Over 450 schools in Florida and 16 colleges receive Purple Star recognition for military-friendly education this year
Tallahassee, Florida – In a milestone announcement timed with Veterans Day, Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas revealed that 451 schools across Florida have earned the prestigious Purple Star School of Distinction designation. This recognition includes 78 new schools joining the program this year, while all 124 schools from the inaugural cohort renewed their status. Additionally, 16 colleges within the Florida College System received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, including seven newly added institutions, reflecting a statewide commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.
“Florida’s veterans, service members and military families make daily sacrifices to defend our freedom,” said Commissioner Kamoutsas. “Florida’s Purple Star Schools and Collegiate Purple Star Campuses remain steadfast in ensuring military families receive consistent, high-quality education no matter where they are stationed.” The Purple Star recognition underscores the state’s proactive approach in creating educational environments that are responsive to the unique challenges faced by students of active-duty military personnel.
Vice Chair of the State Board of Education, Esther Byrd, emphasized Florida’s dedication to military families. “Florida remains committed in our mission to be the most military-friendly state in the nation. The Purple Star designation highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring that military families have access to the best educational opportunities available,” Byrd said. “We will continue to honor the service and sacrifice of our military veterans and service members by supporting their children and ensuring their success in every classroom across our state.”
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Layla Collins, a State Board of Education Member and veteran herself, also reflected on the significance of the program. “As a veteran myself and wife of a Purple Heart recipient, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices military families make. Our Purple Star Schools and Campuses exemplify what it means to go above and beyond for military-connected students, ensuring that every child is supported and set up for success,” Collins said.
The Purple Star Schools of Distinction Program was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021. It recognizes schools that provide additional support, resources, and services tailored to military-connected students and their families. The program launched with 124 schools and has steadily expanded as more schools meet the rigorous criteria for recognition. The Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program, established in 2023, follows a similar mission at the postsecondary level, acknowledging colleges that demonstrate a clear commitment to military students’ success.
In addition to individual school recognition, the Florida Purple Star School District Designation was established in 2024 to honor districts demonstrating districtwide excellence in supporting military families. To qualify, districts must have at least 75% of their schools earn the Purple Star School of Distinction designation. This year, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) joined five other districts already recognized for their leadership in this area. The designation highlights districts that prioritize educational continuity for military children, ensuring smooth transitions between schools as families move across the country.
Governor DeSantis has continued to champion initiatives supporting military and veteran families in education. Key efforts include the Heroes in the Classroom Bonus Program, which provides a one-time sign-on bonus for retired first responders and veterans who become full-time classroom teachers. Other initiatives re-enact the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, ensuring seamless enrollment, school placement, and graduation verification for military students.
Further legislation, such as Senate Bill 896, created the Military Veterans Certification Pathway, allowing veterans to apply their military experience toward temporary educator certifications under the mentorship of certified teachers. State agencies are also authorized to substitute military and work experience for postsecondary education requirements, helping veterans transition smoothly into civilian careers. Additionally, veterans can receive uniform college credit or clock hours for completed military courses, training, and occupational experience when applying to public postsecondary institutions in Florida.
These designations and legislative actions collectively demonstrate Florida’s ongoing commitment to creating a military-friendly educational landscape, emphasizing both academic support and career pathways for students and veterans alike.
For a comprehensive list of Purple Star Schools of Distinction and information on joining Florida’s growing roster of military-friendly schools, visit the Florida Department of Education’s Purple Star webpage. Details on Florida College System institutions awarded the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation can be found on the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campuses webpage.
With more than 450 schools and 16 colleges now recognized, Florida continues to set a national standard in ensuring that military-connected students have access to consistent, high-quality education, affirming the state’s dedication to the families who serve and sacrifice for the country.
