A newly proposed bill in the Florida House aims to repeal a law requiring later start times for middle and high schools, giving school districts more flexibility to set schedules that best fit their needs.
House Bill 261, filed Monday by Rep. Anne Gerwig, R-Palm Beach County, mirrors a similar measure, SB 296, filed earlier this month by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island.
The original mandate, passed two years ago and set to take effect in 2026, requires high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and middle schools no earlier than 8 a.m. The intent was to ensure students get more sleep, a change backed by health experts.
However, school officials have voiced concerns about logistical challenges in adjusting bus routes and schedules.
Kent Perlinski, a father of three with children in college, high school and middle school, supports the bill’s effort to allow local control over school start times.
“The idea of later start times makes sense in theory, but in reality, it creates more issues than it solves,” Perlinski said. “Balancing work schedules, extracurricular activities and transportation has been difficult enough without having to rework our entire routine.”
Some Florida school districts have already begun shifting to later start times, but others have struggled with the transition. Many have called for the state to reconsider the mandate, citing cost concerns and operational hurdles.
Hayley Perlinski, Kent’s wife, echoed his sentiment, emphasizing the importance of flexibility for families.
“Our high schooler thrives on an earlier schedule, and a later start would mean getting home later in the day, cutting into time for homework and sports,” she said. “This one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for every family.”
Sen. Bradley, who sponsored SB 296, emphasized the financial and logistical burden the mandate places on school districts.
“We all appreciate the goal of getting more sleep,” Bradley said. “But let’s let the districts have discussions about this.”
Bradley also noted that concerns about bus routes, driver hiring, child care arrangements and extracurricular activities have been consistently raised in discussions with local officials.
“This impacts a lot,” Bradley said. “I think these decisions should be made locally.”
Advocates for later start times argue that studies show improved academic performance and mental health benefits for students who get more sleep. However, opponents believe that the decision should be left to local school boards, not mandated by the state.
With the legislative session set to begin on March 4, HB 261 and SB 296 will be key measures to watch as lawmakers weigh the balance between student well-being and the operational realities of school districts across the state.