School uniform legislation headed to governor

Legislation provides $14M to districts that voluntarily adopt uniform policy

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Legislation providing $14 million to school districts that voluntarily adopt a school uniform policy is on its way to the governor. Some are questioning the lack of controls on how the cash will be used.

This year, eight school districts took advantage of a first-ever school uniform policy. It gives $10 to the district for every student enrolled. The cost was $4 million. This year, lawmakers are upping the ante to $14 million.

Recommended Videos



"We want to use it as an option, not a mandate," Sen. Don Gaetz said.

And for the first time, charter schools can get the money.

"We have a lot of educational needs in the state of Florida," Sen. Jeff Clemons said. "Fourteen million dollars could be used for something, in my estimation, more important than school uniforms."

Once it was clear the legislation was passing, some questioned why schools aren't required to spend the money on uniforms. They can spend it on anything they want.

"I'd hate to see a school district reside the football field when we're giving them ten dollars towards uniforms or something," Sen. Chris Smith said.

The lack of controls was also a concern for the Senate Democratic Leader

"This gives money to school districts without any instructions, and parents don't have the right to the funds," Sen. Arthenia Joyner said.

A uniform will cost parents about $30. Most families, reporter Mike Vasilinda was told, spend between $200-$300 a year. That's a lot more than the $10 schools are getting for each student.

"Pants for the boys run around $16," said Willie Schumacher, of G. Willie's Uniforms.

Last year's cash was a one-time appropriation. But now that lawmakers have made the program permanent, more districts are likely to adopt uniforms. If only to get more money.

Questions were also raised about religious preferences and uniforms, but sponsors said the state's largest district, Miami-Dade, adopted uniforms last year and has had no problems.