Dear Florida,

We have received reports that the U.S. Department of Education will release the remaining federal education funds that have been withheld since July 1, $396 million specifically for Florida. This is a promising development and a powerful reminder that advocacy works.

It has been a decisive and fast-moving few days. On Monday, July 21, we filed a federal lawsuit alongside our coalition of school districts, unions, and nonprofit organizations. Just three days later, on Thursday, July 24, the judge assigned to our case agreed to hear it alongside a similar lawsuit brought by 22 other states, which did not include Florida’s children. 

Now, less than a week after our filing, and day after the decision for the parallel track of both cases, the administration has announced the full release of all previously withheld federal education funds. The timing speaks volumes. While we cannot say definitively what prompted the shift, it’s clear that coordinated legal and public pressure helped move the needle.

Despite the positive development, our case remains pending. We will continue to monitor the situation to determine what next steps are necessary.

Let us also take a moment to reflect on the fact that this never should have happened. The funding was approved by Congress and intended to support children. It should not have been withheld without explanation. Districts across Florida were preparing to make difficult decisions about staffing, programming, and student supports due to the lack of clarity and financial stability.

We will be monitoring this closely in partnership with Democracy Forward and Jacobson Lawyers Group to ensure full accountability. Our goal is to make sure that all withheld formula funds are released immediately and reach local school districts without delay, without any new federal conditions or certification requirements that could further delay or complicate distribution, as mentioned in media reports. 

We are deeply grateful to the families, unions, school leaders, nonprofit partners, and elected officials from across the political spectrum who spoke up and stood firm for students. Your voices made a difference.

Advocacy takes persistence, but it works. And we will continue standing up for what every student in Florida deserves a well-funded, fully supported public education.

For the children,

Florida PTA