ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida lawmakers are considering a significant expansion of the state’s current cell phone restrictions in schools, with a new bill that could ban student phone use throughout the entire school day.
While current law already prohibits phone use during instructional time, this proposed legislation would extend the ban from the first bell to the last — including lunch and free periods.
Many school officials and lawmakers argue that removing cell phones from the school environment would improve student focus, enhance learning, and even reduce behavioral issues. Orange County Public Schools implemented a full-day phone ban last year, and the results have been striking.
State Senator Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) highlighted the impact, noting:
- A 31% decrease in student fights
- A 21% drop in serious misconduct
- A 158% reduction in school threats
“If we can get cell phones off campuses, let’s do it right now,” said Jordan Rodriguez, principal of Choices in Learning Elementary.
Educators emphasize that cell phones are a persistent distraction, often leading to confrontations when teachers try to enforce existing rules.
“It is a massive distraction. It is a constant battle. Kids become confrontational if you’re addressing them about their cell phones… The negative use far exceeds any positive use,” explained Jordan Rodriguez, an education expert.
The proposed legislation has taken two different forms:
- The House Version: A statewide rollout of the ban, prohibiting cell phone use on all campuses during the entire school day.
- The Senate Version: A pilot program that would test the restrictions in six school districts of varying sizes. Lawmakers would then review a report next year on its effects on student achievement and behavior before deciding on a broader implementation.
While the bill has gained support from educators and lawmakers who see it to improve student outcomes, it also has its critics. Some parents and advocates worry that a full-day ban could limit students’ ability to contact their families in case of an emergency.
As the bill continues to move through the legislative process, the debate over balancing classroom focus with parental communication rights is expected to intensify. The House version recently passed an education subcommittee, but it still has several hurdles to clear before becoming law.
For now, Florida students may soon have to prepare for a school day free of cell phones — whether they like it or not.
