DeSantis Passes Bill to Change High School Start Time

Emilia Haus, Multimedia Photo Editor

In a series of bills being passed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, one bill has been signed to change the start times of middle and high schools. This bill (HB733) will affect all school districts in Florida and will prevent middle schools from starting before 8 a.m. and high schools from starting before 8:30 a.m. 

Currently around 48% of public highschools start before 7:30 a.m. and another 19% from 7:30 to 7:59 a.m. The time change will take effect on July 1, 2026. 

Many supporters of the bill argue that the change benefits adolescents in their developing stages as they require more sleep for their physical and mental health. Lawmakers claim they passed the bill because students who get more sleep typically acquire better grades and miss less school.  Others in opposition of the bill debate that it will complicate and mess up the bus schedule currently in place.