-round-school programs.(r)
Extended-school-year program.—It is the intent of the Legislature that students be provided additional instruction by extending the school year to 210 days or more. Districts may apply to the Commissioner of Education for funds to be used in planning and implementing an extended-school-year program.(s)
Determination of the basic amount for current operation.—The basic amount for current operation to be included in the Florida Education Finance Program for kindergarten through grade 12 for each district shall be the product of the following:The full-time equivalent student membership in each program, multiplied byThe cost factor for each program, adjusted for the maximum as provided by paragraph (c), multiplied byThe comparable wage factor, multiplied byThe small district factor, and multiplied byThe base student allocation.(t)
Computation for funding through the Florida Education Finance Program.—The State Board of Education may adopt rules establishing programs, industry certifications, and courses for which the student may earn credit toward high school graduation and the criteria under which a student’s industry certification or grade may be rescinded.(2)
DETERMINATION OF COMPARABLE WAGE FACTOR.—The Commissioner of Education shall annually compute for each district the current year’s comparable wage factor. The comparable wage factor shall be calculated by adding each district’s price level index as published in the Florida Price Level Index for the most recent 3 years and dividing the resulting sum by 3. The result for each district shall be multiplied by 0.008 and to the resulting product shall be added 0.200; the sum thus obtained shall be the comparable wage factor for that district for that year.The comparable wage factor for each school district is used in the calculation of the basic amount for current operation pursuant to subsection (1) if the comparable wage factor is greater than 1.000.The limitation authorized in paragraph (b) applies to any categorical funding provided in the Florida Education Finance Program that has a calculation methodology that includes the comparable wage factor.(a)
The Commissioner of Education shall annually compute for each district the current year’s comparable wage factor. The comparable wage factor shall be calculated by adding each district’s price level index as published in the Florida Price Level Index for the most recent 3 years and dividing the resulting sum by 3. The result for each district shall be multiplied by 0.008 and to the resulting product shall be added 0.200; the sum thus obtained shall be the comparable wage factor for that district for that year.(b)
The comparable wage factor for each school district is used in the calculation of the basic amount for current operation pursuant to subsection (1) if the comparable wage factor is greater than 1.000.(c)
The limitation authorized in paragraph (b) applies to any categorical funding provided in the Florida Education Finance Program that has a calculation methodology that includes the comparable wage factor.(3)
INSERVICE EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL TRAINING EXPENDITURE.—Of the amount computed in subsection (1), a percentage of the basic amount for current operation or other funds shall be expended for educational training programs as determined by the district school board as provided in s. 1012.98.(4)
COMPUTATION OF DISTRICT REQUIRED LOCAL EFFORT.—The Legislature shall prescribe the aggregate required local effort for all school districts collectively as an item in the General Appropriations Act for each fiscal year. The amount that each district shall provide annually toward the cost of the Florida Education Finance Program for kindergarten through grade 12 programs shall be calculated as follows:Estimated taxable value calculations.—Not later than 2 working days before July 19, the Department of Revenue shall certify to the Commissioner of Education its most recent estimate of the taxable value for school purposes in each school district and the total for all school districts in the state for the current calendar year based on the latest available data obtained from the local property appraisers. The value certified shall be the taxable value for school purposes for that year, and no further adjustments shall be made, except those made pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (d), or an assessment roll change required by final judicial decisions as specified in paragraph (15)(b). Not later than July 19, the Commissioner of Education shall compute a millage rate, rounded to the next highest one one-thousandth of a mill, which, when applied to 96 percent of the estimated state total taxable value for school purposes, would generate the prescribed aggregate required local effort for that year for all districts. The Commissioner of Education shall certify to each district school board the millage rate, computed as prescribed in this subparagraph, as the minimum millage rate necessary to provide the district required local effort for that year.
The General Appropriations Act shall direct the computation of the statewide adjusted aggregate amount for required local effort for all school districts collectively from ad valorem taxes to ensure that no school district’s revenue from required local effort millage will produce more than 90 percent of the district’s total Florida Education Finance Program calculation as calculated and adopted by the Legislature, and the adjustment of the required local effort millage rate of each district that produces more than 90 percent of its total Florida Education Finance Program entitlement to a level that will produce only 90 percent of its total Florida Education Finance Program entitlement in the July calculation.
On the same date as the certification in sub-subparagraph 1.a., the Department of Revenue shall certify to the Commissioner of Education for each district:
Equalization of required local effort.—Each year for which the property appraiser has certified the taxable value pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3), if applicable, since the prior certification under sub-subparagraph 1.a.
For each year identified in sub-subparagraph a., the taxable value certified by the appraiser pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3), if applicable, since the prior certification under sub-subparagraph 1.a. This is the certification that reflects all final administrative actions of the value adjustment board.
The Department of Revenue shall include with its certifications provided pursuant to paragraph (a) its most recent determination of the assessment level of the prior year’s assessment roll for each county and for the state as a whole.
The Commissioner of Education shall adjust the required local effort millage of each district for the current year, computed pursuant to paragraph (a), as follows:
The equalization factor for the prior year’s assessment roll of each district shall be multiplied by 96 percent of the taxable value for school purposes shown on that roll and by the prior year’s required local-effort millage, exclusive of any equalization adjustment made pursuant to this paragraph. The dollar amount so computed shall be the additional required local effort for equalization for the current year.
Such equalization factor shall be computed as the quotient of the prior year’s assessment level of the state as a whole divided by the prior year’s assessment level of the county, from which quotient shall be subtracted 1.
The dollar amount of additional required local effort for equalization for each district shall be converted to a millage rate, based on 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for that district, and added to the required local effort millage determined pursuant to paragraph (a).
