Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1. Subsection (5) of section 1002.3105, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1002.3105 Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL) options.--

(5) AWARD OF A STANDARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.--A student who meets the applicable grade 9 cohort graduation requirements of s. 1003.4282(3)(a)-(e), earns three credits in electives, and earns a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, and complies with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid requirement in s. 1003.4282(5) shall be awarded a standard high school diploma in a form prescribed by the State Board of Education.

Section 2. Subsections (5) through (11) of section 1003.4282, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (6) through (12), respectively, and a new subsection (5) is added to that section to read:

1003.4282 Requirements for a standard high school diploma.--

(5) FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID REQUIREMENT.-- Beginning with students entering grade 9 in the 2022-2023 school year, a student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be awarded a standard high school diploma. However, a student meets the requirements of this subsection if the student's parent or the student, if such student is 18 years of age or older, submits a signed form declining to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Each high school is responsible for enforcing and monitoring compliance with this subsection.

Section 3. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) of section 1003.5716, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

1003.5716 Transition to postsecondary education and career opportunities.--All students with disabilities who are 3 years of age to 21 years of age have the right to a free, appropriate public education. As used in this section, the term "IEP" means individual education plan.

(2) Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student enters high school, attains the age of 14, or when determined appropriate by the parent and the IEP team, whichever occurs first, the IEP must include the following statements that must be updated annually:

(a) A statement of intent to pursue a standard high school diploma and a Scholar or Merit designation, pursuant to s. 1003.4285, as determined by the parent.

1. The statement must document discussion of the process for a student with a disability who meets the requirements for a standard high school diploma to defer the receipt of such diploma pursuant to s. 1003.4282(11)(c) s. 1003.4282(10)(c).

2. For the IEP in effect at the beginning of the school year the student is expected to graduate, the statement must include a signed statement by the parent, the guardian, or the student, if the student has reached the age of majority and rights have transferred to the student, that he or she understands the process for deferment and identifying if the student will defer the receipt of his or her standard high school diploma.

(b) A statement of intent to receive a standard high school diploma before the student attains the age of 22 and a description of how the student will fully meet the requirements in s. 1003.4282, including, but not limited to, a portfolio pursuant to s. 1003.4282(10)(b) s. 1003.4282(9)(b) which meets the criteria specified in State Board of Education rule. The IEP must also specify the outcomes and additional benefits expected by the parent and the IEP team at the time of the student's graduation.

Section 4. This act shall take effect July 1, 2022.