Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Historic Bill to Protect Parental Rights in Education

Governor Ron DeSantis has officially signed House Bill 1557, known as the Parental Rights in Education bill, reinforcing parents' rights to be involved in decisions affecting their children’s education and well-being. The law prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K–3 and requires that any instruction beyond those grades be age-appropriate. It also mandates that school districts establish procedures to notify parents if a school changes the services provided to a child related to mental, emotional, or physical health.

The new law builds upon Florida’s existing Parents’ Bill of Rights and is part of the governor’s broader initiative, “The Year of the Parent,” which focuses on increasing transparency and parental involvement in schools.

"Parents have the right to know what’s happening with their children at school," said Governor DeSantis. "We’re not going to allow schools to introduce complex and sensitive topics to young kids without parents being fully informed."

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez added that the law strengthens school accountability and ensures that parents – not school boards or outside groups – remain the primary decision-makers for their children. “This bill blocks efforts to keep parents in the dark and ensures young students aren’t exposed to inappropriate content,” she said.

Supporters of the bill, including education leaders and Florida parents, emphasized that the legislation protects children while reinforcing the partnership between families and schools. Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran praised the bill for encouraging stronger collaboration between teachers and parents. “When families are involved, students thrive,” he said.

Senate President Wilton Simpson echoed the importance of transparency, stating, “Children belong to families, not the government. This law reinforces that schools should not keep important information from parents.”

The bill outlines three key measures:

• Instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in K–3 classrooms and any discussion in later grades must be appropriate for the student’s age or development level.
• Parents must be notified at the start of each school year about available health services and may decline any they choose.
• Any health questionnaires or screenings for K–3 students require parental consent before being given.

Governor DeSantis has also signed other education-related laws this session, including:

• HB 1467 – Curriculum Transparency
• SB 1054 – Financial Literacy Instruction in Public Schools
• SB 1048 – Student Assessments Reform

Parents across Florida have expressed support for HB 1557. January Littlejohn, a parent from Leon County, shared: “When schools leave parents out of critical decisions, it sends the wrong message to children. This law helps restore that trust.”

Another parent, Erin Lovely of Palm Beach County, added, “This legislation gives parents a voice and protects kids from being exposed to discussions they’re not ready for in the classroom.”

With HB 1557 now signed into law, Florida continues to expand parental rights in education and maintain transparency between schools and families.