Notwithstanding the limitations imposed pursuant to s. 1011.71(1), the total required local-effort millage, including additional required local effort for equalization, shall be an amount not to exceed 10 minus the maximum millage allowed as nonvoted discretionary millage, exclusive of millage authorized pursuant to s. 1011.71(2). Nothing herein shall be construed to allow a millage in excess of that authorized in s. 9, Art. VII of the State Constitution.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term “assessment level” means the value-weighted mean assessment ratio for the county or state as a whole, as determined pursuant to s. 195.096, or as subsequently adjusted. However, for those parcels studied pursuant to s. 195.096(3)(a)1. which are receiving the assessment limitation set forth in s. 193.155, and for which the assessed value is less than the just value, the department shall use the assessed value in the numerator and the denominator of such assessment ratio. In the event a court has adjudicated that the department failed to establish an accurate estimate of an assessment level of a county and recomputation resulting in an accurate estimate based upon the evidence before the court was not possible, that county shall be presumed to have an assessment level equal to that of the state as a whole.
If, in the prior year, taxes were levied against an interim assessment roll pursuant to s. 193.1145, the assessment level and prior year’s nonexempt assessed valuation used for the purposes of this paragraph shall be those of the interim assessment roll.
Exclusion.—
In those instances in which:
There is litigation either attacking the authority of the property appraiser to include certain property on the tax assessment roll as taxable property or contesting the assessed value of certain property on the tax assessment roll, and
The assessed value of the property in contest involves more than 6 percent of the total nonexempt assessment roll, the plaintiff shall provide to the district school board of the county in which the property is located and to the Department of Education a certified copy of the petition and receipt for the good faith payment at the time they are filed with the court.
For purposes of computing the required local effort for each district affected by such petition, the Department of Education shall exclude from the district’s total nonexempt assessment roll the assessed value of the property in contest and shall add the amount of the good faith payment to the district’s required local effort.
Recomputation.—Following final adjudication of any litigation on the basis of which an adjustment in taxable value was made pursuant to paragraph (c), the department shall recompute the required local effort for each district for each year affected by such adjustments, utilizing taxable values approved by the court, and shall adjust subsequent allocations to such districts accordingly.Prior period funding adjustment millage.—An additional millage to be known as the Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage shall be levied by a school district if the prior period unrealized required local effort funds are greater than zero. The Commissioner of Education shall calculate the amount of the prior period unrealized required local effort funds as specified in subparagraph 2. and the millage required to generate that amount as specified in this subparagraph. The Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage shall be the quotient of the prior period unrealized required local effort funds divided by the current year taxable value certified to the Commissioner of Education pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a)1.a. This levy shall be in addition to the required local effort millage certified pursuant to this subsection. Such millage shall not affect the calculation of the current year’s required local effort, and the funds generated by such levy shall not be included in the district’s Florida Education Finance Program allocation for that fiscal year. For purposes of the millage to be included on the Notice of Proposed Taxes, the Commissioner of Education shall adjust the required local effort millage computed pursuant to paragraph (a) as adjusted by paragraph (b) for the current year for any district that levies a Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage to include all Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage. For the purpose of this paragraph, a Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage shall be levied for each year certified by the Department of Revenue pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a)2.a. since the previous year certification and for which the calculation in sub-subparagraph 2.b. is greater than zero.
As used in this subparagraph, the term:
“Prior year” means a year certified under sub-subparagraph (a)2.a.
“Preliminary taxable value” means:
If the prior year is the 2009-2010 fiscal year or later, the taxable value certified to the Commissioner of Education pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a)1.a.
If the prior year is the 2008-2009 fiscal year or earlier, the taxable value certified pursuant to the final calculation as specified in former paragraph (b) as that paragraph existed in the prior year.
“Final taxable value” means the district’s taxable value as certified by the property appraiser pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3), if applicable. This is the certification that reflects all final administrative actions of the value adjustment board.
For purposes of this subsection and with respect to each year certified pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a)2.a., if the district’s prior year preliminary taxable value is greater than the district’s prior year final taxable value, the prior period unrealized required local effort funds are the difference between the district’s prior year preliminary taxable value and the district’s prior year final taxable value, multiplied by the prior year district required local effort millage. If the district’s prior year preliminary taxable value is less than the district’s prior year final taxable value, the prior period unrealized required local effort funds are zero.
If a district’s prior period unrealized required local effort funds and prior period district required local effort millage cannot be determined because such district’s final taxable value has not yet been certified pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3), the Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage for such fiscal year shall be levied, if not previously levied, in an amount equal to 75 percent of such district’s most recent unrealized required local effort for which a Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage was determined as provided in this section. Upon certification of the final taxable value in accordance with s. 193.122(2) or (3) for a tax roll for which a 75 percent Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage was levied, the next Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage shall be adjusted to include any shortfall or surplus in the prior period unrealized required local effort funds that would have been levied, had the district’s final taxable value been certified pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3). If this adjustment is made for a surplus, the reduction in prior period millage may not exceed the prior period funding adjustment millage calculated pursuant to subparagraph 1. and sub-subparagraphs a. and b., or pursuant to this sub-subparagraph, whichever is applicable, and any additional reduction shall be carried forward to the subsequent fiscal year.
(a)
Estimated taxable value calculations.—Not later than 2 working days before July 19, the Department of Revenue shall certify to the Commissioner of Education its most recent estimate of the taxable value for school purposes in each school district and the total for all school districts in the state for the current calendar year based on the latest available data obtained from the local property appraisers. The value certified shall be the taxable value for school purposes for that year, and no further adjustments shall be made, except those made pursuant to paragraphs (c) and (d), or an assessment roll change required by final judicial decisions as specified in paragraph (15)(b). Not later than July 19, the Commissioner of Education shall compute a millage rate, rounded to the next highest one one-thousandth of a mill, which, when applied to 96 percent of the estimated state total taxable value for school purposes, would generate the prescribed aggregate required local effort for that year for all districts. The Commissioner of Education shall certify to each district school board the millage rate, computed as prescribed in this subparagraph, as the minimum millage rate necessary to provide the district required local effort for that year.
The General Appropriations Act shall direct the computation of the statewide adjusted aggregate amount for required local effort for all school districts collectively from ad valorem taxes to ensure that no school district’s revenue from required local effort millage will produce more than 90 percent of the district’s total Florida Education Finance Program calculation as calculated and adopted by the Legislature, and the adjustment of the required local effort millage rate of each district that produces more than 90 percent of its total Florida Education Finance Program entitlement to a level that will produce only 90 percent of its total Florida Education Finance Program entitlement in the July calculation.
