Florida HB 733 & SB 296 Information Page

Dear Broward County Public Schools Families, 

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is committed to keeping families informed regarding potential future changes that may impact school schedules, transportation services, and daily student routines. 

In 2023, the State of Florida adopted Florida House Bill (HB) 733, titled “Middle School and High School Start Times.” This law requires that beginning in the 2026–2027 school year: 

• Middle schools may not begin earlier than 8:00 a.m. 
• High schools may not begin earlier than 8:30 a.m. 

The legislation was developed in response to research related to adolescent sleep patterns, student wellness, academic performance, and student safety. Supporters of the law believe later start times may improve student sleep, focus, attendance, and overall well-being. 

While the law specifically applies to middle and high schools, implementation may also affect elementary schools due to the way school transportation systems operate throughout large districts such as Broward County. BCPS currently utilizes a tiered transportation model, which allows buses and drivers to complete multiple school runs each morning and afternoon. Adjusting secondary school start times may require significant changes to districtwide bell schedules, transportation routing, staffing, extracurricular activities, childcare arrangements, and operational logistics. 

Recently, the Florida Legislature also approved Senate Bill (SB) 296, which allows school districts and communities the opportunity to evaluate whether implementing the required changes would create substantial negative impacts for students, families, staff, transportation operations, or other stakeholders. The legislation provides districts with additional flexibility to assess local conditions and consider alternative solutions where appropriate. 

As Broward County Public Schools continues reviewing potential impacts and implementation options, community engagement is essential. The district is seeking feedback from parents, guardians, students, employees, and community stakeholders to better understand how possible schedule adjustments could affect our families and schools. 

The purpose of this survey is to gather input regarding: 

• Transportation and bus scheduling impacts 
• Childcare and family scheduling concerns 
• Athletic and extracurricular activity schedules 
• Student wellness and academic considerations 
• Operational and staffing impacts 
• Community priorities and concerns 

Your feedback will help inform future discussions, recommendations, and decision-making processes regarding any potential changes to school bell schedules within Broward County Public Schools. 

We appreciate your participation and partnership as we work to evaluate the impacts of these legislative changes and continue providing safe, efficient, and student-focused services to our community. 

Sincerely, 

Broward County Public Schools 

What Does the Law Require? 

The law directs school districts to inform: 

• Parents  
• Students  
• Teachers  
• School administrators 
• Athletic coaches  
• Other community stakeholders  

About: 

• Health impacts of sleep deprivation  
• Safety impacts of sleep deprivation  
• Academic impacts of sleep deprivation  
• Benefits of later school start times  
• Local implementation strategies and considerations  
   

Understanding HB 733 & SB 296: What It Means for Your Child  

What Are These Laws?  

Florida laws HB 733 and SB 296 focus on school start times, particularly for middle and high school students, with the goal of aligning schedules with student health and academic outcomes.  

What Could Change?  

These laws may require:  

• Later start times for middle and high schools   

• Adjustments to current school schedules   

What Is NOT Changing Right Now  

• No immediate changes to current bell times   

• No finalized decisions have been made   

How BCPS Currently Sets Bell Times  

Broward County Public Schools determines school start times based on:  

• Operational needs  

• Transportation efficiency   

• Available resources   

• Community and stakeholder input   

Your Voice Matters  

We are sending a parent survey to gather your feedback on potential changes related to SB 296.  

What You Can Do  

• Watch for the upcoming survey   

• Share your input   

• Stay informed through district communications   

Our Commitment  

We will continue to prioritize:  

• Student safety   

• Academic success   

• Operational efficiency   

• Family and community needs  

 

Why Is This Being Discussed? 

Adolescent Sleep Matters 

Research cited by Florida lawmakers indicates that adolescents experience biological changes that make it difficult to fall asleep early and wake up very early for school. Medical organizations recommend that teenagers receive 8–10 hours of sleep each night for optimal health, safety, and academic performance.  

Health Impacts of Sleep Deprivation 

Students who do not receive sufficient sleep may experience: 

• Increased fatigue and daytime sleepiness  

• Higher risk of depression and anxiety  

• Difficulty concentrating and learning  

• Reduced physical well-being  

• Increased risk of motor vehicle crashes among teen drivers  
   

Academic Impacts 

Research suggests that adequate sleep is associated with: 

• Improved attendance  

• Better classroom engagement  

• Increased alertness  

• Improved academic performance  

• Better overall student well-being  

Resources 

HB 733 itself does not cite specific sleep studies in the statutory language, but the legislative staff analyses and supporting materials relied heavily on research from pediatric, sleep medicine, and public health organizations. Below are the primary studies and position statements referenced during the bill's development. 

