Florida legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Florida S556: Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma
Status: Passed one chamber, March 5, 2026
Providing that students can substitute marching band experience for physical education and performing fine arts credit requirements for a standard high school diploma; providing that students with disabilities may participate in the Special Olympics to meet the physical education requirement for a standard high school diploma, etc.
What the bill says
An act relating to requirements for a standard high school diploma; amending s. 1003.4282, F.S.; providing that students can substitute marching band experience for physical education and performing fine arts credit requirements for a standard high school diploma; providing that students with disabilities may participate in the Special Olympics to meet the physical education requirement for a standard high school diploma; providing an effective date.
From the introduced text, January 14, 2026:
A bill to be entitled An act relating to requirements for a standard high school diploma; amending s. 1003.4282, F.S.; providing that students can substitute marching band experience for physical education and performing fine arts credit requirements for a standard high school diploma; providing that students with disabilities may participate in the Special Olympics to meet the physical education requirement for a standard high school diploma; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1.âParagraph (f) of subsection (3) and paragraph (b) of subsection (8) of section 1003.4282, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 1003.4282âRequirements for a standard high school diploma.â (3)âSTANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA; COURSE AND ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS.â (f)âOne credit in physical education.âPhysical education must include the integration of health. Participation in an interscholastic sport at the junior varsity or varsity level for two full seasons shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education. A district school board may not require that the one credit in physical education be taken during the 9th grade year. Completion of 2 years of marching band shall satisfy the one-credit requirement in physical education and [DELETED: or] the one credit requirement in performing arts. This credit may not be used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or the requirement for adaptive physical education under an …
Sponsors
- Berman, Lori (D, SD-026) · primary sponsor
- Simon, Corey (R, SD-003)
Latest actions
- : Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/HB 453 (Ch. 2026-70), CS/CS/HB 1279 (Ch. 2026-59) -SJ 589
- : Substituted CS/HB 453 -SJ 589
- : Read 2nd time -SJ 589
- : Placed on Special Order Calendar, 03/05/26
- : Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
- : Favorable by- Rules; YEAS 24 NAYS 0
- : On Committee agenda-- Rules, 02/17/26, 12:00 pm, 412 Knott Building
- : Now in Rules
- : Favorable by Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; YEAS 6 NAYS 0
- : On Committee agenda-- Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, 02/10/26, 12:00 pm, 301 Senate Building
Votes
- Senate: S 556 c1 (February 17, 2026): 24 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate: S 556 c1 (February 10, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate: S 556 Filed (January 13, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Education Pre-K - 12, Rules, Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Common questions
- What is S556?
- S556 is a bill in the Florida Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Requirements for a Standard High School Diploma.
- What does S556 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to requirements for a standard high school diploma; amending s. 1003.4282, F.S.; providing that students can substitute marching band experience for physical education and performing fine arts credit requirements for a standard high school diploma; providing that students with disabilities may participate in the Special Olympics to meet the physical education requirement for a standard high school diploma; providing an effective date.
- What is the status of S556?
- Passed one chamber as of March 5, 2026. Latest action: Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/HB 453 (Ch. 2026-70), CS/CS/HB 1279 (Ch. 2026-59) -SJ 589 (March 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored S556?
- Berman, Lori (D, SD-026), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for S556?
- On the Florida Legislature website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/556
Source: official Florida record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.