Florida law mandates annual autism training for teachers

A new Florida law, House Bill 851, mandates that all school districts in the state provide autism-specific training to teachers and administrators at least once per school year. The law, which took effect in July, requires training to cover evidence-based practices, including academic instruction, behavioral supports, communication strategies, and inclusive classroom techniques for students with varying levels of need.

To comply with the mandate, districts must develop their curricula in consultation with their assigned Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), a network of university-affiliated centers. In Alachua County, the University of Florida College of Education is partnering with Alachua County Public Schools and UF CARD to create free, accessible coursework designed to help educators support neurodivergent students and strengthen inclusive practices.