On the same date as the certification in sub-subparagraph 1.a., the Department of Revenue shall certify to the Commissioner of Education for each district:Each year for which the property appraiser has certified the taxable value pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3), if applicable, since the prior certification under sub-subparagraph 1.a.
For each year identified in sub-subparagraph a., the taxable value certified by the appraiser pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3), if applicable, since the prior certification under sub-subparagraph 1.a. This is the certification that reflects all final administrative actions of the value adjustment board.
(b)
Equalization of required local effort.—The Department of Revenue shall include with its certifications provided pursuant to paragraph (a) its most recent determination of the assessment level of the prior year’s assessment roll for each county and for the state as a whole.The Commissioner of Education shall adjust the required local effort millage of each district for the current year, computed pursuant to paragraph (a), as follows:The equalization factor for the prior year’s assessment roll of each district shall be multiplied by 96 percent of the taxable value for school purposes shown on that roll and by the prior year’s required local-effort millage, exclusive of any equalization adjustment made pursuant to this paragraph. The dollar amount so computed shall be the additional required local effort for equalization for the current year.
Such equalization factor shall be computed as the quotient of the prior year’s assessment level of the state as a whole divided by the prior year’s assessment level of the county, from which quotient shall be subtracted 1.
The dollar amount of additional required local effort for equalization for each district shall be converted to a millage rate, based on 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for that district, and added to the required local effort millage determined pursuant to paragraph (a).
Notwithstanding the limitations imposed pursuant to s. 1011.71(1), the total required local-effort millage, including additional required local effort for equalization, shall be an amount not to exceed 10 minus the maximum millage allowed as nonvoted discretionary millage, exclusive of millage authorized pursuant to s. 1011.71(2). Nothing herein shall be construed to allow a millage in excess of that authorized in s. 9, Art. VII of the State Constitution.For the purposes of this chapter, the term “assessment level” means the value-weighted mean assessment ratio for the county or state as a whole, as determined pursuant to s. 195.096, or as subsequently adjusted. However, for those parcels studied pursuant to s. 195.096(3)(a)1. which are receiving the assessment limitation set forth in s. 193.155, and for which the assessed value is less than the just value, the department shall use the assessed value in the numerator and the denominator of such assessment ratio. In the event a court has adjudicated that the department failed to establish an accurate estimate of an assessment level of a county and recomputation resulting in an accurate estimate based upon the evidence before the court was not possible, that county shall be presumed to have an assessment level equal to that of the state as a whole.If, in the prior year, taxes were levied against an interim assessment roll pursuant to s. 193.1145, the assessment level and prior year’s nonexempt assessed valuation used for the purposes of this paragraph shall be those of the interim assessment roll.(c)
Exclusion.—In those instances in which:There is litigation either attacking the authority of the property appraiser to include certain property on the tax assessment roll as taxable property or contesting the assessed value of certain property on the tax assessment roll, and
The assessed value of the property in contest involves more than 6 percent of the total nonexempt assessment roll, the plaintiff shall provide to the district school board of the county in which the property is located and to the Department of Education a certified copy of the petition and receipt for the good faith payment at the time they are filed with the court.
For purposes of computing the required local effort for each district affected by such petition, the Department of Education shall exclude from the district’s total nonexempt assessment roll the assessed value of the property in contest and shall add the amount of the good faith payment to the district’s required local effort.(d)
Recomputation.—Following final adjudication of any litigation on the basis of which an adjustment in taxable value was made pursuant to paragraph (c), the department shall recompute the required local effort for each district for each year affected by such adjustments, utilizing taxable values approved by the court, and shall adjust subsequent allocations to such districts accordingly.(e)
Prior period funding adjustment millage.—An additional millage to be known as the Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage shall be levied by a school district if the prior period unrealized required local effort funds are greater than zero. The Commissioner of Education shall calculate the amount of the prior period unrealized required local effort funds as specified in subparagraph 2. and the millage required to generate that amount as specified in this subparagraph. The Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage shall be the quotient of the prior period unrealized required local effort funds divided by the current year taxable value certified to the Commissioner of Education pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a)1.a. This levy shall be in addition to the required local effort millage certified pursuant to this subsection. Such millage shall not affect the calculation of the current year’s required local effort, and the funds generated by such levy shall not be included in the district’s Florida Education Finance Program allocation for that fiscal year. For purposes of the millage to be included on the Notice of Proposed Taxes, the Commissioner of Education shall adjust the required local effort millage computed pursuant to paragraph (a) as adjusted by paragraph (b) for the current year for any district that levies a Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage to include all Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage. For the purpose of this paragraph, a Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage shall be levied for each year certified by the Department of Revenue pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a)2.a. since the previous year certification and for which the calculation in sub-subparagraph 2.b. is greater than zero.
As used in this subparagraph, the term:
“Prior year” means a year certified under sub-subparagraph (a)2.a.
“Preliminary taxable value” means:
If the prior year is the 2009-2010 fiscal year or later, the taxable value certified to the Commissioner of Education pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a)1.a.
If the prior year is the 2008-2009 fiscal year or earlier, the taxable value certified pursuant to the final calculation as specified in former paragraph (b) as that paragraph existed in the prior year.
“Final taxable value” means the district’s taxable value as certified by the property appraiser pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3), if applicable. This is the certification that reflects all final administrative actions of the value adjustment board.
For purposes of this subsection and with respect to each year certified pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a)2.a., if the district’s prior year preliminary taxable value is greater than the district’s prior year final taxable value, the prior period unrealized required local effort funds are the difference between the district’s prior year preliminary taxable value and the district’s prior year final taxable value, multiplied by the prior year district required local effort millage. If the district’s prior year preliminary taxable value is less than the district’s prior year final taxable value, the prior period unrealized required local effort funds are zero.
