As the sun rises on August 11, 2025, students across Florida will be stepping into a school year shaped by a wave of new laws—some with the power to change daily routines in big and small ways. Among the most visible changes are sweeping restrictions on cell phone use in schools and a renewed emphasis on school bus safety, both designed to promote a safer, more focused learning environment. These updates, effective statewide, have sparked conversations among parents, students, teachers, and local officials about what the future of education in Florida should look like—and how best to get there.
For many families, the most immediate adjustment will be the new cell phone rules. According to 10 Tampa Bay, the Florida Legislature passed a law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on July 1, 2025, that bans the use of cell phones in classrooms for all students, from elementary through high school. The law is clear: elementary and middle school students are not allowed to use their cell phones at any time during the school day. For high schoolers, there’s a bit more flexibility—they can use their devices before and after the bell, during lunch, and between classes, but not during instruction unless specifically directed by a teacher. Exceptions are made for medical and educational needs, but the overarching message is unmistakable: phones should be out of sight and out of mind during learning hours.
Chad Oliver, Chief Communication Officer for Collier County Public Schools, explained the district’s approach in a statement to the Naples Daily News: “Elementary and middle school students may bring an electronic device (ex: cell phone, smart watch, or tablet) to their school campus; however, it needs to remain off and away during the entire school day. This has already been our practice across all levels (Elementary, Middle, and High) during instructional time. At our elementary and middle schools this should not be a significant change for our students and parents.”
High school students in Collier County, like their peers across the state, will have the leeway to use their phones during non-instructional times, but the district’s Code of Student Conduct remains in line with state law: “High school students should not use their personal electronic devices during instructional time, unless directed by the teacher.”
Collier County is not alone in adapting to these changes. Hillsborough County Deputy Superintendent Chris Farkas told 10 Tampa Bay, “Our superintendent and our board already made a recommendation to transition to that, so it’s only a little tweak for us from an elementary, middle and high school standpoint. I think other districts are going to have a bigger gap than where they were, but we were pretty much there. I think it’s communication, make sure kids know what is expected, meeting expectations is what they will do, so you need to lay those out for them so they know what they are supposed to do.”
While these policies may seem strict, they’re part of a broader push to minimize distractions and foster a more attentive, respectful classroom environment. The Florida Department of Education will also be conducting a pilot study in six districts to evaluate the impact of full-day cell phone prohibitions in high schools, with a report and model policy due by December 1, 2026. This could mean even tighter restrictions in the future, depending on the study’s findings.
But cell phones aren’t the only focus for Florida’s education policymakers. As the school year kicks off, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is reminding drivers to brush up on school bus safety laws—a perennial concern that takes on added urgency with thousands of students returning to campuses statewide. In a recent Facebook post, FDOT urged motorists to know when they’re legally required to stop for school buses, warning that violations not only endanger children but can also result in hefty fines ranging from $200 to $400.
So, what exactly does the law require? On highways divided by a median, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus are not required to stop, but should proceed with caution. However, drivers heading in the same direction as the bus must come to a complete stop. On multi-lane paved roads and two-lane roads, all vehicles—regardless of direction—are required to stop when a school bus is stopped. The penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus while displaying a stop sign is $200, but passing on the side where children enter or exit could cost you a $400 fine, according to Florida Today.
These laws are in place for a reason. Every year, tragic stories remind communities of the dangers posed by inattentive or impatient drivers near school buses. By reinforcing these rules, officials hope to reduce accidents and keep students safe as they travel to and from school.
And it’s not just about safety on the roads or in the classroom. The new school year brings other important requirements as well. Florida law specifies that for a public kindergarten student to be considered full-time, he or she must receive a minimum of 720 net hours of instruction, or four hours per day, based on 180 school days. This standard ensures that all students, regardless of district, receive a consistent and adequate educational experience.
Speaking of districts, the August 11 start date is a near-universal marker across the state, with counties from Alachua to Washington opening their doors on the same day. There are a few exceptions—Miami-Dade, for example, will begin on August 14—but for the vast majority of Florida’s public schools, the 2025-26 academic year is set to launch in unison. This coordinated start is designed to streamline scheduling, transportation, and extracurricular activities, making life a little easier for families with children in multiple schools or districts.
Of course, the implementation of these new policies hasn’t been without its challenges. Some parents worry about their children’s ability to contact them in emergencies, while teachers are concerned about the logistics of enforcing the cell phone ban fairly and consistently. Others question whether the restrictions go too far, potentially stifling opportunities for students to learn digital responsibility in a supervised environment. Yet supporters argue that the benefits—reduced distractions, improved safety, and a more focused academic atmosphere—far outweigh the drawbacks.
It’s a delicate balance, and one that will likely continue to evolve as educators, lawmakers, and families work together to find the right mix of structure and flexibility. In the meantime, the message from officials is clear: whether it’s putting away your phone or stopping for a school bus, the rules are there for a reason—and following them is everyone’s responsibility.
As Florida’s students return to their classrooms this August, they’ll be part of a statewide experiment in what it means to learn, connect, and stay safe in the twenty-first century. The lessons they absorb—both academic and practical—will shape not only their own futures, but the future of education in the Sunshine State.