TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Friday, 10 more bills were filed by Florida lawmakers as the 2026 Legislative session approaches.
These proposals involve rules for schools, flags, criminal statutes, and much more.
The full list of the new bills filed on Nov. 7 is as follows.
SB 424 — Schools of Hope
Senate Bill 424 deletes provisions of state law that allow Schools of Hope to use vacant or underused public school facilities.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 426 — Flag Rules
Senate Bill 426 prohibits public schools, state universities, and government buildings from putting up flags that contain designs representing political ideologies, race, gender or sexual orientation.
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Any governmental bodies that violate these rules could be liable for fines of $500 per day.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 428 — Swimming Vouchers
Senate Bill 428 revises the age limits of the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program.
Instead of a maximum age limit of 4 years, this bill includes children between 1 and 7 years old.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 430 — Teacher Oaths
Senate Bill 430 would require public educators and administrators to take the following oath:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified for employment as a member of the school personnel in this state; that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of a member of the school personnel in a professional, independent, objective, and nonpartisan manner; that I will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics; that I will foster a respectful learning environment for all students which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and lifelong learning; and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and 38 character, so help me God.”
Proposed oath, Senate Bill 430 (2025)
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 432 — Controlled Substances
Senate Bill 432 adds 7-Hydroxymitragynine (an opioid chemical found in kratom) as a Schedule I controlled substance under state law.
The bill also lays out new criminal charges for those who illegally manufacture or sell xylazine.
If approved, the bill will take effect on Oct. 1, 2026. However, the 7-Hydroxymitragynine rule would instead take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 434 — Property Assessments
Senate Bill 434 would create a new statute relating to property assessments for people’s homes.
Under this bill, these assessments may not consider home changes aimed at improving resistance to wind damage, such as storm shutters, wind-resistant shingles, and gable-end bracing.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 436 — Felony Battery
Senate Bill 436 establishes harsher penalties for those who are already convicted of battery and resist an officer with violence.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 438 — Child Welfare
Senate Bill 438 would amend Florida statutes relating to child welfare, listing parricide as an example of abuse.
Under this bill, if a parent attacks or tries to kill his/her child’s other parent, it would result in a rebuttable presumption that it’s unsafe for the offending parent to visit the child.
As such, a child may be taken into custody and placed in a shelter under this bill if such a situation arises.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 440 — Health Choices Program
Senate Bill 440 renames the “Florida Health Choices Program” to the “Florida Employee Health Choices Program.”
In addition, the bill would tighten how the marketplace is run, and it removes broad phrases like “state residents” by swapping in language about employers and employees.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 442 — Search Warrants
Senate Bill 442 extends the return deadline for search warrants involving computers or other electronic devices that are already in law enforcement possession from 45 days to 365 days.
All other search warrants must still be returned within 10 days.
If approved, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.
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