PANAMA CITY, FL - On December 17, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that an additional 176 Florida schools have earned the Purple Star School of Distinction designation for their extensive support of military families. There are now nearly 400 schools throughout the state that have earned a Purple Star School designation. Additionally, five school districts have earned the Florida Purple Star School District designation established this year. The five school districts awarded the Florida Purple Star School District designation are Bay, Brevard, Citrus, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa. 

“We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation.”

“Congratulations to the schools earning the Purple Star School of Distinction designation,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ unwavering commitment to our servicemembers, these schools are going above and beyond to support our military families. This designation will go a long way toward guiding veterans and military families through the challenges they face.”

To earn the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction designation, schools are required to maintain the following:

• A military point-of-contact to serve as a liaison for military families;
• A school webpage for military students and families that includes specifically-focused resources like academic planning, transition planning, and educational opportunities;
• A student-led transition program to assist military students coming into the school;
• Professional development training for staff to identify and respond to the needs of military families;
• 5% open-enrollment seats for military students and families; and
• Three elective opportunities to further support military families, such as participating in a service project to connect the school with the military community, hosting an annual military recognition event, or offering a JROTC program, among others. 

The Purple Star School of Distinction program was established by the Florida Legislature in 2021. In the first two years, nearly 200 schools completed all the requirements to earn the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation. All Florida public schools and private schools participating in state scholarship programs are eligible.

The Purple Star School District program recognizes districts that overwhelmingly support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges, and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment. 

Governor Ron DeSantis has supported active military and veteran families through numerous initiatives and legislation, including:

• Investing in the Heroes in the Classroom Bonus Program through the signing of House Bill 1035 to provide a one-time sign-on bonus to retired first responders and veterans who become a full-time classroom teacher;
• Establishing the Collegiate Purple Star Campuses Program to support military members, veterans and their families while they are attending a Florida college or university;
• Re-enacting the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to ensure a smooth transition for children of active-duty military families by streamlining school placement, enrollment, records transfers and verification of graduation requirements;
• Signing Senate Bill 896 into law to create the Military Veterans Certification Pathway to help veterans access jobs in education by allowing their military service to count toward the requirements for a temporary educator certificate under the mentorship of a certified teacher;
• Allowing state agencies to substitute military experience for postsecondary education, so that veterans can use on their experience to apply for upper-level civilian positions; and
• Facilitating college credit for certain military experience to recognize the value of education and training received while in the service.

For more information about the Purple Star designations and a complete list of schools, visit https://www.fldoe.org/schools/family-community/activities-programs/parental-involvement/purple-star.stml