Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session has officially concluded, following the regular 60-day session and a special session to complete the 2026-2027 state budget. The budget now awaits the Governor’s signature and will take effect July 1, 2026, pending any line-item vetoes.
Lawmakers passed a $114.5 billion budget, a 3.9% reduction from last year’s, supporting a variety of new and continued initiatives.
Major higher education policy and appropriations discussions this session centered around funding tied to university preeminence status, proposed legislation that would prioritize Florida students within preeminent universities, and the transfer of the University of South Florida Sarasota Manatee Campus to New College of Florida. New investments included funding to expand the Guardian Program to state college and university campuses.
Join us Tuesday, June 23 to hear about Florida’s postsecondary education bills that were passed in addition to a breakdown of major higher education budget items.
Topics to be covered include:
- House Bill 1279: This large education bill carried by Representative Kincart Jonsson in the House was signed into law by the Governor on May 1. Highlights include:
- Adjusts the Access Rate metric (related to Pell students) within the performance-based funding model
- Creates a uniform weighted grading system for honors and accelerated courses
- Expands bonuses to Florida Advanced Course Teachers
- HB 753: Signed into law by the Governor on May 22, this law requires school counselors to be evaluated based on the Florida School Counseling Standards, and removes testing barriers to the profession.
- The fiscal year 2026-2027 budget: Maintains investment in student financial aid programs, with no in-state tuition increases, and includes new funding to expand the Guardian program on university and college campuses.
Bring your questions and learn more about higher education legislation and funding items that will impact Florida’s students and postsecondary education system.
Date and time: Tuesday, June 23, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
FCAN Speakers:
- Dave Sobush, Director of Research and Policy
- Sarah Foster, Policy Analyst
Special Guest:
- Representative Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, R – Lakeland