Florida law mandates that local school districts establish their own attendance policies, including the number of days a student must attend per year and the criteria for excused and unexcused absences
. A student who has 15 or more unexcused absences within a 90-calendar-day period may be classified as a "habitual truant"
. Here's what else you should know:
- Truancy Florida Statute 322.091 states that minors between 14 and 18 years of age who accumulate 15 unexcused absences in any 90-calendar-day period may have their driving privilege suspended
- Excused Absences Absences are classified as excused and unexcused, and the reasons for excused absences are listed in the local school board policy
- Reporting Absences In Pinellas County, parents and students must notify school personnel of an absence prior to the end of the school day, if possible, and provide written notification within 48 hours of the child’s return to school, otherwise the absence will be unexcused
- Broward County Public Schools defines regular attendance as attending more than 95% of the academic school year, which may include up to 8 absences in a 180-day school year
- Hernando County Schools allows parents/guardians to excuse up to five days per semester with a written and signed note
Because attendance policies vary by district, refer to your local school board policy for specific details
