As summer winds down, families across Florida are gearing up for the new school year. The question on everyone’s mind is, “When does school start in Florida?” For the 2025-2026 academic year, the start dates are set, and there’s plenty to know to get ready. Whether you’re a parent planning schedules or a student preparing for the classroom, this guide breaks down the key details for Florida’s school start dates, holidays, and more. Let’s dive in!
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Florida’s School Start Date for 2025
Florida law sets the earliest possible start date for public schools as August 10, but since that falls on a Sunday in 2025, the earliest schools can begin is Monday, August 11. According to recent updates, 56 of Florida’s 67 counties will kick off the 2025-2026 school year on August 11. Some districts, like Bradford and Calhoun, start a day or two later, between August 12 and August 14. For example, Miami-Dade County, one of the state’s largest districts, is set to begin on August 11, while Orange County targets August 12. Always check your local district’s official calendar, as dates can vary slightly.
This early start allows schools to wrap up the first semester before the winter break, giving students ample time to prepare for exams. It’s a practical move, especially for high schoolers facing standardized tests like the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) in the spring. So, mark your calendars and start planning those last summer outings!
Why the Early August Start?
You might wonder why Florida schools start so early compared to other states. The state’s 180-day school year is designed to balance instructional time with breaks, ensuring students meet the required 720 hours of instruction for kindergarten through high school. Starting in mid-August allows districts to complete the first semester before the December holidays, which is a big deal for students taking semester exams.
Plus, Florida’s warm climate means summer feels endless, and an early start helps avoid cutting into the prime summer months. However, it’s not without challenges—hurricanes can disrupt schedules, and some districts may use designated holidays as makeup days. For instance, Pinellas County has already flagged January 6 and February 17, 2025, as potential hurricane makeup days after disruptions from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Key School Holidays to Plan Around
Knowing the school start date is just the beginning—holidays and breaks are just as crucial for family planning. Here’s a quick look at the major holidays for the 2025-2026 school year based on district calendars like Palm Beach and Duval Counties:
- Labor Day: September 1, 2025—no school, and district offices are closed.
- Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28, 2025—a full week off for students and most staff.
- Winter Break: December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026, with some districts extending to January 3 for non-12-month employees.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19, 2026—no school.
- Spring Break: Typically March 16-20, 2026, though some districts may schedule it between March 10-21.
These breaks are perfect for planning family trips or catching up on rest. Keep in mind that private and charter schools might have slightly different schedules, so always double-check with your school.
Changes in School Policies for 2025
The 2025-2026 school year brings a few notable updates. One big change is the rollback of a 2023 law that required middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m. While the law aimed to improve student well-being, districts raised concerns about transportation costs and scheduling conflicts. A new bill, SB 296, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, allows districts to set their own start times as long as they submit a report on the challenges of later starts. So, don’t expect major changes in school hours just yet—most districts will stick with their current schedules.
Another update is the state’s ban on mobile devices during school hours. Elementary and middle school students can’t use phones or tablets “bell to bell,” while high schoolers can use them between classes but not during instructional time unless a teacher allows it for educational purposes. This could mean a more focused classroom environment, but check with your district for specific rules.
Tips to Prepare for the New School Year
Getting ready for school isn’t just about circling the start date. Here are some practical tips to ease the transition:
- Check the Calendar Early: Visit your district’s website (like www.palmbeachschools.org or www.duvalschools.org) for the official calendar and mark key dates.
- Back-to-School Shopping: Florida’s month-long sales tax holiday from August 1-31, 2025, covers items like computers (up to $1,500) and school supplies. Stock up early to avoid the rush
- Health Check-Ups: Schedule physicals and immunizations now, as appointments fill up fast closer to August.
- Plan Around Breaks: Use holidays like Spring Break or Winter Break for family trips, but confirm dates with your district to avoid surprises.
- Stay Flexible: Hurricanes or other unexpected events can shift schedules, so keep an eye on district announcements.
Starting the school year strong means being prepared. Whether it’s buying new backpacks or syncing family calendars, a little planning goes a long way.
As Florida families gear up for August 11, 2025, and the days that follow, the excitement (and maybe a bit of dread) of a new school year is in the air. By knowing when school starts, understanding key holidays, and staying on top of new policies, you’ll be ready to tackle the 2025-2026 academic year with confidence. Happy back-to-school season!