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HB 1149

Recess Requirements for Middle School Students

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paula Stark

HB 1149 requires Florida middle schools to provide scheduled recess breaks, establishing minimum physical activity time for students currently lacking consistent state-level protections.

Now in Student Academic Success Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 1149

Legislative bill overview

HB 1149 mandates recess requirements for middle school students in Florida, establishing minimum time allocations for unstructured physical activity during the school day. The bill is currently in early committee review stages and has been referred to three education-focused subcommittees for evaluation.

Why is this important

Middle school is a critical developmental period where physical activity supports both mental health and academic performance. The bill addresses a gap in Florida's current regulations, which typically require recess for elementary students but leave middle school policies to individual districts, creating inconsistent access to break time across schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Districts may need to restructure schedules or hire additional supervision staff, raising fiscal concerns during tight budget periods
  • Academic time trade-offs: Schools may argue that mandated recess reduces instructional minutes needed for core subjects and standardized test preparation
  • Definition and enforcement: The bill's specific requirements (duration, frequency, outdoor vs. indoor) and how violations would be monitored remain unclear without seeing full language

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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