Florida
Rep. Johanna López, Sen. Mack Bernard File Bills to End Corporal Punishment in Florida Schools
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Representative Johanna López (D-Orlando) and Senator Mack Bernard (D-West Palm Beach) have filed House Bill 109 and Senate Bill 662 to prohibit the use of corporal punishment in Florida’s public schools. The legislation aims to modernize student discipline practices and ensure students statewide learn in safe, supportive environments.
Background: Corporal Punishment Still Used in Florida
Florida is one of 17 states that still allow corporal punishment in public schools, defined in state law as the “moderate use of physical force or physical contact” to enforce discipline. While the practice has declined nationwide due to research showing it is ineffective and potentially harmful, 19 Florida school districts continue to authorize it.
During the 2023–2024 school year, the Florida Department of Education recorded 516 incidents of corporal punishment. Data from 2018–2022 shows 84% of cases stemmed from minor or subjective behaviors—such as “inappropriate language” or classroom disruption—rather than violent or dangerous conduct. Many students were punished multiple times, reinforcing negative outcomes instead of improving behavior.
Disproportionate Impact on Students With Disabilities
Students with disabilities face corporal punishment at significantly higher rates. In the 2023–2024 school year, about 40% of reported cases involved students covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or the Rehabilitation Act, even though these students make up only 20–22% of their districts’ populations.
Decades of research link corporal punishment to lower academic achievement, higher absenteeism, increased dropout risk, and greater likelihood of mental health challenges. Studies also suggest that physical punishment can cause atypical brain functioning similar to the effects of more severe trauma.
Lawmakers Call for Modern, Evidence-Based Discipline
“As a former educator and as a mother, I know firsthand that violence has no place in our classrooms,” Rep. López said. “This bill is about protecting our children’s dignity, their safety, and their right to learn without fear. Corporal punishment is not discipline; it is harm. Florida’s students deserve evidence-based practices that help them thrive.”
Sen. Bernard echoed those concerns. “The use of corporal punishment is inconsistent with a school’s goal of promoting honesty, responsibility, and self-discipline. Studies show a significant relationship between corporal punishment as a child and future violent behavior. Violence begets violence,” he said.
HB 109 and SB 662 would repeal all statutory language in §§1002.20, 1003.32, 1006.07, and 1012.28, Florida Statutes, that authorizes corporal punishment in public schools. If passed, the ban would take effect July 1, 2026, aligning Florida with a growing number of states adopting bipartisan reforms to protect students, particularly those with disabilities.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Senator LaVon Bracy Davis and Representative Mitch Rosenwald have filed legislation aimed at expanding access to the My Safe Florida Home Program by allowing homeowners to reapply when applications were previously deemed abandoned or withdrawn due to errors or omissions.
The measure, SB 1148/HB 1045, would modify program rules to permit subsequent applications when the original filing was rejected because of compliance-related mistakes, provided there is good cause and the applicant corrects the issue in a timely manner.
Expanding Access to Homeowner Assistance
The My Safe Florida Home Program is a state initiative that provides eligible Florida homeowners with inspections and grant funding to help strengthen their homes against storms while reducing insurance costs. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Current rules allow for reapplication if an application was denied or withdrawn due to errors or omissions. However, the proposed legislation would also allow reapplication when an application was deemed abandoned or withdrawn because of similar compliance-related issues.
Addressing Bureaucratic Barriers
“At a time when Florida’s families are struggling with rising insurance costs, we cannot allow bureaucratic technicalities to block access to affordability tools,” said Bracy Davis, a Democrat from Ocoee.
The bill responds to concerns from homeowners who were unable to submit a new application after their original submission was closed due to misunderstandings or reasonable mistakes regarding program requirements.
Focus on Seniors and Low-Income Homeowners
Rosenwald, a Democrat from Oakland Park, said the legislation is intended to help vulnerable homeowners who rely on the program for financial relief.
“This program can be a lifeline for seniors and low-income homeowners,” Rosenwald said. “In response to Floridians reporting that they were blocked from submitting a new application because of a misunderstanding or reasonable mistake concerning program compliance, I filed this glitch bill.”
If approved, the legislation would ensure more homeowners have access to financial assistance aimed at strengthening homes and improving insurance affordability across Florida.
