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Florida Senator Files Bill to Repeal Charter Colocation Rule as Districts Brace for Moves

The measure responds to rent-free access for Schools of Hope charters that districts say creates an unfunded mandate.

Broward State Rep. Robin Bartleman (D-Weston) and state Sen. Rosalind Osgood (D-Fort Lauderdale) discuss ways they plan to deal with a new law that allows certain charter schools to co-locate on school campuses. Broward legislators held a joint meeting Monday with the Broward School Board. (BECON / Screen shot)
Florida State Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, has filed a bill that would eliminate the ability of certain charter schools to "co-locate" in public schools that do not use all their space. (Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

Overview

  • SB 424 by Sen. Darryl Rouson would remove statutory language requiring districts to let Schools of Hope use underused, vacant or surplus space without rent or operational costs.
  • If approved, the repeal would take effect July 1, 2026, and Rouson says a House companion is anticipated though not yet filed.
  • Districts are acting as formal notices land this week, with Broward canceling a $2.6 million lease to move staff into empty buildings, Sarasota planning sales and relocations, and Duval meeting with its delegation.
  • The colocation rule took effect with the 2025–26 budget and broadened eligibility statewide by linking the program to federally designated Opportunity Zones.
  • Teachers unions and advocacy groups call the rule an unfunded mandate, and Broward legislators discussed adding guardrails, with Sen. Rosalind Osgood saying she will co-sponsor Rouson’s effort.