Charter School Law

Starting a charter school

This resource from Florida School Choice, a branch of the Florida Department of Education details the process of starting a charter school, from forming your vision to opening your school. You will find resources on:

  • Forming your vision
  • Building your team
  • Developing a plan
  • Application timeline
  • Tips for application approval
  • Preparing to open your school
  • Renewing your charter

How to Start a Charter School In Florida

 

Compare Florida's charter school law with other states

The below resource provided by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools allows you to examine components of model charter school laws and see how Florida deviates from the model law. You can also compare how Florida measures up against other states’ charter school laws.

Take a Look at How Florida’s Charter School Laws Measure Up Against Other States

Charter School Statutes

The 2002 Florida School Code adopted by the Florida Legislature provides parents and students with numerous statutory rights for educational choice. Those related to Charter Schools are listed below.

  • Section 1002.33

    Establishes charter schools. Under this law, private entities may enter into charters with school boards to provide educational services to district students. State universities may grant charters to lab schools created under s.1002.32. This law provides information on the application process and review, charter school requirements, charter funding, exemptions from statute, etc.

    Learn more>

  • Section 1002.345

    Establishes criteria and requirements for charter schools experiencing a deteriorating financial condition or a state of financial emergency.

    Learn more>

  • Section 1013.62

    Establishes charter school eligibility requirements, procedures, and uses for capital outlay funding.

    Learn more>

Charter School State Board of Education Rules

  • Section 1002.33

    Establishes charter schools. Under this law, private entities may enter into charters with school boards to provide educational services to district students. State universities may grant charters to lab schools created under s.1002.32. This law provides information on the application process and review, charter school requirements, charter funding, exemptions from statute, etc.

    Learn more>

  • Appeals Rule, SBE 6A-6.0781

    Establishes procedures for appealing a district school board decision to deny an application for a charter school.

    Learn more>

  • Applicant Training Standards Rule, SBE 6A-6.0785

    Establishes a procedure by which sponsors may require charter applicants to attend training provided by the sponsor in lieu of the training provided by the Department.

    Learn more>

  • Capital Outlay Rule, SBE 6A-2.0020

    Clarifies eligibility requirements for capital outlay funding by defining expanded feeder chain and the method for determining satisfactory student achievement.

    Learn more>

  • Conversion Charter Ballot Process SBE 6A-6.0787

    Establishes a procedure by which parents and teachers of public school may vote to submit an application for conversion to charter status.

    Learn more>

  • Governance Training Rule, SBE 6A-6.0784

    Establishes procedures for the approval of charter school governance training submitted to the Florida Department of Education by potential training providers. Participation in approved governance training is a statutory requirement for the governing bodies of all charter schools in Florida.

    Learn more>

  • Model Forms Rule, SBE 6A-6.0786

    Provides the required model application format for potential charter school developers, an evaluation instrument for sponsors, and a model charter contract format.

    Learn more>

  • Monthly Financial Statement and Financial Condition Rule, SBE 6A-1.0081

    Establishes requirements related to the monthly financial statement that a charter school must complete and submit to its sponsor and establishes procedures for developing financial recovery and corrective action plans and determining a deteriorating financial condition.

    Learn more>

  • Notice Requirements for Performance Data, SBE 6A-6.0788

    Outlines the manner in which charter schools will provide student performance data to required recipients.

    Learn more>