Study says Florida’s eviction crisis is pushing more students out of classrooms
Florida’s eviction rates are climbing — and the effects are reaching far beyond housing. Educators and researchers warn that the state’s growing eviction crisis is disrupting students’ education, forcing them to change schools, miss days in class, and fall behind academically.
In Orange County, more than 8,800 students are without a permanent home — a 50% increase since 2019, according to district records. Most are living in shared housing or motels.
Hillsborough County Public Schools reports 1.2% of its student population is currently experiencing homelessness.
Eviction Lab research finds children whose families face eviction are three times more likely to switch schools mid-year, miss two more school days than their peers, and face a higher risk of suspension. These changes often place students in lower-performing schools with fewer resources, compounding academic struggles.
"Your education is impacted. Children whose families are evicted are more likely to be moved to new schools, more likely to be suspended and more likely to rack up absences. That really does impact a child's stability beyond the house," said Carmen Vallejo, Communications Specialist at Eviction Lab.
The federal McKinney-Vento Act gives homeless students the right to remain in their original school even if they move to another district. But April Cobb, chair of the Sunshine Education Coalition, says transportation delays can keep students out of class for weeks.
"Sometimes they could be out of school up to 30, sometimes 60 days. It's not a quick transition," Cobb explained.
Advocates urge families to speak up before an eviction notice arrives.
"We just need families to be more proactive. Being proactive puts you in a better position to get support versus getting the 30-day notice," Cobb said.
Eviction Lab notes that eviction isn’t just a housing issue — it’s tied to poorer health outcomes and even shorter lifespans. For students, the ripple effects can last for years, reducing graduation rates and long-term opportunities.
Local leaders say that without expanded rental assistance, affordable housing construction, and stronger transportation services for displaced students, more children could lose both their homes and their footing in school.