Representative Johanna Lopez And Senator Mack Bernard File Legislation To End Corporal Punishment In Florida’s Public Schools

Florida is one of 17 states that still allow corporal punishment in public schools, a practice defined in law as the “moderate use of physical force or physical contact” to enforce school rules. Although once common nationwide, school corporal punishment has fallen sharply out of favor as research increasingly shows it is ineffective, counterproductive, and potentially harmful. Despite this, 19 school districts in Florida still authorize it, and in the 2023–2024 school year, the Florida Department of Education recorded 516 incidents. Additional records show that the vast majority of these incidents, 84% between 2018 and 2022, stemmed from minor or subjective behaviors such as “inappropriate language” or classroom disruption, rather than violence or danger. Many of the same students are punished repeatedly, reinforcing long-term negative outcomes rather than improving conduct.

Students with disabilities experience corporal punishment at disproportionately high rates. During the 2023–2024 school year, roughly 40% of all reported instances involved students covered under IDEA or the Rehabilitation Act, despite these students making up roughly 20–22% of their districts’ populations.

Decades of research show that corporal punishment is associated with lower academic achievement, higher absenteeism, increased dropout rates, and greater risk of Mental Health challenges. Studies have also linked physical punishment to atypical brain functioning similar to the effects of more severe trauma. Meanwhile, some school districts that have eliminated corporal punishment have not experienced increases in Behavioral Issues. Evidence-based alternatives, including restorative practices and positive behavioral interventions, have proven far more effective at improving student outcomes. Moreover, corporal punishment is prohibited in settings such as prisons and the military due to its potential for abuse and its failure to support rehabilitation or positive behavioral change.

“As a former educator and as a mother, I know firsthand that violence has no place in our classrooms. This bill is about protecting our children’s dignity, their safety, and their right to learn without fear. Corporal punishment is not discipline; it is harm. Florida’s students deserve support, guidance, and evidence-based practices that help them thrive, not methods that traumatize them. With this bill, we take a stand for compassion, for modern education, and for every child’s future,” said Representative Lopez.

“The use of corporal punishment is inconsistent with the school's goals of promoting honesty, responsibility, and self-discipline. Studies show a significant relationship between corporal punishment as a child and future violent behavior. Violence begets violence,” said Senator Bernard.

HB 109 and SB 662 remove all statutory language in Sections 1002.20, 1003.32, 1006.07, and 1012.28 Florida Statutes, that authorizes corporal punishment, and prohibits its use in public schools statewide beginning July 1, 2026. The legislation brings Florida in line with a growing number of states which have adopted bipartisan reforms to protect students, particularly students with disabilities.

If enacted, these bills would take effect on July 1, 2026.