Overview
- The Florida Education Association, which filed suit Tuesday in Leon County, asked a judge to block public money to voucher‑backed private schools and charter operators that do not meet constitutional standards.
- The complaint says the state redirects about $5 billion a year, with roughly 24% of education funding going to vouchers for about 524,000 students, creating a non‑uniform system that violates Article IX.
- Plaintiffs cite gaps for voucher and charter schools on school safety steps, teacher certification, class‑size limits, special‑education services, transportation and financial reporting that public schools must meet.
- State leaders defended universal school choice after the filing Tuesday, with Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas praising the program on X and the Department labeling the case frivolous.
- The case begins as lawmakers return May 12 for a budget special session, after a state audit flagged voucher oversight problems and a Senate transparency bill passed but failed in the House.