If a district’s prior period unrealized required local effort funds and prior period district required local effort millage cannot be determined because such district’s final taxable value has not yet been certified pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3), the Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage for such fiscal year shall be levied, if not previously levied, in an amount equal to 75 percent of such district’s most recent unrealized required local effort for which a Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage was determined as provided in this section. Upon certification of the final taxable value in accordance with s. 193.122(2) or (3) for a tax roll for which a 75 percent Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage was levied, the next Prior Period Funding Adjustment Millage shall be adjusted to include any shortfall or surplus in the prior period unrealized required local effort funds that would have been levied, had the district’s final taxable value been certified pursuant to s. 193.122(2) or (3). If this adjustment is made for a surplus, the reduction in prior period millage may not exceed the prior period funding adjustment millage calculated pursuant to subparagraph 1. and sub-subparagraphs a. and b., or pursuant to this sub-subparagraph, whichever is applicable, and any additional reduction shall be carried forward to the subsequent fiscal year.
(5)
DISCRETIONARY MILLAGE COMPRESSION SUPPLEMENT.—The Legislature shall prescribe in the General Appropriations Act, pursuant to s. 1011.71(1), the rate of nonvoted current operating discretionary millage that shall be used to calculate a discretionary millage compression supplement. If the prescribed millage generates an amount of funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student for the district that is less than the state average, the district shall receive an amount per full-time equivalent student that, when added to the funds per full-time equivalent student generated by the designated levy, shall equal the state average.(6)
STATE-FUNDED DISCRETIONARY CONTRIBUTION.—The state-funded discretionary contribution is created to fund the nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) for developmental research schools (lab schools) established in s. 1002.32, charter schools sponsored by a Florida College System institution or a state university pursuant to s. 1002.33(5), and the Florida Virtual School established in s. 1002.37.To calculate the state-funded discretionary contribution for lab schools, multiply the maximum allowable nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the school district in which the lab school is located; divide the result by the total full-time equivalent membership of the school district; and multiply the result by the full-time equivalent membership of the lab school. The amount obtained shall be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act.To calculate the state-funded discretionary contribution for a charter school sponsored by a Florida College System institution or a state university and the Florida Virtual School, multiply the maximum allowable nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the state; divide the result by the total full-time equivalent membership of the state; and multiply the result by the full-time equivalent membership of the Florida Virtual School.(a)
To calculate the state-funded discretionary contribution for lab schools, multiply the maximum allowable nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the school district in which the lab school is located; divide the result by the total full-time equivalent membership of the school district; and multiply the result by the full-time equivalent membership of the lab school. The amount obtained shall be appropriated in the General Appropriations Act.(b)
To calculate the state-funded discretionary contribution for a charter school sponsored by a Florida College System institution or a state university and the Florida Virtual School, multiply the maximum allowable nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the state; divide the result by the total full-time equivalent membership of the state; and multiply the result by the full-time equivalent membership of the Florida Virtual School.(7)
EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT ALLOCATION.—The educational enrichment allocation is created to assist school districts in providing educational enrichment activities and services that support and increase the academic achievement of students in grades kindergarten through 12. Educational enrichment activities and services may be provided in a manner and at any time during or beyond the regular 180-day term identified by the school district as being the most effective and efficient way to best help the student progress from grade to grade and graduate from high school. For fiscal year 2023-2024, the educational enrichment allocation shall consist of a base amount as specified in the General Appropriations Act. Beginning in fiscal year 2024-2025, the educational enrichment allocation shall consist of the base amount that includes a workload adjustment based on changes in the unweighted full-time equivalent membership.For district-managed turnaround schools as identified in s. 1008.33(4)(a), schools that earn three consecutive grades below a “C,” as identified in s. 1008.33(4)(b)3., and schools that have improved to a “C” and are no longer in turnaround status, as identified in s. 1008.33(4)(c), a supplemental amount shall be added to their educational enrichment allocation for purposes of implementing the intervention and support strategies identified in the turnaround plan submitted pursuant to s. 1008.33.The supplemental amount shall be based on the unweighted full-time equivalent student enrollment at the eligible schools and a per full-time equivalent funding amount of $500 or as provided in the General Appropriations Act.
Services funded by the allocation may include, but are not limited to, tutorial and afterschool programs, student counseling, nutrition education, parental counseling, and an extended school day and school year. In addition, services may include models that develop a culture that encourages students to complete high school and to attend college or career training, set high academic expectations, and inspire character development.
A school district may enter into a formal agreement with a nonprofit organization that has tax-exempt status under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to implement an integrated student support service model that provides students and families with access to wrap-around services, including, but not limited to, health services, after-school programs, drug prevention programs, college and career readiness programs, and food and clothing banks.
