2026 Legislative Session
Be an informed and active constituent!
The Regular Legislative Session ended on March 13th
We were able to include language in HB 1279 to secure PE/HOPE credit for students who successfully complete a dance technique class. This is a win! This legislation awaits the governor's signature.
There will be several special sessions held in spring 2026. Please watch for alerts and take action if asked.
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.
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.
See our Seal of Fine Arts Page for more information.
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
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.
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