Less is more – that’s the thinking of the Florida legislature when it comes to the use of cell phones in schools. Last week, Florida lawmakers passed legislation that expands restrictions on student cellphone use in public schools. The new measures, part of Senate Bill 1296, prohibit the use of cellphones throughout the entire school day for elementary and middle school students and initiate a pilot program to test similar restrictions in select high schools.
With a sizeable majority, the Florida House of Representatives approved the bill 85-14, followed by a 26-5 vote in the Senate. The legislation now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature to become law.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Elementary and Middle Schools: Students are barred from using cellphones during the entire school day, extending beyond the previous restriction limited to instructional time.
- High School Pilot Program: A pilot initiative will be conducted in six counties—two each categorized as small, medium, and large—selected by the Department of Education. This program will assess the feasibility and impact of implementing a full-day cellphone ban in high schools .
Proponents of the bill argue that reducing student cell phone usage during school hours will minimize distractions, decrease instances of cyberbullying, and improve academic performance. Rep. Demi Busatta, R-Coral Gables, who spearheaded the proposal, described the initiative as a “bell-to-bell” approach, emphasizing uninterrupted educational engagement.
Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, who led efforts in the Senate, highlighted the tailored approach for high schools, stating that lawmakers were considering the “different dynamic” in these settings . “Florida became a model for the rest of the nation when we first passed legislation in 2023 to remove cell phones from classrooms,” Burgess said of HB 379 that year, which was the House companion to his SB 52.
“I was proud to help spearhead that policy change, which has helped to remove distractions, improve focus during class time and increase student interaction. Now, I believe there is more we can do to further promote ideal learning environments to increase student achievement. By establishing phone-free school campuses, we can encourage students to connect more personally with each other and their teachers and better support their academic efforts.”
The bill also found significant support from the Foundation for Florida’s Future. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees includes many big-name politicians, including former Governor Jeb Bush, Former Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls, and a veritable who’s who of educational and business leaders. “Schools should be places where students and teachers are free to focus on learning,” said Nathan Hoffman, senior legislative director.
“Data continue to show that eliminating the cell phone distraction, not only in the classroom as Florida has in place now, but throughout the entire school day produces better outcomes — both from a school climate perspective as well as academic. This is important legislation that will keep the Sunshine State moving forward.”
Concerns and Opposition
Despite the bill’s passage, some lawmakers and parents have expressed concerns regarding communication during emergencies and the potential impact on students with medical needs.
Rep. Ashley Gantt, D-Miami, raised questions about scenarios such as out-of-town field trips, where students without cellphones might be unreachable by parents. Busatta responded by referencing traditional methods of communication, suggesting that parents could contact the school’s front office if necessary. To address medical concerns, the bill includes provisions allowing students with documented medical needs, such as diabetes, to use their devices as required, provided they have appropriate documentation.
A Pinellas County middle school student said her charter school already bans student cell phone use all day. She told FMN that being able to use her cell phone on breaks and at lunch provided a “mind break” from the routine of school life, but she has learned to adapt. She added, “What if something happens during the day and we need to contact help? Our phones are stuck in our lockers.”
Implementation and Enforcement
The legislation mandates that schools designate specific areas where students may use their cellphones with administrative permission. This measure aims to provide controlled environments for necessary device usage while maintaining the overall ban during school hours.
Enforcement strategies will be developed at the district level, with considerations for the unique needs of each school community. The Department of Education will oversee the high school pilot program, evaluating its outcomes to inform potential statewide implementation.
Florida is not alone in the quest to ban or regulate student cellphone use in schools. As of May 2025, at least 15 U.S. states have enacted laws or policies that ban or restrict student cellphone use in K–12 public schools, with several others considering similar measures.
If signed into law by Governor DeSantis, the new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025. The outcomes of the high school pilot program will be evaluated to determine the viability of extending the full-day ban to all high schools across the state.
Under the proposed legislation, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) would be required to submit a comprehensive report to the Senate President and the House Speaker by December 1, 2026. This report would evaluate how each school district’s cellphone policy has impacted student achievement and behavior. Additionally, the report would present a recommended model policy that both school districts and charter schools could choose to adopt.
The report would clearly define exemptions to the cellphone restrictions, covering situations such as health emergencies, disasters, and accommodations for students with disabilities and English Language Learners. It would also specify that the cellphone policy would not apply on school buses or during activities taking place outside regular school hours.
Furthermore, the report would detail proposed changes to the student code of conduct, addressing infractions such as bullying, cheating, unlawful activities, and taking unauthorized photos or videos of students during medical emergencies.
