Florida students will once again be required to learn cursive writing in elementary school under a sweeping new education law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The legislation (SB 182), which takes effect July 1, mandates that public schools provide cursive instruction for students in grades three through five. By the end of fifth grade, students must demonstrate proficiency, including the ability to write upper- and lowercase letters, form words and sentences legibly, and apply cursive writing in essays and other assignments.
State officials said the move is aimed at ensuring cursive writing does not become a lost skill, reviving a requirement that was phased out in 2010 when Florida adopted Common Core standards.
The law also introduces additional measures, including a requirement for public schools to display portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in a prominent location.
Another provision establishes a School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program, allowing experienced or retired educators to support staff at underperforming schools. Participating teachers could receive stipends of up to $3,000.
However, questions remain about how some aspects of the law will be implemented, particularly as budget negotiations between lawmakers remain unresolved. Funding for both the portrait requirement and the mentoring program is subject to legislative approval, leaving uncertainty over whether schools or the state will bear the costs.
Despite the new mandate, some school districts say the impact may be minimal. Broward County Public Schools indicated that cursive writing is already part of its elementary curriculum.
The district’s chief academic officer, Fabian Cone, said the legislation would mainly help standardize instruction across schools rather than introduce significant changes.
Florida’s Department of Education has required cursive instruction at certain grade levels since 2014, but the new law formalizes proficiency standards and expands expectations as students prepare to leave elementary school.
