01-04-2025
Florida's school cellphone ban moves forward after vote
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — A bill to ban cellphones in Florida schools took a step forward this week after passing a committee vote.
Florida is one of the strictest states in the county when it comes to cell phones in school, and the rules are one step closer to being even tighter.
If passed, Senate Bill 1296, filed by State Senator Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), would establish a pilot program in six Florida school districts to prohibit students' use of cellphones for the entire school day, not just during time in the classroom.
Students could use cellphones on the bus as well as before or after school hours while on campus.
The bill includes exceptions, such as for a student with learning disabilities that need the aid of an electronic device or when necessary for medical emergencies.
The current cell phone ban, passed in 2023, varies among grade levels, but this new proposal would apply to all students.
The pilot program would involve two small, two medium, and two large districts, which have not been announced yet.
Lawmakers would receive the data from the program by December of 2026.
Some districts have already taken additional steps to the current cell phone ban, like Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas.
'In my district, we've had two schools who implemented on their own a no cell phone policy during the day and it has done remarkable,' said State Rep. Susan Valdes, (R-Tampa).
The topic of phone-free school days is also being discussed in the house.
While it has support, not everyone is on board.
'Things have changed because of school lockdowns and school shootings, I do have concerns if this ever were to go a step further in terms of the pouches where students wouldn't have access at all to their cell phones,' said State Rep. Lavon Bracy Davis, (D-Ocoee).
Burgess said cell phones are a distraction and takes away from student's focus in the classroo,m .
If the bill is passed, he hoping it can help students pay attention and succeed academically.
This bill will now be voted on in the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee. If it is signed into law, it would affect July 2025.
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