State lawmakers are one step closer to overturning a rule that delayed school start times for middle and high school students.

The reversal bill passed unanimously in the Senate and now heads to the House. If approved, local officials would regain control over school start times.

This brings middle and high school students closer to keeping their original start times, rather than the later schedule mandated by a law passed two years ago – House Bill 733. That law required middle schools to start after 8:00 a.m. and high schools after 8:30 a.m., citing research suggesting teenagers need more sleep.

However, some parents argue the change could backfire.

“I think kids will just stay up later,” Norma Tutt, a concerned mother, told WFLA. “If they’re already getting less sleep, pushing the start time later won’t help—it’ll just give them more time to stay awake.”

School districts were initially required to implement the new schedule by July of next year, but logistical challenges, particularly with bus routes, have made the transition difficult.

“We need at least an hour between bus routes and bell times to serve different areas of the county,” explained Ryan DelliVeniri, Chairman of the District Advisory Council for Polk County Public Schools.

The push to reverse the law comes after several counties raised concerns about its impact on students. Many parents have also voiced their preference for local control over school schedules.

“I think Governor DeSantis should have left it up to each county,” Tutt added. “There could be a broad guideline, but counties should decide whether to enforce it.”

For some, the later start times could interfere with extracurricular activities.

“My daughter plays golf, and it gets dark around 5 or 5:30 in the fall,” Tenesia Campbell told WFLA. “If school ends at 3:30, there’s hardly any time for practice. You can’t see the ball in the dark.”

If the bill passes and is signed into law, it will take effect this July.

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