(1) As used in this section, the term “military student” means a student who is:(a) Enrolled in a school district, charter school, or any school or educational institution participating in an educational choice scholarship program established pursuant to chapter 1002; and
(b) A dependent of a current member of the United States military serving on active duty in, or a former member of, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard; a reserve component of any branch of the United States military; or the Florida National Guard.
(2)(a) The Department of Education shall establish the Purple Star Campus program. At a minimum, the program must require a participating school to:1. Designate a staff member as a military liaison.
2. Maintain a web page on the school’s website which includes resources for military students and their families.
3. Maintain a student-led transition program that assists military students in transitioning into the school.
4. Offer professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students.
5. Reserve at least 5 percent of controlled open enrollment seats for military students.
(b) The department may establish additional criteria to identify schools that demonstrate a commitment to or provide critical transition supports for military-connected families, such as hosting an annual military recognition event, partnering with a school liaison officer from a military installation, supporting projects that connect the school with the military community, and providing outreach for military parents and their children.
(3) A school may partner with a school district to procure digital, professional development, or other assistance necessary for the school to meet the criteria specified in subsection (2).
(4) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement this section.