The educational enrichment allocation, to include the supplemental amount, shall be recalculated during the fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1)(a). If the recalculated amount is greater than the amount provided in the General Appropriations Act, the allocation shall be prorated to the level provided to support the appropriation, based on each school district’s proportionate share of the total allocation.Funding on the basis of full-time equivalent membership beyond the 180-day regular term shall be provided in the Florida Education Finance Program only for students enrolled in juvenile justice education programs or in education programs for juveniles placed in secure facilities or programs pursuant to s. 985.19. Funding for instruction beyond the regular 180-day school year for all other kindergarten through grade 12 students shall be provided through the educational enrichment allocation and other state, federal, and local funding sources with flexibility for schools to provide educational enrichment activities and services to assist students in grades kindergarten through 12.(a)
The educational enrichment allocation is created to assist school districts in providing educational enrichment activities and services that support and increase the academic achievement of students in grades kindergarten through 12. Educational enrichment activities and services may be provided in a manner and at any time during or beyond the regular 180-day term identified by the school district as being the most effective and efficient way to best help the student progress from grade to grade and graduate from high school. For fiscal year 2023-2024, the educational enrichment allocation shall consist of a base amount as specified in the General Appropriations Act. Beginning in fiscal year 2024-2025, the educational enrichment allocation shall consist of the base amount that includes a workload adjustment based on changes in the unweighted full-time equivalent membership.(b)
For district-managed turnaround schools as identified in s. 1008.33(4)(a), schools that earn three consecutive grades below a “C,” as identified in s. 1008.33(4)(b)3., and schools that have improved to a “C” and are no longer in turnaround status, as identified in s. 1008.33(4)(c), a supplemental amount shall be added to their educational enrichment allocation for purposes of implementing the intervention and support strategies identified in the turnaround plan submitted pursuant to s. 1008.33.The supplemental amount shall be based on the unweighted full-time equivalent student enrollment at the eligible schools and a per full-time equivalent funding amount of $500 or as provided in the General Appropriations Act.Services funded by the allocation may include, but are not limited to, tutorial and afterschool programs, student counseling, nutrition education, parental counseling, and an extended school day and school year. In addition, services may include models that develop a culture that encourages students to complete high school and to attend college or career training, set high academic expectations, and inspire character development.A school district may enter into a formal agreement with a nonprofit organization that has tax-exempt status under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to implement an integrated student support service model that provides students and families with access to wrap-around services, including, but not limited to, health services, after-school programs, drug prevention programs, college and career readiness programs, and food and clothing banks.(c)
The educational enrichment allocation, to include the supplemental amount, shall be recalculated during the fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1)(a). If the recalculated amount is greater than the amount provided in the General Appropriations Act, the allocation shall be prorated to the level provided to support the appropriation, based on each school district’s proportionate share of the total allocation.(d)
Funding on the basis of full-time equivalent membership beyond the 180-day regular term shall be provided in the Florida Education Finance Program only for students enrolled in juvenile justice education programs or in education programs for juveniles placed in secure facilities or programs pursuant to s. 985.19. Funding for instruction beyond the regular 180-day school year for all other kindergarten through grade 12 students shall be provided through the educational enrichment allocation and other state, federal, and local funding sources with flexibility for schools to provide educational enrichment activities and services to assist students in grades kindergarten through 12.(8)
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION GUARANTEED ALLOCATION.—The exceptional student education guaranteed allocation is created to fund the additional costs of programs for exceptional students specified in subparagraph (1)(d)2. and shall be supplemental to the funds appropriated in the Florida Education Finance Program for the basic student funding level.The amount of each school district’s exceptional student education guaranteed allocation shall be the greater of either the school district’s prior year exceptional student education guaranteed allocation funds per eligible full-time equivalent student or the exceptional student education guaranteed allocation factor as specified in the General Appropriations Act multiplied by the school district’s total number of eligible full-time equivalent students.The exceptional student education guaranteed allocation shall be recalculated during the fiscal year based on actual full-time equivalent student membership. If the recalculated amount is greater than the amount provided in the General Appropriations Act, the total shall be prorated to the level of the appropriation based on each school district’s share of the total recalculated allocation amount.(a)
The amount of each school district’s exceptional student education guaranteed allocation shall be the greater of either the school district’s prior year exceptional student education guaranteed allocation funds per eligible full-time equivalent student or the exceptional student education guaranteed allocation factor as specified in the General Appropriations Act multiplied by the school district’s total number of eligible full-time equivalent students.(b)
The exceptional student education guaranteed allocation shall be recalculated during the fiscal year based on actual full-time equivalent student membership. If the recalculated amount is greater than the amount provided in the General Appropriations Act, the total shall be prorated to the level of the appropriation based on each school district’s share of the total recalculated allocation amount.(9)
CALCULATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL ALLOCATION FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE EDUCATION PROGRAMS.—The total kindergarten through grade 12 weighted full-time equivalent student membership in juvenile justice education programs in each school district shall be multiplied by the amount of the state average class-size-reduction factor multiplied by the comparable wage factor for the school district established in subsection (2). An amount equal to the sum of this calculation shall be allocated in the Florida Education Finance Program to each school district to supplement other sources of funding for students in juvenile justice education programs.Funds allocated under this subsection shall be used to provide the juvenile justice education programs pursuant to s. 1003.52 and may be used to pay for the high school equivalency examination fees for juvenile justice students who pass the high school equivalency examination in full, or in part, while in a juvenile justice education program, the industry credentialing testing fees for such students, and the costs associated with such juvenile justice students enrolled in career and technical education courses that lead to industry-recognized certifications.(a)
The total kindergarten through grade 12 weighted full-time equivalent student membership in juvenile justice education programs in each school district shall be multiplied by the amount of the state average class-size-reduction factor multiplied by the comparable wage factor for the school district established in subsection (2). An amount equal to the sum of this calculation shall be allocated in the Florida Education Finance Program to each school district to supplement other sources of funding for students in juvenile justice education programs.(b)
Funds allocated under this subsection shall be used to provide the juvenile justice education programs pursuant to s. 1003.52 and may be used to pay for the high school equivalency examination fees for juvenile justice students who pass the high school equivalency examination in full, or in part, while in a juvenile justice education program, the industry credentialing testing fees for such students, and the costs associated with such juvenile justice students enrolled in career and technical education courses that lead to industry-recognized certifications.(10)
FEDERALLY CONNECTED STUDENT SUPPLEMENT.—The federally connected student supplement is created to provide supplemental funding for school districts to support the education of students connected with federally owned military installations, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) real property, and Indian lands. To be eligible for this supplement, the district must be eligible for federal Impact Aid Program funds under s. 8003 of Title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The supplement shall be allocated annually to each eligible school district in the General Appropriations Act. The supplement shall be the sum of the student allocation and an exempt property allocation.The student allocation shall be calculated based on the number of students reported for federal Impact Aid Program funds, including students with disabilities, who meet one of the following criteria:The student has a parent who is on active duty in the uniformed services or is an accredited foreign government official and military officer. Students with disabilities shall also be reported separately for this category.
The student resides on eligible federally owned Indian land. Students with disabilities shall also be reported separately for this category.
The student resides with a civilian parent who lives or works on eligible federal property connected with a military installation or NASA. The number of these students shall be multiplied by a factor of 0.5.
