DeSantis signs a sweeping bill that expands services and funding for students with autism
By Rick Mayer
May 29, 2025 at 11:54 AM EDT
The measure, a priority of Senate President Ben Albritton, is intended to improve early intervention, school readiness, educational opportunities and workforce training.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a bipartisan measure that would expand services and funding opportunities for Florida students with autism.
The measure (SB 112) is intended to improve early intervention, school readiness, educational opportunities and workforce training for students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Specifics of the law include:
The legislation, which passed with unanimous votes in the House and Senate, carries an annual cost of nearly $756,000 and authorizes the hiring of six full-time positions.
It was a priority measure for Senate President Ben Albritton, who thanked the governor in a prepared statement.
“With this bill, Florida is offering new support from all angles, coordinating research and training, expanding early detection, and increasing education opportunities and other treatment that will help families navigate a diagnosis of autism,” Albritton, R-Wauchula, said.
“As always, parents are in control and equipped to make the best decisions to help children reach their full potential.”
The state education commissioner must review autism-related training programs and report findings to the Legislature.
The measure (SB 112) is intended to improve early intervention, school readiness, educational opportunities and workforce training for students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Specifics of the law include:
- Students with disabilities up to age 4 can stay in Early Steps, an intervention program. Beforehand, it ended at age 3.
- Provides startup grants for the development of charter schools for students with autism and funds summer programs and camp.
- Creates a free “microcredential” autism program for teachers and child care personnel.
- Requires the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Florida to act as a statewide hub for autism research, grants and services.
- Expands the Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant Program to include free screenings for autism at any age.
The legislation, which passed with unanimous votes in the House and Senate, carries an annual cost of nearly $756,000 and authorizes the hiring of six full-time positions.
It was a priority measure for Senate President Ben Albritton, who thanked the governor in a prepared statement.
“With this bill, Florida is offering new support from all angles, coordinating research and training, expanding early detection, and increasing education opportunities and other treatment that will help families navigate a diagnosis of autism,” Albritton, R-Wauchula, said.
“As always, parents are in control and equipped to make the best decisions to help children reach their full potential.”
The state education commissioner must review autism-related training programs and report findings to the Legislature.