New subject coming to Florida schools next year. Here’s what students can expect
Following last year’s Legislative session, Florida students can expect to see a new subject in their schools starting in 2026.
More specifically, a law passed last year (SB 1264) will require public schools to teach about the history of communism.
The coursework involves instruction on communist movements in places like Russia, China, Cuba, and even in the U.S. itself. According to Legislative analysts, instruction must include “age-appropriate” content about the following:
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The history of communism in the U.S. and domestic communist movements
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Atrocities committed in foreign countries under the guidance of communism
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Comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism
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The increasing threat of communism in the U.S. and to its allies
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The economic, industrial, and political events that have preceded communist revolutions
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The communist policies of Cuba and the spread of communist ideologies throughout Latin America
According to the law’s text, the subject is slated to be taught as part of a school’s social studies or language arts curriculum.
Amendments aimed at adding more criteria to the coursework — such as education on McCarthyism or the idea that the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot could lead to communism — failed to pass, though the bill still received strong support in both the state House and Senate.
The law was ultimately signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April 2024, with the State Board of Education becoming responsible for developing course standards.
State officials noted earlier this year that workgroups met between December 2024 and April 2025 to craft these standards, which will be considered for adoption at a BOE meeting in the fall.
Regardless of when the standards are adopted, the coursework is scheduled to be integrated in classrooms beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
News 6 has reached out to the Florida Department of Education for more information about the proposed standards and is awaiting a response.
Anthony Talcott
Anthony, a graduate of the University of Florida, joined ClickOrlando.com in April 2022.