DeSantis Signs Education Package Expanding Private School Zoning Rules
Gov. Ron DeSantis quietly signed education legislation allowing small private schools to operate in commercial zones and creating teacher mentorship programs for struggling schools.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed education legislation Monday evening that establishes new zoning regulations for small private schools, creates a teacher mentorship program, and mandates presidential portraits in Florida classrooms.
DeSantis enacted the measure without holding a news conference or issuing an official statement. The legislation takes effect July 1.
Both Republican-controlled chambers of the Florida Legislature approved Senate Bill 182, which allows private schools with 150 or fewer students to operate in commercially zoned buildings without requiring rezoning or special exemptions.
Bipartisan Origins Transform Into GOP Education Priorities
The legislation originated from Democratic lawmakers, with Sen. Shevrin Jones from Miami Gardens introducing the Senate version and Rep. Yvonne Hinson from Gainesville sponsoring the House companion. The bills initially focused on establishing a teacher mentorship program but became a vehicle for Republican education priorities during the final days of the legislative session.
The House passed the measure 91-11, with only Democrats voting in opposition, though not all Democratic members opposed the bill. The Senate approved it unanimously.
Teacher Mentorship Program Targets Struggling Schools
The new mentorship program will pair retired teachers with classroom educators at schools receiving D or F grades. Retired teachers eligible for the program must have three years of experience and received highly effective ratings during their careers.
These veteran educators may mentor up to five teachers and will receive stipends for their participation. The program specifically targets new teachers rated as needing improvement or those “struggling with behavior management within the classroom.”
Current working teachers with sufficient experience may mentor one student teacher at a time. State law requires mentors to “not have a personal agenda other than assisting his or her mentee in developing and reaching the mentee’s goals.”
New Zoning Rules and Safety Requirements
The private school zoning provisions allow institutions enrolling 150 or fewer students to operate in commercial or mixed-use zoning districts. Local governments retain authority to require “proportionate mitigation measures necessary to mitigate vehicular traffic and pedestrian safety,” and buildings must still meet educational occupancy requirements under fire codes.
Teach Florida, which describes itself as a grassroots movement of the Jewish Orthodox Union seeking “equitable funding for nonpublic schools,” prioritized passage of the legislation. The organization made campaign contributions to prominent Republicans crafting education policy, according to previous reporting by the Florida Phoenix.
The comprehensive package also includes requirements for installing portraits of U.S. presidents in schools and mandates cursive writing testing, representing key education policy priorities from the 2026 legislative session.