The total number of federally connected students calculated under paragraph (a) shall be multiplied by a percentage of the base student allocation as provided in the General Appropriations Act. The total of the number of students with disabilities as reported separately under subparagraphs (a)1. and 2. shall be multiplied by an additional percentage of the base student allocation as provided in the General Appropriations Act. The base amount and the amount for students with disabilities shall be summed to provide the student allocation.The exempt property allocation shall be equal to the tax-exempt value of federal impact aid lands reserved as military installations, real property owned by NASA, or eligible federally owned Indian lands located in the district, multiplied by the millage authorized and levied under s. 1011.71(2).The amount allocated for each eligible school district shall be recalculated during the year using actual student membership, as amended, from the most recent February survey and the tax-exempt valuation from the most recent assessment roll.(a)
The student allocation shall be calculated based on the number of students reported for federal Impact Aid Program funds, including students with disabilities, who meet one of the following criteria:The student has a parent who is on active duty in the uniformed services or is an accredited foreign government official and military officer. Students with disabilities shall also be reported separately for this category.The student resides on eligible federally owned Indian land. Students with disabilities shall also be reported separately for this category.The student resides with a civilian parent who lives or works on eligible federal property connected with a military installation or NASA. The number of these students shall be multiplied by a factor of 0.5.(b)
The total number of federally connected students calculated under paragraph (a) shall be multiplied by a percentage of the base student allocation as provided in the General Appropriations Act. The total of the number of students with disabilities as reported separately under subparagraphs (a)1. and 2. shall be multiplied by an additional percentage of the base student allocation as provided in the General Appropriations Act. The base amount and the amount for students with disabilities shall be summed to provide the student allocation.(c)
The exempt property allocation shall be equal to the tax-exempt value of federal impact aid lands reserved as military installations, real property owned by NASA, or eligible federally owned Indian lands located in the district, multiplied by the millage authorized and levied under s. 1011.71(2).(d)
The amount allocated for each eligible school district shall be recalculated during the year using actual student membership, as amended, from the most recent February survey and the tax-exempt valuation from the most recent assessment roll.(11)
QUALITY ASSURANCE GUARANTEE.—The Legislature may annually in the General Appropriations Act determine a percentage increase in funds per kindergarten through grade 12 unweighted full-time equivalent student as a minimum guarantee to each school district. The guarantee shall be calculated from prior year base funding per unweighted full-time equivalent student which shall include the adjusted full-time equivalent dollars as provided in subsection (15), quality guarantee funds, and actual nonvoted discretionary local effort from taxes. From the base funding per unweighted full-time equivalent student, the increase shall be calculated for the current year. The current year funds from which the guarantee shall be determined shall include the adjusted full-time equivalent dollars as provided in subsection (15) and potential nonvoted discretionary local effort from taxes. A comparison of current year funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student to prior year funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student shall be computed. For those school districts which have less than the legislatively assigned percentage increase, funds shall be provided to guarantee the assigned percentage increase in funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student. Should appropriated funds be less than the sum of this calculated amount for all districts, the commissioner shall prorate each district’s allocation. This provision shall be implemented to the extent specifically funded.(12)
SAFE SCHOOLS ALLOCATION.—A safe schools allocation is created to provide funding to assist school districts in their compliance with ss. 1006.07-1006.12, with priority given to safe-school officers pursuant to s. 1006.12. Each school district shall receive a minimum safe schools allocation in an amount provided in the General Appropriations Act. Of the remaining balance of the safe schools allocation, one-third shall be allocated to school districts based on the most recent official Florida Crime Index provided by the Department of Law Enforcement and two-thirds shall be allocated based on each school district’s proportionate share of the state’s total unweighted full-time equivalent student enrollment. If a district school board is required by s. 1006.12 to assign a school resource officer or school safety officer to a charter school, the charter school’s share of costs for such officer may not exceed the amount of funds allocated to the charter school under this subsection.(13)
MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE ALLOCATION.—The mental health assistance allocation is created to provide funding to assist school districts in implementing their school-based mental health assistance program pursuant to s. 1006.041. These funds shall be allocated annually in the General Appropriations Act or other law to each eligible school district. Each school district shall receive a minimum of $100,000, with the remaining balance allocated based on each school district’s proportionate share of the state’s total unweighted full-time equivalent student enrollment.(14)
CLASSROOM TEACHER AND OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL SALARY INCREASE.—The Legislature shall annually apportion an amount of funds provided in the Florida Education Finance Program to assist school districts and charter schools in their compliance with the requirement that the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers, as defined in s. 1012.01(2)(a), and certified prekindergarten teachers funded in the Florida Education Finance Program is at least $47,500 or to provide salary increases to instructional personnel, as defined in s. 1012.01(2)(a)-(d), in a manner that best meets the needs of the school district or charter school. This subsection does not apply to substitute teachers. The amount and distribution methodology for the funding shall be specified in the General Appropriations Act.The term “minimum base salary” means the lowest annual base salary reported on the salary schedule for a full-time classroom teacher. A full-time classroom teacher may not receive a salary less than the minimum base salary as adjusted by this subsection.A school district or charter school shall maintain the minimum base salary achieved for classroom teachers provided in the prior fiscal year and may not reduce the salary increases in any subsequent fiscal year.Before distributing any additional funds received over the prior fiscal year, each school district and each charter school shall develop a salary distribution plan that clearly delineates the planned distribution of funds in accordance with modified salary schedules, as necessary, for the implementation of this subsection.Each school district superintendent and each charter school administrator must submit its proposed salary distribution plan to the district school board or the charter school governing body, as appropriate, for approval.
Each school district shall submit the approved district salary distribution plan and the approved salary distribution plan for each charter school in the district to the department by October 1 of each fiscal year.
