It was the first bill to pass the Senate and now it’s the law; DeSantis signs autism package
Sen. Gayle Harrell (L) and Senate President Ben Alblritton. (Photo by Christine Sexton/Florida Phoenix)A bill that increases early detection opportunities and educational interventions for children with autism and their families (and a top priority for Senate President Ben Albritton) was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Thank you Governor DeSantis for signing this comprehensive legislation into law. 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,” Ben Albritton, a Republican from Wauchula, said in a prepared statement.
“As always, parents are in control and equipped to make the best decisions to help children reach their full potential.”
The bill directs the Florida Department of Health to provide Florida families with early intervention therapies and services through the Early Steps program until the child turns four. That program provides intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers. Under existing law, children age out of the program when they turn three.
The bill creates two education-related grant programs: one for specialized summer programs for children with autism and the other to support charter schools exclusively serving them. The University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment is designated as the statewide hub for autism research, services, and best practices.
The center also will be in charge of a grant program to establish charter schools for children with autism. Grants will be prioritized for schools serving rural and underserved areas, those with demonstrable success in establishing and operating a charter school exclusively for students with autism and related disorders, and programs that use existing facilities.
SB 112 was the first bill to pass the Senate during the 2025 session. At the time, Albritton said the legislation was the state’s response to an outcry from parents of children with autism he has met over his political career.
‘Game changer’
Bill sponsor Sen. Gayle Harrell in a prepared statement called the new law a “game changer.”
“Research is clear. Early detection and intervention services promote positive outcomes for infants, toddlers, and children with a disability or developmental delay,” Harrell said.
“This bill gives parents the opportunity to continue critical early intervention services provided through the Early Steps Program until their child turns four and begins receiving services at school. Additionally, by developing summer programs designed specifically for children with Autism, we can help parents find summer camps and other activities that can accommodate the specific needs of a child with autism, ensuring year-round continuity of care.”
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), defines autism spectrum disorder as a condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction and repetitive behaviors. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2020, one in 36 children aged 8 were estimated to have autism.
The bill is policy-driven only. There is no appropriation in the legislation to help fund the new law. The money will have to be included in the state fiscal year 2025-26 budget, which the Legislature has yet to pass. The Legislature is at an impasse over state spending and tax relief.