The public school systems in South Florida have set their start dates for the 2025-2026 academic year. While most districts will begin on Monday, August 11, Miami-Dade County has chosen to start on the 14th.
School Start Dates by County
Miami-Dade County
The public schools in Miami-Dade County will kick off the academic year on Thursday, August 14, 2025. This date has been confirmed by the district's official calendar. Unlike most Florida counties, which start on the 11th, Miami-Dade has opted to begin a few days later. The full school calendar can be accessed and downloaded from the district's official website.
Broward County
In Broward County, the 2025-2026 school year will commence on Monday, August 11, 2025. This date aligns with state law and matches the majority of Florida's school districts. Interested parties can view and download the calendar from the Broward Public Schools' website.
Palm Beach County
The public schools in Palm Beach County will also begin classes on Monday, August 11, 2025. The detailed calendar is available on the district's website, where a downloadable version with all significant dates of the year can be obtained.
New Legislation Impacting Florida Schools
On July 1, 2025, several state laws came into effect that will directly impact the operation and protocols of public schools in Florida. The most notable ones are highlighted below.
SB 1514 - Emergency Plans for Anaphylaxis
This law requires all public schools, from preschool to eighth grade, to have emergency action plans for anaphylaxis cases. Additionally, they must have trained personnel available to administer EpiPens at any time students are on campus or participating in school activities. The plan must be in place and accessible at all times.
SB 1070 - Mandatory Electrocardiograms for Student Athletes
Known as the "Second Chance Act," this law mandates that any student wishing to participate in sports activities must present a medical evaluation that includes an electrocardiogram. They cannot engage in training, competitions, or practices without meeting this requirement. Exemptions are allowed for religious reasons or certified medical recommendations. Notably, Miami-Dade had already unanimously approved this measure before the state enactment, following a severe incident at a private school.
HB 597 - Diabetes Management in Schools
The new legislation allows students diagnosed with diabetes to carry and use their medical supplies during school hours, provided they have written authorization from their parents and a medical professional. Schools may also store unassigned glucagon for emergency use under the supervision of trained staff.
Financial Risks Due to Federal Funding Freeze
One of the significant challenges for South Florida's school districts this year is the freezing of over $6 billion in federal funds, announced by the U.S. Department of Education. This decision affects six key grant programs vital for school operations.
Impact on Districts
In Miami-Dade County, School Board member Steve Gallon III estimated a potential loss of approximately $45 million for the district. He expressed concern over the lack of clarity on the criteria for the suspension of funds and warned of immediate consequences for educational programs.
In Broward, John J. Sullivan, the district's chief of staff, noted that the freeze will have significant implications, although it remains undetermined how many jobs might be affected. Antonio White, President of the United Teachers of Dade, described the situation as devastating for education workers and warned that key programs to attract and retain qualified teachers are already being cut.
The affected funds are intended for:
- Teacher professional development programs
- Summer school services
- Extracurricular activities
- English language teaching
- Education for children of migrant workers
- Adult literacy
Common Parent Questions
Will school hours change in 2025?
No. Although a law was passed in 2023 requiring middle schools to start after 8:00 a.m. and high schools after 8:30 a.m., this regulation will not be implemented until the 2026-2027 school year. In March 2025, the Florida Senate introduced a new proposal (SB 296) to reverse this measure, arguing that school districts lack the logistical and financial resources to comply. As of now, the proposal is still under legislative review.
How many school days are mandatory in Florida?
The state of Florida requires a minimum of 180 instructional days per school year. It also mandates:
- 720 annual hours for kindergarten through third grade students
- 900 annual hours for fourth through twelfth grade students
Each district can structure its calendar based on days or hours, as long as these minimum requirements are met.
The 2025-2026 school year arrives with its share of challenges. New laws will bring significant changes to school operations, especially in terms of student health and safety.
Key Questions About School Changes in Florida
What is the start date for Miami-Dade schools in 2025?
Miami-Dade public schools will start the academic year on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
How will the federal funding freeze affect South Florida schools?
The freeze impacts over $6 billion in federal funds, affecting key programs such as teacher development, summer services, and extracurricular activities. It could lead to significant financial challenges and program cuts.
Are there new health requirements for student athletes in Florida?
Yes, under the "Second Chance Act," student athletes must have a medical evaluation including an electrocardiogram to participate in sports activities.