Beginning August 1, 2024, and each year thereafter, in a format specified by the department, each school district shall provide a report to the department that includes a detailed summary explaining the school district’s prior year’s expenditures pursuant to this subsection. The report must include the amount of the increase to the minimum base salary for classroom teachers and the school district’s salary schedule for the prior fiscal year and the fiscal year in which the base salary is increased. Each charter school governing board shall submit the information required under this subparagraph to the district school board for inclusion in the school district’s report to the department.Although district school boards and charter school governing boards are not precluded from bargaining over wages, the classroom teacher and other instructional personnel salary increase must be used solely to comply with the requirements of this subsection. A district school board or charter school governing board that is unable to meet the reporting requirements in paragraph (d) due to a collective bargaining impasse must provide written notification to the department or the district school board, as applicable, detailing the reasons for the impasse with a proposed timeline and details for a resolution.(a)
The term “minimum base salary” means the lowest annual base salary reported on the salary schedule for a full-time classroom teacher. A full-time classroom teacher may not receive a salary less than the minimum base salary as adjusted by this subsection.(b)
A school district or charter school shall maintain the minimum base salary achieved for classroom teachers provided in the prior fiscal year and may not reduce the salary increases in any subsequent fiscal year.(c)
Before distributing any additional funds received over the prior fiscal year, each school district and each charter school shall develop a salary distribution plan that clearly delineates the planned distribution of funds in accordance with modified salary schedules, as necessary, for the implementation of this subsection.Each school district superintendent and each charter school administrator must submit its proposed salary distribution plan to the district school board or the charter school governing body, as appropriate, for approval.Each school district shall submit the approved district salary distribution plan and the approved salary distribution plan for each charter school in the district to the department by October 1 of each fiscal year.(d)
Beginning August 1, 2024, and each year thereafter, in a format specified by the department, each school district shall provide a report to the department that includes a detailed summary explaining the school district’s prior year’s expenditures pursuant to this subsection. The report must include the amount of the increase to the minimum base salary for classroom teachers and the school district’s salary schedule for the prior fiscal year and the fiscal year in which the base salary is increased. Each charter school governing board shall submit the information required under this subparagraph to the district school board for inclusion in the school district’s report to the department.(e)
Although district school boards and charter school governing boards are not precluded from bargaining over wages, the classroom teacher and other instructional personnel salary increase must be used solely to comply with the requirements of this subsection. A district school board or charter school governing board that is unable to meet the reporting requirements in paragraph (d) due to a collective bargaining impasse must provide written notification to the department or the district school board, as applicable, detailing the reasons for the impasse with a proposed timeline and details for a resolution.(15)
TOTAL ALLOCATION OF STATE FUNDS TO EACH DISTRICT FOR CURRENT OPERATION.—The total annual state allocation to each district for current operation for the Florida Education Finance Program shall be distributed periodically in the manner prescribed in the General Appropriations Act.If the funds appropriated for current operation of the Florida Education Finance Program, including funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (18), are not sufficient to pay the state requirement in full, the department shall prorate the available state funds to each district in the following manner:Determine the percentage of proration by dividing the sum of the total amount for current operation, as provided in this paragraph for all districts collectively, and the total district required local effort into the sum of the state funds available for current operation and the total district required local effort.
Multiply the percentage so determined by the sum of the total amount for current operation as provided in this paragraph and the required local effort for each individual district.
From the product of such multiplication, subtract the required local effort of each district; and the remainder shall be the amount of state funds allocated to the district for current operation. However, no calculation subsequent to the appropriation shall result in negative state funds for any district.
The amount thus obtained shall be the net annual allocation to each school district. However, if it is determined that any school district received an under allocation or over allocation for any prior year because of an arithmetical error, assessment roll change required by final judicial decision, full-time equivalent student membership error, or any allocation error revealed in an audit report, the allocation to that district shall be appropriately adjusted. An under allocation in a prior year caused by a school district’s error may not be the basis for a positive allocation adjustment for the current year. Beginning with the 2011-2012 fiscal year, if a special program cost factor is less than the basic program cost factor, an audit adjustment may not result in the reclassification of the special program FTE to the basic program FTE. If the Department of Education audit adjustment recommendation is based upon controverted findings of fact, the Commissioner of Education is authorized to establish the amount of the adjustment based on the best interests of the state.The amount thus obtained shall represent the net annual state allocation to each district; however, notwithstanding any of the provisions herein, each district shall be guaranteed a minimum level of funding in the amount and manner prescribed in the General Appropriations Act.(a)
If the funds appropriated for current operation of the Florida Education Finance Program, including funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (18), are not sufficient to pay the state requirement in full, the department shall prorate the available state funds to each district in the following manner:Determine the percentage of proration by dividing the sum of the total amount for current operation, as provided in this paragraph for all districts collectively, and the total district required local effort into the sum of the state funds available for current operation and the total district required local effort.Multiply the percentage so determined by the sum of the total amount for current operation as provided in this paragraph and the required local effort for each individual district.From the product of such multiplication, subtract the required local effort of each district; and the remainder shall be the amount of state funds allocated to the district for current operation. However, no calculation subsequent to the appropriation shall result in negative state funds for any district.(b)
The amount thus obtained shall be the net annual allocation to each school district. However, if it is determined that any school district received an under allocation or over allocation for any prior year because of an arithmetical error, assessment roll change required by final judicial decision, full-time equivalent student membership error, or any allocation error revealed in an audit report, the allocation to that district shall be appropriately adjusted. An under allocation in a prior year caused by a school district’s error may not be the basis for a positive allocation adjustment for the current year. Beginning with the 2011-2012 fiscal year, if a special program cost factor is less than the basic program cost factor, an audit adjustment may not result in the reclassification of the special program FTE to the basic program FTE. If the Department of Education audit adjustment recommendation is based upon controverted findings of fact, the Commissioner of Education is authorized to establish the amount of the adjustment based on the best interests of the state.(c)
The amount thus obtained shall represent the net annual state allocation to each district; however, notwithstanding any of the provisions herein, each district shall be guaranteed a minimum level of funding in the amount and manner prescribed in the General Appropriations Act.(16)
STATE-FUNDED DISCRETIONARY SUPPLEMENT.—The state-funded discretionary supplement is created to fund the nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) for students awarded a Family Empowerment Scholarship in accordance with s. 1002.394. To calculate the state-funded discretionary supplement for inclusion in the amount of the scholarship funding:For fiscal year 2023-2024, multiply the maximum allowable nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the school district where the student is reported for purposes of the Florida Education Finance Program as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act; divide the result by the school district’s total unweighted full-time equivalent membership as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act; and multiply the result by the total unweighted full-time equivalent membership associated with the number of Family Empowerment Scholarship students included in the school district’s total unweighted full-time equivalent membership. A base amount as specified in the General Appropriations Act shall be added to this amount for purposes of calculating the total amount of the supplement.
