The Suwannee County School District is informing families of new statewide legislation aimed at regulating student cell phone use during the school day. Florida’s House Bill 1105 introduces specific guidelines for all public schools and is set to impact students from K-12th grade.
The bill:
• Prohibits devices use by K-8th students during the school day.
• Prohibits 9th-12th grade students use during instructional time, except as authorized, with teacher-designated storage areas and Suwannee County School Board adopted usage zones.
• Provides exceptions for medical or educational needs.
• Requires the Department of Education (DOE) to study full-day restrictions in high schools in six districts and submit a report with a model policy by December 1, 2026.
This bill goes into effect for the Suwannee County School District on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Kindergarten–8th Grade: Students may possess a wireless communications device while on school property or in attendance at a school function, but students are not allowed to use the device at all during the school day (from the first bell to the last).
9th–12th Grade: Students may possess a wireless communications device but may only use the device outside of class time or if a teacher gives permission to use them for learning. Wireless communication devices must be put away in teacher-designated storage areas during instructional time. Usage zones will be established during instructional time.
The state is also starting a pilot program to explore full-day phone restrictions in schools.
For more information on House Bill 1105, please click here.