Florida Governor Considering Bill Banning Cell Phones in Schools

A student uses a cell phone after unlocking the pouch that secures it from use during the school day at Bayside Academy in San Mateo, Calif., on Aug. 16, 2024. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle via AP

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is considering a state bill that seeks to keep students away from cell phones in schools.

The bill, known as HB 1105, was approved by the House of Representatives on May 2 with 85 votes in favor and 14 against, and by the state Senate with 26 votes in favor and 5 against. It was sent to DeSantis’s office on May 23 for his signature.

If enacted by the governor, the law will take effect on July 1, 2025.

The bill prohibits Florida elementary and middle school students from using cell phones during class.

It also prohibits the use of mobile devices for high school students during school hours, unless authorized or used in areas designated by the school board.

The bill requires the District School Board to adopt a code of conduct for elementary, middle, and high school students. The code must be distributed to school staff, students, and parents, and discussed at the beginning of each school year with students, the school advisory council, and at parent-teacher meetings.

This code of conduct must include a warning that disciplinary measures or criminal penalties may apply if a cell phone is used in a criminal act.

This bill provides exceptions to the ban on cell phone use for medical or educational needs, such as an individualized education plan (IEP), a 504 accommodation plan for students with disabilities, or a note from a licensed physician certifying on written order that the student requires the use of a mobile device.

The state Department of Education is required to create a pilot program in six districts to evaluate the ban on cell phones during the entire school day.

The law also requires the department to submit a report to the Florida Legislature summarizing the effect of each school district’s policy on student performance and behavior by Dec. 1, 2026.

The report must include a model policy that school districts and charter schools may adopt regarding the restricted use of cell phones or other electronic devices.

A growing number of states are taking similar steps to ban students from using cell phones during school hours. In late January, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed legislation to ban elementary and secondary school students from using their cell phones during school days in order to prevent distractions.

In addition, other major cities around the world, such as Quebec, Canada, and Edinburgh, Scotland, have implemented similar measures from elementary school through high school to support student socialization, combat cyberbullying, and focus students’ attention on teachers during class.