State policy does not specify a number of students per class or teacher-to-student ratio in physical education classes.
Each district school board must adopt a written policy detailing the physical education program outcomes, its benefits, and compliance reporting requirements. Instruction must be reviewed by a certified instructor to ensure adherence to state standards (Fla. Stat. § 1003.455[1–2]). Physical education programs must emphasize physical fitness and moderate-to-vigorous activity while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles for all students (Fla. Stat. § 1003.455[1], 6 A-1.09412, 6 A-1.09401, and §1003.41). Districts must adopt policies ensuring student outcomes are aligned with state goals.
Participation in interscholastic sports for two full seasons or completion of JROTC for two years can satisfy the high school physical education graduation credit requirement (Fla. Stat. § 1003.4282[3][f]). Students may waive physical education requirements if enrolled in a remedial course, a parent requests in writing that the student enroll in another elective course, or the student participates in equivalent physical activity outside school hours equal to or exceeding the physical education requirement (Fla. Stat. § 1003.455[4]).
Students in Grades K–5 must have 100 minutes of supervised recess per week, with at least 20 consecutive minutes of unstructured, free-play recess daily. This requirement does not apply to charter schools (Fla. Stat. § 1003.455[6]). Districts are encouraged to expand community access to school recreation facilities through shared-use agreements consistent with Fla. Stat.§1013.101.
There are no specific mandates for statewide fitness assessments within the reviewed content.
There is no specific language regarding the maintenance, storage, or usage of facilities and equipment for physical education.
Regulations explicitly allow physical education to be delivered through online instruction at both the middle and high school levels. Online physical education may fulfill requirements when completed through approved virtual courses that meet state standards. Middle school students may waive in-person physical education by enrolling in a full-year online course, and high school students may earn physical education credit through online programs (§1011.61[1][c]).
K–12 teachers must either hold a bachelor’s degree with a major in physical education, or have 30 semester hours of physical education coursework, including areas such as kinesiology, adapted physical education (APE), and applied exercise physiology (Fla. Admin. Code r. 6 A-4.0283). New in 2025, teachers must demonstrate mastery in general and subject area knowledge as well as professional preparation via state-approved tests, a master’s degree in the content area, or a valid professional license issued by another state (Fla. Stat. § 1012.56 [2–3]).
Students with disabilities must receive appropriate APE as specified in their or Section 504 plan under federal regulation.
School districts may seek public or private partnerships or other funding sources to support programs. There is no specific language detailing procurement or allocation of funding related to physical education.
Each district must annually review its local wellness policy and provide opportunities for revisions. The Department of Education must maintain links to wellness resources, including nutrition guidelines and coordinated school health programs (Fla. Stat. § 1003.453[1–2]).
There is no specific mention of teacher evaluations for physical education instructors within the regulations.
Recent updates emphasize the importance of incorporating CPR training in Grades 6, 8, 9, and 11, including hands-on practice with automated external defibrillators when equipment is available (Fla. Stat. § 1003.453[3]).
Regulations assign responsibility for physical education policy implementation to Local Education Agencies through curriculum standards and graduation requirements. The regulations include enforcement provisions such as required district reporting on physical education implementation, parent notification for physical education waivers, and annual review of schoollevel wellness policy implementation. They do not include specific penalties for noncompliance.
For more details, call the Florida Department of Education at (850) 245–0505, email commissioner@fldoe.org, or go to 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.