Florida’s high school financial literacy requirement takes hold this year
Tampa Bay Times | By: Nakylah Carter and Jeffrey S. Solochek | October 8, 2026
The big story: This school year marks the first in Florida where all high school graduates will leave with a completed financial literacy course on their transcripts.
The move originates from a 2022 law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that required high school students starting the 2023-24 school year to take a financial literacy course. State lawmakers took nearly a decade to approve the concept.
With the requirement now in place, the newly released 2026 National Report Card on State Efforts to Improve Financial Literacy in High Schools projects Florida will receive an A in its rating, moving up two letter grades from its current C. It says students will benefit.
“Adopting a standalone, full-semester high school personal finance graduation requirement is a vital first step in delivering effective financial education to all students,” said Billy Hensley, president and CEO of The National Endowment for Financial Education. “(The organization) applauds Florida and supports educational leaders as they work to effectively implement these programs in the classroom.”
The Class of 2027 is the first to earn the mandatory one-half credit in personal financial literacy and money management, with class instruction ranging from types of bank accounts and debt, to taxes and credit scores.
“Financial literacy is an important life skill for a student to have,” wrote Governor Ron DeSantis. “Ensuring our students have the skills to manage their finances and perhaps one day own a business will pay dividends for our state. I am proud to sign this bill to support the future of Florida’s students and ultimately their families and communities.
