Will new law force Manatee to change school start times? Here’s what to know

Bradenton Herald | By Carter Weinhofer | April 9, 2026

Manatee County school leaders are requesting an exemption from a Florida law that would push high school start times an hour later, saying the change could double transportation needs and worsen traffic.

The district plans to file for the exemption while surveying families about a smaller 15-minute schedule shift.

Here are key takeaways:

• What the law requires: Senate Bill 296 says high schools cannot start earlier than 8:30 a.m. Non-compliant districts must implement the change by July. Manatee County high schools currently start at 7:30 a.m.
• Transportation impact: The district’s buses run on a tiered route system. Unified start times could require two to three times the number of buses and drivers. The 2025-26 bus budget is $24.8 million.
• Traffic concerns: Doubling the bus fleet would put about 200 buses on the road at start and dismissal times. Deputy Superintendent of Operations Willie Clark called the potential traffic impact “catastrophic.”
• Families support current schedule: A district survey of 2,900 families showed 80% said current start times work well for their children.
• Exemption path: The law allows districts to seek exemptions by showing financial impacts and unintended consequences. Superintendent Laurie Breslin said she feels “fairly confident” the exemption won’t be denied.
• A possible compromise: School Board Member Charlie Kennedy proposed surveying families about shifting all start times 15 minutes later — a “baby step” he said would not cost extra. The board agreed to send the survey.