While acknowledging that teens need more sleep, Florida senators Tuesday continued moving forward with a bill that would repeal requirements aimed at later daily start times in many high schools.

Lawmakers passed a bill two years ago that would make Florida high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and middle schools no earlier than 8 a.m. starting in 2026.

Florida lawmakers are considering a bill that would mean different start times for Florida’s public school students. In 2023, the legislature passed a bill that would require the instructional school day to begin no earlier than 8:00 for middle schools and 8:30 for high schools.

Research suggests delayed start times improve students' mental health, academic performance, and potentially lower rates of car accidents due to improved alertness.

While acknowledging that teens need more sleep, Florida senators on Tuesday continued to work on a bill that would repeal requirements aimed at later daily start times in many high schools.