Florida Released Proposed Science Standards

The state's education department introduced new benchmarks for K-12 science curriculum and classroom instruction.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Environmental

Isometric editorial illustration featuring a vintage microscope and specimen jars on a laboratory table, representing science education standards. — The Florida Department of Education has unveiled proposed K-12 science curriculum standards, replacing older frameworks with updated benchmarks. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local schools be required to teach established scientific theories like evolution and climate change?

The Florida Department of Education released proposed K-12 science standards that update the existing framework adopted in 2008. The new proposal replaces the term climate change with the phrase anthropogenic activities and omits a definition for evolution in high school benchmarks.

Why it matters

State officials stated the goal of the new standards is to provide students with content-rich, fact-based lessons while moving away from what the department describes as trendy themes.

The proposed standards include nearly 1,000 benchmarks for high school students. An 18-member committee, consisting of school district employees and one professor, developed these new guidelines.

The players

Florida Department of Education

This is the state government agency responsible for overseeing public education and establishing curriculum standards for K-12 schools.

Ron DeSantis

He is the current Governor of Florida who signed legislation in 2024 impacting the state's educational and legal framework regarding climate terminology.

The details

The state Department of Education is currently soliciting public input through its website and in-person meetings. This shift follows a 2024 law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis that removed the phrase climate change from Florida state statutes.

The current science standards were originally adopted in 2008.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill in 2024 removing climate change from state law.
The Department of Education released the proposed standards on September 25, 2026.
A public comment session was held in Hillsborough County on September 29, 2026.
A virtual public comment session took place on September 30, 2026.

Deeper Dive

This story follows the precedent set by the 2024 Florida law removing climate change from state statutes by further aligning state curriculum language with that legislative directive.

These standards will directly impact the science curriculum taught in classrooms across Florida once finalized. Students and families can participate in the review process through public meetings or the state's official website.

The takeaway

The proposed changes reflect a significant shift in how scientific concepts are labeled and taught within Florida's public school system. Residents should monitor the state's education portal to track how these revisions might alter specific learning materials in local districts.