Florida high school students have a new path to meeting graduation requirements, thanks to a law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis taking effect July 1.
CS/HB 453 updates Florida’s standard high school diploma requirements, allowing students to satisfy both physical education and performing arts credits through marching band participation. It also opens a new option for students with disabilities, letting them fulfill their PE requirement through Special Olympics.
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Marching band now counts for two credits
Under the new law, students who complete two years of marching band will satisfy both the one-credit physical education requirement and the one-credit performing arts requirement for a standard high school diploma.
Students who complete just one semester of marching band — earning a grade of “C” or better — can receive one-half credit toward either physical education or performing arts.
The law specifies that marching band credit cannot be used to satisfy the personal fitness requirement or any adaptive physical education requirement outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan.
Special Olympics path for students with disabilities
The new law also expands options for students with disabilities, allowing them to participate in Special Olympics as a course substitution for the physical education graduation requirement.
To use this option, a student must participate in Special Olympics for one full school year, as determined by the student’s IEP team.
What stays the same
Other existing pathways for earning physical education credit remain in place. Students can still satisfy the PE requirement by participating in a junior varsity or varsity interscholastic sport for two full seasons.
Completion of two years in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) program — with a significant drill component — also continues to satisfy both the physical education and performing arts requirements.
Law takes effect July 1
The legislation, passed during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session, takes effect July 1, 2026. The State Board of Education is directed to adopt rules to implement the law’s provisions.