Required Instruction
Overview
Section 1003.42, Florida Statutes, outlines the topics that must be taught in Florida’s public schools as part of required instruction. The Florida Department of Education supports districts in fulfilling these requirements through guidance, resources and tools to ensure students receive instruction that promotes civic responsibility, character development, historical understanding and digital safety.
Each district is required to submit an annual implementation plan outlining how it will meet the requirements of the statute. The plan must be submitted no later than July 1 of each year.
Annual Implementation Plan Submission
Submission Deadline
Districts must submit their Required Instruction Implementation Plan by July 1 each year.
Where to Submit
All plans must be submitted through the
Instructional Materials and Library Media District Certifications and Plans Portal
Required Template
Districts must use the Approved Implementation Plan Template provided by the Department.
Download the Required Instruction Implementation Plan Template
This template ensures consistency in documenting how each required instruction topic is addressed across all grade levels.
Weekly Memo Reference:
Details about the template and submission process were shared in the May 16, 2025, Weekly Memo.
View DPS Weekly Memo 2025-48 (PDF)
Contact Information
If you have questions about the submission process or the statutory requirements, please contact:
Office of Library Media and Instructional Materials
Bureau of Standards and Instructional Support
Phone: 850-245-0423
Email: RequiredInstruction@fldoe.org
Statutory Requirements
About Section 1003.42, Florida Statutes
Florida law requires instruction on specific topics to ensure that students are prepared for civic life, understand historical and cultural contributions, and can make responsible decisions in the digital age.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
Civics and U.S. Government
- Declaration of Independence: Teach the history, content and principles.
- U.S. Constitution: Emphasize its structure and especially the Bill of Rights.
- Federalist Papers: Cover the arguments for adopting a republican form of government.
- Flag Education: Teach proper flag display and salute.
- Civil Government: Explain the functions and relationships among different levels of government (federal, state and local).
- Free Enterprise: Study its nature and importance to the U.S. economy.
- Voting: For grades 11–12, include use of the uniform primary and general election ballot.
United States and Florida History
- U.S. History: From discovery and early colonies to civil rights movements, taught as factual and foundational.
- Florida History: Cover significant state events and development.
Holocaust Education
- Holocaust (1933–1945): Teach its historical impact, anti-Semitism and the importance of tolerance and democratic values.
- Holocaust Education Week: Recognized the second week of November.
African American History
- Teach the full scope from African heritage through slavery, abolition, civil rights and contributions of African Americans across society.
- Discussions must be age-appropriate and factual.
Asian American and Pacific Islander History
- Include immigration, internment during WWII, civil rights, culture and contributions to U.S. society.
Hispanic and Women’s Contributions
- Recognize significant contributions of Hispanic Americans and women to U.S. history and society.
Veterans and Patriotism
- Teach the sacrifices of veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Highlight patriotism and democratic values on designated observances.
Character Education
- Include values such as kindness, respect for life and property, honesty, charity and cooperation.
Health and Life Skills Education (K–12)
- General Health Topics: Personal, environmental and community health; safety; nutrition; disease prevention; substance abuse.
- Internet Safety: Required across K–12.
- Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking Prevention
- Teen Dating Violence (Grades 7–12)
- Sexual Abstinence and Pregnancy Prevention (Grades 6–12)
Life Skills:
- Self-awareness, decision-making, resiliency and relationship skills.
- Leadership, career prep, résumé writing and interview skills. (Grades 9–12)
- Social Media Effects (Grades 6–12): Mental health impact, misinformation, online safety and reporting threats.
Other Required Topics
- Agriculture basics.
- The effects of alcohol, drugs and narcotics.
- Kindness to animals.
- Natural resource conservation.
Full Statute Text
View Section 1003.42, Florida Statutes
This section is the legal foundation for required instruction planning and reporting.
Required Instruction Benchmark Alignment Guide
To assist districts with instructional planning and documentation, the Department has developed a Required Instruction Benchmark Alignment Guide (PDF).
What’s Included
- Suggested benchmarks aligned to each required instruction topic
- Organized by topic and grade level
- Aligned to Florida’s current state academic standards
This guide is not comprehensive, but it is designed to support alignment between instruction and the required content areas.
Download the Required Instruction Benchmark Alignment Guide (PDF)
How to Use
- Reference the guide when completing the district implementation plan
- Use suggested benchmarks to identify where instruction is already occurring
- Guide curriculum development or supplemental resources where gaps are identified
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions regarding Required Instruction plan submissions.
A full list of Frequently Asked Questions is included at the end of the Required Instruction Benchmark Alignment Guide (PDF).
Q: Who must submit a Required Instruction plan?
A: All Florida public school districts must submit an annual plan.
Q: Where do we submit the Required Instruction plan?
A: All implementation plans must be submitted through the Instructional Materials and Library Media District Certifications and Plans Portal at https://districts.flimadoption.org.
Q: What happens if a plan is not submitted by July 1?
A: Failure to submit may result in follow-up from the Department and may impact compliance reviews.
Q: Can we modify the approved template?
A: The template may be expanded with district-specific details, but must maintain the original structure and required sections.
Q: Who do we contact for help?
A: The Office of Instructional Materials at RequiredInstruction@fldoe.org or 850-245-0423.
Resources
- Section 1003.42, Florida Statutes
- Required Instruction Plan Template
- Required Instruction Benchmark Alignment Guide (PDF)
- Weekly Memo – Plan Submission Guidance: DPS Weekly Memo 2025-48 (PDF)
- Instructional Materials and Library Media District Certifications and Plans Portal
Contact Information
If you have questions about the submission process or the statutory requirements, please contact:
Office of Library Media and Instructional Materials
Bureau of Standards and Instructional Support
Phone: 850-245-0423
Email: RequiredInstruction@fldoe.org