Florida Legislature Approves School Choice Scholarship Expansion

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—The Institute for Justice (IJ), which defends educational choice programs nationwide, applauds the Florida Legislature for its passage of House Bill 7045, legislation that will strengthen choice in the state by simplifying and expanding existing scholarship programs. This includes expanding the Family Empowerment Scholarship and increasing access to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship—already one of the most popular educational choice programs in the nation. IJ successfully defended the Tax Credit Scholarship in front of the Florida Supreme Court in 2019.

“This legislation is an important and much-needed reform that will help streamline and simplify Florida’s robust system of educational options for parents,” said IJ Attorney Ari Bargil. “IJ is thankful for the work of Senator Diaz, Representative Fine, and the countless other co-sponsors and supporters of this important legislation. As a result of this reform, students across Florida will enjoy better access to a more simplified system of educational options for years to come.”

“The Florida Legislature should be commended for expanding educational opportunity for children in the Sunshine State,” said IJ Senior Attorney Michael Bindas. “Florida has long been a leader when it comes to empowering parental choice in education, and HB 7045 is another big step in that proud tradition. The pandemic has laid bare the many problems with a one-size-fits-all approach to education, and now, more than ever, parents are demanding alternatives to the status quo. Florida is heeding their call.”