The 2025 Florida Legislative Session kicks off March 4, and Collier County School Board members have been actively advocating for key issues outlined in our latest Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) Legislative Platform. This platform, approved annually by the school board, highlights issues that affect school districts across the state. The most recent version, approved in November, includes several areas of focus, one of which concerns the new state mandate for school start times. At the top of our priority list is for state lawmakers to provide for local control and exceptions to mandatory school start times.
In 2023, Florida legislators passed a law requiring middle and high school start times to be pushed later. By July 1, 2026, the law requires school districts to start middle school after 8:00 a.m. and high school no earlier than 8:30 a.m. This change would likely shift elementary schools to earlier start times, meaning our youngest students would be walking to and waiting at bus stops in the dark during many days.
While some high school parents may welcome the later start time, it is important to consider the broader impact on our community. Mandated start times present significant logistical challenges, especially in Collier County, which spans a large geographical area and experiences seasonal population shifts.
One of the main concerns is traffic. The new mandated start times will coincide with peak morning traffic, adding hundreds of vehicles to already congested roads and making it more difficult for students to arrive on time. For instance, shifting high school start times to 8:30 a.m. could exacerbate traffic jams, especially on busy roads like Immokalee Road. As we approach August 2026, we need to carefully consider how this will affect daily commutes.
In contrast, local control over school start times would allow districts like CCPS the flexibility to stagger schedules, easing traffic congestion and improving safety for students, teachers, and families.
Another concern is the impact on extracurricular activities, which are an essential part of many students’ educational experiences. Mandating later start times could limit the availability of after-school programs, sports, and other activities. Additionally, it creates challenges for families who rely on older students to work part-time jobs or care for younger siblings after school.
These issues are why our school board is advocating for local control and exceptions to the state mandate on school start times. And CCPS is not alone in this effort. A bill (SB 296) introduced by Republican Senator Jennifer Bradley seeks to reverse the state law that requires later start times for middle and high schools.
As the legislative session progresses, we will continue to monitor developments and advocate for solutions that prioritize the best interests of our community, our families, and the operation of our local schools.