Focus on ensuring Florida’s charter schools remain a trusted, accountable public school choice for families statewide
January 2026 — The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is leading statewide advocacy efforts in support of Florida’s public charter schools. For nearly three decades, our work at the state capitol and at the local school district level has focused on championing policies that empower school choice families, educators, and students. Charter school leaders and school choice parents have consistently raised their voices in support of these efforts, and Florida legislators responded positively to our call for action.
This year marks Governor DeSantis’ final year in office, and the last session for Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) and House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami). We thank these lawmakers for their leadership and steadfast support of charter schools and parental choice. During the 2025 budget cycle, lawmakers approved funding and policy updates that prioritized Florida’s students and educators. They increased capital outlay funding for public charter schools, updated land-use and zoning laws to support the development of new charter and private schools, and created a new teacher certification pathway for the growing classical education sector. Building on this momentum, the FCSA advocacy team—led by Ralph Arza—will continue to advance legislative priorities during the 2026 session that reinforce the high standards that define Florida’s charter schools. These priorities include strong school performance accountability, long-term financial stability, and clear teacher certification requirements—cornerstones of Florida’s charter sector for nearly 30 years.
“Since their inception, Florida’s charter schools have operated under some of the most rigorous academic and financial accountability standards in the nation,” said Arza. “Charter schools are responsible stewards of public dollars, required by law to demonstrate transparency, fiscal responsibility, and measurable student outcomes. This is a quality pledge to students, taxpayers, and lawmakers who have supported the growth of parental choice—and it is a commitment that will never waver.”
In addition to policy advocacy, the FCSA will continue to highlight charter school successes for state leaders. Data released by the Florida Department of Education in July 2025 shows that charter schools earned an overall “A” grade on the state’s 2024–25 assessment—an achievement that underscores their continued excellence in student achievement and academic performance. These results reflect the effective use of targeted data analysis, innovative instructional practices, and a relentless focus on serving all learners, particularly students from historically underserved communities.
Today, more than 406,000 students attend public charter schools across Florida – that’s a 23.6% increase over six years (2019-20 vs. 2024-25). As demand continues to rise, charter schools remain committed to delivering high-quality educational options while safeguarding taxpayer investments through strict oversight and accountability. During the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, the Florida Charter School Alliance will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen educational quality, protect fiscal responsibility, and ensure that Florida’s charter schools remain a trusted and accountable public school choice for families statewide.