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement (2014) 

The most frequently cited source in the HB 733 legislative analysis is the AAP policy statement: 

American Academy of Pediatrics

-In a 2014 policy statement on school start times for adolescents, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) referenced two researched biological factors that make it easier for adolescents to stay awake later. 

 

Key findings cited by Florida legislators: 

• Adolescents experience a biological shift during puberty that causes them to fall asleep later.  

• Melatonin secretion occurs later in teenagers than in children or adults.  

• Teens need approximately 8.5–9.5 hours of sleep per night.  

• School start times before 8:30 a.m. contribute significantly to chronic sleep deprivation.  

• Later start times are associated with improved health, safety, attendance, and academic outcomes. 

 

2. Biological Sleep Research Referenced in the HB 733 Staff Analysis 

The Florida House Staff Analysis for HB 733 

-Summarizes the biological and educational research that legislators relied upon when passing the law. 

The Florida House staff analysis specifically cites two well-established biological findings: 

1. Delayed nocturnal melatonin secretion during adolescence, causing teens to become sleepy later at night.  

2. Slower accumulation of sleep pressure, meaning adolescents do not naturally feel tired as early as younger children.  

The staff analysis states that these biological factors make it difficult for teenagers to fall asleep before approximately 11:00 p.m., even when they try to go to bed earlier.  

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Literature Review 

CDC Review: "School Start Times, Sleep, Behavioral, Health, and Academic Outcomes" (2016)"

-This paper reviews 38 reports examining the association between school start times, sleep, and other outcomes among adolescent students. 

Legislators also relied on CDC-supported research reviewing dozens of school start time studies. 

The review found that later start times generally resulted in: 

• Increased sleep duration.  

• Improved attendance.  

• Reduced tardiness.  

• Less daytime sleepiness.  

• Better academic performance.  

• Fewer motor vehicle crashes among teen drivers 

 

4. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), and nearly 400 AASM members and 130 accredited sleep facilities in Florida, letter to the Governor in strong support of HB733. 

The AASM formally supported HB 733 and cited evidence showing: 

• Most teenagers are biologically predisposed to later sleep schedules.  

• Teens should receive 8–10 hours of sleep nightly.  

• Approximately 78% of high school students get less than 8 hours of sleep on school nights.  

Sleep deprivation increases risks of depression, suicidal ideation, and motor vehicle accidents

District Study and Community Engagement 

Current Bell Schedule Review 
 

Local Considerations 

District-specific factors may include: 

• Transportation and bus routing impacts  

• Driver availability  

• After-school athletics  

• Student employment  

• Childcare considerations  

• Exceptional Student Education transportation needs  

• Charter school impacts  

• Budget considerations  

 

1. Parent survey links - Pending 

2. School Board workshop dates-  April 15, 2025 
    

Broward County Public Schools is committed to engaging parents, students, employees, and community members regarding the requirements of Florida HB 733 and SB 296. Community feedback will help inform the district's evaluation of school start times, transportation operations, student activities, and other factors impacting students and families. 

Pursuant to Florida Statutes §1001.42 and §1002.33, as amended by HB 733 (2023) and SB 296 (2025), school districts are required to inform parents, students, employees, and other stakeholders regarding the health, safety, and academic impacts of adolescent sleep deprivation, the benefits of later secondary school start times, and local strategies for compliance. The statute requires community engagement but does not prescribe a specific method of notification. 

HB 733 & SB 296 – Frequently Asked Questions  

1. What are HB 733 and SB 296?  

These are Florida laws focused on school start times, particularly for middle and high schools, to better align with student health research.  

2. Will my child’s school start time change immediately?  

No. There are no immediate changes to current bell schedule.  

3. Why are these changes being considered?  

The legislation aims to:  

• Improve student health and sleep patterns   

• Support academic performance   

4. How does BCPS currently determine bell times?  

Bell times are based on:  

• Operational needs   

• Transportation logistics   

• Available resources   

• Community and stakeholder input   

5. What challenges are being considered?  

• Transportation efficiency and routing   

• Cost and resource availability   

• Impact on families and after-school activities   

6. How can I provide input?  

BCPS will be sending a parent survey regarding SB 296. Your feedback will help guide future decisions.  

7. When will decisions be made?  

No final decisions have been made. The district will review:  

• State requirements   

• Operational feasibility   

• Community feedback   

8. How will I stay informed?  

Updates will be shared through:  

• District emails   

• The BCPS website