In the past, opening or expanding a private school in Florida has been a challenging task due to layers of bureaucratic red tape and local zoning regulations. That will change this month when HB 1285 goes into effect. This new law will open up many options for school locations throughout the state.

HB 1285 allows schools to operate in any church, synagogue, library, community center, theater, performing arts venue, or museum in the state. The law creates a state-level preemption and requires that a Certificate of Use be issued regardless of local zoning laws. Religious institutions and other organizations can sublease unused space to schools.

A coalition of eduction policy experts, religious leaders and elected officials came together to craft this legislation to encourage new innovative schools to open or expand across Florida.

See the bill’s page at the Florida Senate site.