Legislative Discussion (SB 994, §322.095, & §322.1615)

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Driving Conversation Roundtable Recap – SB 994 & FLHSMV Engagement

During ADTSEA-FL’s June 2025 Driving Conversation roundtable, significant attention turned toward Florida Senate Bill 994 and its anticipated impact on learner licensing and Driver Education pathways for minors. The session, originally focused on strategic planning for ADTSEA-FL, evolved into a robust, solution-oriented discussion about implementation, equity, and coordination under the new law.

Engaging the FLHSMV

Recognizing the importance of proactive collaboration, ADTSEA-FL formally extended an invitation to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to join a future Driving Conversation. The Department has been asked to attend as both a presenter and a listener—sharing their implementation plans for SB 994 while receiving direct input from Driver Education professionals across the state.

What SB 994 Changes

Effective July 1, 2025, SB 994 amends §322.095 and §322.1615, requiring all new drivers under age 18 to complete a FLHSMV approved course that meets or exceeds Florida Department of Education’s 1900300 course description. This change creates significant questions for public school programs, commercial driving schools, and virtual providers across the state.

Key Concerns Raised

• Timing & Implementation: Many participants expressed uncertainty about whether FLHSMV’s rollout plan would be finalized by July 1, 2025, especially given administrative rule delays.
• Infrastructure Readiness: Participants noted that the current TLSAE certificate and course tracking system is not designed for course completion verification tied to FLDOE-aligned Driver Education standards.
• Public School Course Codes: District leaders expressed concern about whether students could still co-enroll in 1900300 (classroom) and 1900310 (lab) and whether concurrency (classroom + behind-the-wheel) models would remain viable.
• 1900310 Course Concern: School districts that offer Driver Education / Traffic Safety and Lab (1900310) want to know procedures through DELAP or otherwise on how to license students to maximize drive time while in the course.
• Commercial School Adaptation: Commercial providers raised questions about how their TLSAE or in-house courses could be revised to meet new standards—and what approval processes would be required by FLHSMV.
• Need for Unified Curriculum Standards: Many attendees emphasized the urgency of establishing shared expectations and resources for all instructional settings to reduce confusion and ensure consistency.

Collaborative Solutions Discussed

• Encouraging FLHSMV to adopt an open forum with educators and providers during rulemaking.
• Creating a model course framework that commercial schools can adopt and propose for approval.
• Supporting concurrent enrollment in classroom and lab courses to preserve behind-the-wheel opportunities.
• Offering training for schools and commercial providers to navigate the administrative code and certification changes.

Looking Ahead

ADTSEA-FL continues to monitor the implementation of SB 994 and will share updates as guidance from FLHSMV becomes available. The organization encourages all Driver Education professionals to contribute questions, share concerns, and participate in shaping Florida’s response to this significant policy shift.

To receive updates or participate in upcoming roundtables, visit adtsea-fl.org or contact us.