Advocacy Resources

FMEA’s mission to promote quality, comprehensive education in all Florida Schools is a testament to our commitment to advocacy. For decades, FMEA has been a leader in championing music education in Florida by providing support for local coalition building and actively supporting state legislative priorities. If you are interested in getting more involved in advocacy initiatives or need local support, please contact the FMEA office.

Use these links to find your State Senator and Representative:

• Find your State Senator
• Find your State House Representative

Enter the address where you are registered to vote. 

Advocacy Hub

Please visit the advocacy hub found on the 2nd floor of the conference center at the 2026 FMEA Professional Development Conference.  Bookmark this link for future reference. 

2026 Legislative Session 

Be an informed and active constituent!

• January 13 - March 13: Regular Session Dates
• February 10: Collegiate Advocacy Day

Our Legislative Platform

The Center for Fine Arts Education Legislative Platform was developed in collaboration with the Florida Music Education Association, Florida School Music Association, and Florida Art Education Association.

The 2026 platform includes the following focus areas:

• Fine Arts Academic Achievement & Alignment
  • Acceleration Points for Students who earn the Seal of Fine Arts
• Education Funding
  • Supporting legislation to address Schools of Hope funding irregularities
• Teacher Recruitment & Retention
• Education Accountability
  • Support legislation to ensure educational accountability (assessing student achievement) for all education entities receiving public funds

For details, please see our Legislative Platform Handout (coming soon). 

Seal of Fine Arts Legislation

This legislation provides long-overdue recognition of the importance and rigor of quality arts education by creating a graduation seal for high-achieving music students. The next step includes seeking acceleration points for students who earn the Seal. 

For further information about how to earn the Seal, please see the DOE Fine Arts Page.

• House Bill 523
• Senate Bill 694
• Seal Acceleration Talking Points

Questions about the Seal of Fine Arts? Ask them here!

Advocacy Questions Answered

FMEA AI Arts Advocacy Strategist: A draft AI chatbot was developed by Dr. Christopher Burns, past FMSA President. The chatbot allows you to ask questions about funding in your area, get help with parent support, and more. We welcome your feedback as we improve this resource.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided by this chatbot regarding local arts advocacy is offered for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, advocacy, or professional advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the content may not reflect the most current legal standards or local regulatory changes. Users should consult with the local arts supervisor or district advocate to address their specific circumstances. Reliance on this information is at the user's own risk; the developers and maintainers of this chatbot assume no liability for any actions taken based on its content.

National Advocacy Resource: Music IS Education

Arts Education Data Project

The FMEA Advocacy Committee continues to advocate for Florida’s Participation in the Arts Education Data Project.  Here is an example from Georgia.

This resource will be particularly helpful to parents as they choose music and arts education programs for their students.

Collegiate Advocacy Day

February 10, 2026
The Florida Capitol, Tallahassee

The Florida Music Education Association and Florida NAfME Collegiate Chapter will host their tenth annual Collegiate Music Education Advocacy Event on February 10, 2026.  All college and university students are encouraged to join us!  More Information...

Careers In Music

The music industry offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals who are passionate about music. By exploring their interests and pursuing further education or specialized training in music, arts administration, or related fields, individuals can discover fulfilling and rewarding careers that allow them to contribute to the vibrant and dynamic world of music. Please see these resources from our national partners, the National Federation of High School Associations and the National Association of Music Merchants:

• NFHS Careers In Music Page
• NAMM Careers In Music Page

2025 Florida Legislative Summary

The 2025 Legislative Session delivered significant progress for arts education in Florida, particularly in music and fine arts, due to sustained advocacy by the Center for Fine Arts Education, Florida Music Education Association (FMEA), the Florida Art Education Association (FAEA), and the Florida School Music Association (FSMA). Please see this comprehensive report for details. 

Marching Band PE Credit

HB 1105 includes language that will allow students who complete two years of Marching Band to waive the 1 year required PE credit (which includes the integration of health).

The language closely mirrors that of the language regarding athletes and ROTC students who currently waive the PE requirement.

Note: Most districts require students to take a HOPE class to meet the integration of heath requirement. Two years of Marching Band will meet the PE (HOPE) requirement. This waiver will likely not pertain to districts that require an additional personal fitness class.

See the Bill Text Here - Page 36 – lines 891- 904

Seal of Fine Arts - AICE Courses

AICE classes in dance, music, theater or visual arts, will now count to fulfill the course requirement for the Florida Seal of Fine Arts. See the Bill Text Here - Page 42 lines 1029 – 1039