TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Ron DeSantis has signed legislation requiring Florida school districts to offer annual autism-specific professional learning opportunities for teachers and school administrators.
The bill, sponsored by Rob Long, requires districts to work with Florida’s Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities to provide evidence-based training focused on academic instruction, behavioral support, communication strategies, and inclusive classroom practices for students with autism spectrum disorder.
The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
“This law helps ensure that educators and administrators working with students on the autism spectrum have access to practical, evidence-based training,” Long said in a statement.
The measure passed unanimously in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, receiving a 108-0 vote in the House and a 38-0 vote in the Senate.
The legislation comes as autism diagnoses continue rising nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder.
The issue also carries growing significance for Black families. Federal health data shows Black children historically have often been diagnosed with autism later than white children, delaying access to early intervention services, educational accommodations, and specialized support. Researchers and advocates have also pointed to disparities in healthcare access and autism-related resources in many underserved communities.
Supporters of the bill say expanding autism-specific educator training could help schools better recognize and support students with varying needs earlier in their academic development.
Long described the legislation as personal, noting his father worked as a civil rights attorney advocating for children with disabilities and their families.
Supporters say the law is designed to strengthen classroom support for students with autism while giving educators greater access to proven strategies and regional autism specialists.