Beginning in fiscal year 2024-2025 and thereafter, multiply the maximum allowable nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the school district where the student is reported for purposes of the Florida Education Finance Program as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act; divide the result by the school district’s total unweighted full-time equivalent membership as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act; and multiply the result by the total unweighted full-time equivalent membership associated with the number of Family Empowerment Scholarship students. The prior year’s base amount shall be adjusted based on changes in the eligible number of unweighted full-time equivalent membership associated with the number of Family Empowerment Scholarship students.
The state-funded discretionary supplement shall be recalculated during the fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1)(a). If the recalculated amount is greater than the amount provided in the General Appropriations Act, the allocation shall be prorated to the level provided to support the appropriation, based on each school district’s proportionate share of the total allocation.(a)
The state-funded discretionary supplement is created to fund the nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) for students awarded a Family Empowerment Scholarship in accordance with s. 1002.394. To calculate the state-funded discretionary supplement for inclusion in the amount of the scholarship funding:For fiscal year 2023-2024, multiply the maximum allowable nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the school district where the student is reported for purposes of the Florida Education Finance Program as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act; divide the result by the school district’s total unweighted full-time equivalent membership as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act; and multiply the result by the total unweighted full-time equivalent membership associated with the number of Family Empowerment Scholarship students included in the school district’s total unweighted full-time equivalent membership. A base amount as specified in the General Appropriations Act shall be added to this amount for purposes of calculating the total amount of the supplement.Beginning in fiscal year 2024-2025 and thereafter, multiply the maximum allowable nonvoted discretionary millage for operations pursuant to s. 1011.71(1) and (3) by the value of 96 percent of the current year’s taxable value for school purposes for the school district where the student is reported for purposes of the Florida Education Finance Program as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act; divide the result by the school district’s total unweighted full-time equivalent membership as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act; and multiply the result by the total unweighted full-time equivalent membership associated with the number of Family Empowerment Scholarship students. The prior year’s base amount shall be adjusted based on changes in the eligible number of unweighted full-time equivalent membership associated with the number of Family Empowerment Scholarship students.(b)
The state-funded discretionary supplement shall be recalculated during the fiscal year pursuant to paragraph (1)(a). If the recalculated amount is greater than the amount provided in the General Appropriations Act, the allocation shall be prorated to the level provided to support the appropriation, based on each school district’s proportionate share of the total allocation.(17)
CATEGORICAL FUNDS.—If a district school board determines that some or all of the funds received for any of the categorical programs established in this section are needed to maintain or enhance school board-specified academic classroom instruction, maintain or expand career and technical education instruction, or improve school safety, the school district may consider and approve an amendment to the school district’s operating budget by transferring the identified amount of the categorical funds to the appropriate account for expenditure.Each school district shall include in its annual financial report to the Department of Education the amount of funds the school board transferred from each of the categorical funds identified in this subsection and the specific academic classroom instruction, career and technical education instruction, or school safety need for which the transferred funds were expended. The department shall provide instructions and specify the format to be used in submitting this required information as part of the district annual financial report. The department shall annually submit a report to the Legislature that identifies by school district and by categorical fund the amount transferred and the specific academic classroom or career and technical education activity or school safety need for which the funds were expended.(a)
If a district school board determines that some or all of the funds received for any of the categorical programs established in this section are needed to maintain or enhance school board-specified academic classroom instruction, maintain or expand career and technical education instruction, or improve school safety, the school district may consider and approve an amendment to the school district’s operating budget by transferring the identified amount of the categorical funds to the appropriate account for expenditure.(b)
Each school district shall include in its annual financial report to the Department of Education the amount of funds the school board transferred from each of the categorical funds identified in this subsection and the specific academic classroom instruction, career and technical education instruction, or school safety need for which the transferred funds were expended. The department shall provide instructions and specify the format to be used in submitting this required information as part of the district annual financial report. The department shall annually submit a report to the Legislature that identifies by school district and by categorical fund the amount transferred and the specific academic classroom or career and technical education activity or school safety need for which the funds were expended.(18)
EDUCATIONAL ENROLLMENT STABILIZATION PROGRAM.—The educational enrollment stabilization program is created to provide supplemental state funds as needed to maintain the stability of the operations of public schools in each school district and to protect districts, including charter schools, from financial instability as a result of changes in full-time equivalent student enrollment throughout the school year.The Legislature shall annually appropriate funds in the General Appropriations Act to the Department of Education for this program in an amount necessary to maintain a projected minimum balance of $250 million at the beginning of the upcoming fiscal year. The Department of Education shall use funds as appropriated to ensure that based on each recalculation of the Florida Education Finance Program pursuant to paragraph (1)(a), a school district’s funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student are not less than the greater of either the school district’s funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act or the school district’s funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student as recalculated based upon the receipt of the certified taxable value for school purposes pursuant to s. 1011.62(4).Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, the unexpended balance of funds appropriated pursuant to this subsection which is not disbursed by June 30 of the fiscal year in which the funds are appropriated may be carried forward for up to 10 years after the effective date of the original appropriation.(a)
The educational enrollment stabilization program is created to provide supplemental state funds as needed to maintain the stability of the operations of public schools in each school district and to protect districts, including charter schools, from financial instability as a result of changes in full-time equivalent student enrollment throughout the school year.(b)
The Legislature shall annually appropriate funds in the General Appropriations Act to the Department of Education for this program in an amount necessary to maintain a projected minimum balance of $250 million at the beginning of the upcoming fiscal year. The Department of Education shall use funds as appropriated to ensure that based on each recalculation of the Florida Education Finance Program pursuant to paragraph (1)(a), a school district’s funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student are not less than the greater of either the school district’s funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student as appropriated in the General Appropriations Act or the school district’s funds per unweighted full-time equivalent student as recalculated based upon the receipt of the certified taxable value for school purposes pursuant to s. 1011.62(4).(c)
Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, the unexpended balance of funds appropriated pursuant to this subsection which is not disbursed by June 30 of the fiscal year in which the funds are appropriated may be carried forward for up to 10 years after the effective date of the original appropriation.
Source:
Section 1011.62 — Funds for operation of schools, https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/1011.62 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).