Florida · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 835: Freedom of Speech and Religious Expression in Public Schools
Did not advance Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
- Did not advance
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 835 is a bill introduced in the Florida House on December 18, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Freedom of Speech and Religious Expression in Public Schools. Primary sponsor: David Borrero (Republican). Most recent recorded action (March 13, 2026): Died in Student Academic Success Subcommittee.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Freedom of Speech and Religious Expression in Public Schools; Prohibits school district from discriminating against students or school personnel on basis of political or ideological viewpoints or expression; prohibits penalty or reward for student's political or ideological expression in coursework, artwork, or other specified assignments; authorizes student to wear clothing, accessories, & jewelry displaying political or ideological messages or symbols; authorizes student to engage in political or ideological activities or expression; authorizes student to organize political or ideological groups, clubs, & other gatherings; requires that school district provide political or ideological groups with equal access to school facilities; authorizes political or ideological groups to advertise or announce meetings in same manner & to same extent as other groups; requires that DOE develop & publish model policy regarding limited public forum & political or ideological expression; creates private cause of action for persons & student organizations harmed by specified violations; provides for specified awards to such persons & organizations; authorizes such persons & organizations to use specified violations as defense or counterclaim; provides applicability; requires such actions to be brought within specified period of time; provides that state waives specified immunity; provides school district liability.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Borrero | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 111 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Died in Student Academic Success Subcommittee
- 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
- Now in Student Academic Success Subcommittee
- Referred to Education & Employment Committee
- Referred to Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
- Referred to Student Academic Success Subcommittee
- Filed