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First day of school week away for most Florida students. See list of start dates, new laws

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The end of summer is coming to an end in Florida — sort of.

The tropics are heating up, the summer heat continues but back-to-school shopping has begun, with the start of school a week away.

Most Florida students will return to the classroom on the first possible date: Monday, Aug. 11.

Florida's month-long sales tax holiday on school supplies started Aug. 1 and will continue through Aug. 31.

What's the earliest date Florida schools can start for the 2025-2026 school year?

Florida law prohibits school districts from starting earlier than Aug. 10.

Since Aug. 10 falls on Sunday this year, the earliest start date for the 2025-2026 school year is Monday, Aug. 11.

Fifty-six out of Florida's 67 counties will start the school year on Aug. 11. The remaining will start between Aug. 12 and Aug. 14.

When does school start in Florida? List of all 67 Florida counties

Will middle and high schools have later start times this year?

Middle and high schools may not be starting later in the morning, as a 2023 law required. Instead, a new law this year amended the last one to allow school districts to set their own schedules, under certain conditions, provided they submit reports documenting the costs included in moving class times, the efforts they made to do so, and any unintended consequences to the school district, students, and the community.

➤ Phone bans, start times, charter schools, more: New Florida school laws starting July 1

In 2023, Florida lawmakers passed a law prohibiting high schools from starting classes before 8:30 a.m. and middle schools before 8 a.m.   The law was supposed to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.

It was well-intentioned, but many school districts reported making the change could cost the districts big to buy new buses and hire more, already-hard-to-find bus drivers since many bus routes currently complete middle and high school routes before picking up elementary school students.

Will cell phones be allowed in Florida schools?

Under a new Florida law that went into effect July 1:

  • High school students will be prohibited from using cell phones in the classroom or other instructional time unless explicitly told to by the teacher and then only in a designated area.

  • Elementary and middle school students will not be allowed to use any wireless devices such as smartphones, tablets or smartwatches at any time during the school day ("bell to bell").

The law does not say students may not carry phones, only that they may not use them. Individual school districts may have more restrictive codes, parents and guardians should check with their local districts for more information.

➤ Can Florida kids take their phones to school this year? What to know about new law

Florida Sales tax holiday on school supplies

The back-to-school sales tax holiday is under way and continues until Aug. 31.

The month-long holiday which started Aug. 1 replaces the two-week tax holiday held in prior years.

What school supplies can I buy tax-free in Florida?

Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday runs from Aug. 1-Aug. 31 in 2025.
Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday runs from Aug. 1-Aug. 31 in 2025.

Items exempt from sales tax from Aug. 1-31 include:

➤ See a complete list of items

  • Most school supplies selling for $50 or less

  • Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less

  • Clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less

  • Computers and related accessories selling for $1,500 or less (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use)

Is there a limit on the number of items you can buy during the school sales tax holiday?

No. The exemption is based on the sales price of each item, not on the number of items purchased.

Does the Florida back-to-school sales tax holiday also apply to items I buy online?

Yes. Items purchased online are exempt when the order is accepted by the company during the sales tax holiday for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the tax holiday.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: When is first day of school in Florida? New laws, sales tax holiday

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