by TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida has passed a new law allowing parents to opt their children in for corporal punishment at school under specific conditions. HB 1255, which took effect last month, updates existing regulations around school spankings.
Parental Consent Now Required
Under HB 1255, school districts that permit corporal punishment must now obtain parental consent before any administration. “The policy must specify that parent consent is provided for the entire school year or before each administration of corporal punishment,” legislative analysts said. Charter schools are also required to comply with the updated guidelines.
Florida Among States Allowing Corporal Punishment
Florida remains one of 17 states where corporal punishment in schools is allowed, according to the National Education Association. Even before HB 1255, state law required:
- Principal approval before administering corporal punishment
- Strict adherence to disciplinary guidelines
- Presence of another adult during punishment
- Written explanation to parents if requested
Corporal Punishment Remains Rare
Despite its legality, corporal punishment is uncommon in Florida schools. The Florida Department of Education reported 516 instances during the 2023–2024 school year across 17 counties:
- Calhoun County: 59
- Columbia County: 50
- Dixie County: N/A
- Franklin County: 11
- Gilchrist County: 27
- Hamilton County: 16
- Hardee County: 14
- Holmes County: 65
- Jackson County: 24
- Lafayette County: 34
- Levy County: 19
- Liberty County: 31
- St. Johns County: N/A
- Suwannee County: 74
- Union County: N/A
- Wakulla County: 45
- Washington County: 43
Ensuring Safety and Accountability
The new law emphasizes parental involvement while maintaining strict safeguards for students, ensuring that corporal punishment remains a regulated and rare disciplinary measure.
Reactions and Concerns
The new law has sparked a range of reactions among parents, educators, and child advocacy groups. Supporters argue that parental consent ensures families have a say in disciplinary methods, while critics raise concerns about the potential psychological impact on children.
Education officials stress that strict guidelines and oversight remain in place to prevent misuse, and that corporal punishment continues to be a rarely used option across the state
