Florida Lawmakers Propose Later School Start Time So Kids Can Get Much-Needed Sleep
Florida Lawmakers Propose Later School Start Time So Kids Can Get Much-Needed Sleep
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Despite numerous studies demonstrating the benefits of later start times for teenagers, nearly half of public high school students in Florida begin their school day before 7:30 a.m. To address this issue, lawmakers are now proposing changes to school-day hours.
During the opening remarks of the 2023 regular session, House Speaker Paul Renner emphasized the importance of quality sleep for children’s education and mental health. He expressed a strong interest in pursuing later school start times as a cost-effective method to enhance academic performance and well-being.
Two bills have been introduced to prevent public middle and high schools in Florida from starting too early in the morning. HB 733, sponsored by Representative John Paul Temple, covers Sumter and part of Hernando counties. SB 1112, sponsored by Senator Danny Burgess, represents portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
According to the proposed legislation, as of July 1, 2026, middle schools in Florida will not be allowed to start before 8 a.m., while high schools cannot start before 8:30 a.m. These start times would also apply to charter middle and high schools.
The legislation also mandates that school boards inform the school community, including parents, teachers, students, and others, about the academic consequences of sleep deprivation among middle and high school students.
A staff analysis, based on reports from the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, reveals that traditional public high schools in Florida typically start at 7:47 a.m., with 48% commencing before 7:30 a.m.
On average, traditional public middle schools in Florida start at 9:06 a.m., and 83% of these schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later, according to the staff analysis.
There are differences in start times for non-traditional charter schools. Charter high schools typically start at 7:44 a.m., while charter middle schools tend to begin at 8:09 a.m., according to the staff analysis.
The Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP) has expressed support for these efforts. FCAAP President Thresia Gambon stated that Speaker Renner’s proposal to address school start times reflects a commendable dedication to improving the lives of children and adolescents. Recognizing the crucial role of sufficient sleep in academic success, health, and safety, it represents a significant step towards enhancing the well-being of young individuals.
According to the FCAAP, earlier school start times contribute to inadequate sleep, disrupting the circadian rhythm of adolescents.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that adolescents with irregular sleep patterns are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, obesity, and perform poorly in school.
During puberty, adolescents experience a natural shift in their biological rhythms, resulting in a propensity to feel sleepy later at night and require more sleep in the morning. Poor sleep habits, such as irregular bedtimes and the presence of electronic devices in the bedroom, exacerbate this issue. School start times play a significant role in determining when students wake up. Late bedtimes combined with early school start times result in insufficient sleep for most teenagers.
While some states, like California, have adopted later start times, the National Education Association (NEA) highlights that this change has been met with controversy. The NEA states that educators, district leaders, and parents argue that the shift poses operational and logistical challenges, complicates after-school activities, and disrupts the schedules of working parents. The California Teachers Association (CTA) and the California Schools Board Association have opposed the measure, citing concerns about the erosion of local control and a lack of respect for parental decisions and community input.
This article was originally published by Florida Phoenix, a member of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. The editorial independence of Florida Phoenix is maintained. For any further inquiries, please contact Editor Diane Rado at info@floridaphoenix.com. Follow Florida Phoenix on Facebook and Twitter.
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