New Law Requires Parental Consent for School Corporal Punishment in Florida

Brevard County, Florida, USA - As new legislation surrounding corporal punishment takes root in Florida schools, local districts are reacting differently to changing policies. A significant update coming into effect on July 1 allows corporal punishment only with parental consent, further shaping how schools handle student discipline across the state. This new regulation stems from House Bill 1255, aiming to ensure that parents are involved in such critical decisions, especially given a controversial case in Levy County where a student faced punishment without consent, triggering a wave of advocacy from University of Florida students.

In the midst of these legislative changes, Brevard Public Schools has confirmed that the new corporal punishment law will have no impact on its current policy. Brevard has prohibited corporal punishment since 2002, with the last update to its policy — emphasizing alternative disciplinary measures — occurring as recently as March 2025. According to spokesperson Janet Murnaghan, the district stands firm with its existing stance, meaning no plans are in place to reinstate corporal punishment, a move that reassures many parents in the area. While discussions about potentially reintroducing this practice surfaced late last year, notably after comments from Sheriff Wayne Ivey, school board members quickly assured the community that it wouldn’t happen.

Legislative Landscape

Brevard’s bold position on corporal punishment contrasts with the legislative backdrop in Florida, where a push for more restrictions continues. Recent developments include another proposal, HB 439, which aims to limit corporal punishment further, necessitating parental consent across public and charter schools. The bill, recently supported unanimously by the House Education Quality Subcommittee, sets forth stricter conditions only allowing designated principal staff to administer punishment and requiring adult witnesses during such occurrences.

This proposed legislation goes even further by prohibiting corporal punishment for students with disabilities, individual education plans, those experiencing homelessness, and those in certain alternative educational settings. Additionally, schools would have to report the prevalence of corporal punishment annually to state and county authorities. Such measures create a framework aimed at balancing parental rights with children’s well-being, a sentiment echoed by its sponsor, Rep. Katherine Waldron.

A Broader Conversation

Despite these initiatives, Florida remains one of just 23 states in the country that still allows corporal punishment in schools, with current statistics revealing that 19 districts, mostly situated in the Panhandle, still practice it. Critics argue that corporal punishment disrupts children’s mental health and educational performance. This perspective is gaining traction as lawmakers grapple with the implications of corporal punishment on student behavior, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which educational professionals cite as a factor in rising behavioral issues.

The debate around corporal punishment is underlined by starkly divided opinions among lawmakers. While some advocate for its continuation, particularly for students without disabilities, others, like Rep. Christopher Benjamin, are pushing for an outright ban, citing the lack of guidelines and threatening implications on students’ welfare.

With this evolving landscape and various opinions at play, it’s clear that the journey toward equitable and effective discipline practices in Florida schools is far from over. As parents, educators, and lawmakers navigate these changes, the focus remains steadfast on finding solutions that prioritize the well-being and progress of all students.

For those interested in the specific legislative changes and details regarding the rules, you can refer to Florida Today, Florida Senate, and Florida Politics for comprehensive insights.