Florida HB 1105 prohibits Pre K-8th grade students from using cellphones during the day for any reason. Note that possession is not prohibited, only usage.
We have a county-by-county breakdown of the rules for students when it comes to cellphones and electronic communication devices.
Duval County
Unless a teacher gives permission, students will need to keep their cell phones off, out-of-sight, and inside their bookbag or purse during class according to the updated 2024-25 Student Code of Conduct.
Approved by the School Board on Tuesday, the updated cell phone policy in the Student Code of Conduct only slightly revises the policy from previous years. For example, last year cell phones still had to be off and out of sight during class. However, they could be in a student’s pocket.
Now, the pocket is not an option. In addition to being off and out of sight, cell phones must not be on a student’s person at all. This applies not just to cell phones, but to all wireless communication auxiliary devices such as watches and ear buds. The only exception to this is if a teacher provides permission.
Like last year, confiscation of the cell phone is the result for violating the policy. Once confiscated, the cell phone can only be returned to the student’s parent or guardian.
Both the elementary and secondary Code of Conducts are typically posted at website within two weeks of Board approval.
St. Johns County
Per the SJCSD Student Code of Conduct, students may possess cellphones at school, on buses, and at school functions. However, they must be turned off and stored in the student’s backpack, purse, locker or vehicle.
The device can not be used during the school day without administrative approval.
Students may use their cellphones and electronic devices for instructional purposes with teacher approval only (i.e. research).
Students are not permitted to listen to music, text, take pictures/videos, tape conversations, etc.
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schoolservices/conduct.
Clay County
The Clay County School District’s updated cellphone policy doesn't allow elementary or junior high students to use their cellphones or wireless devices during school hours.
High schoolers are only allowed to use their phones during lunch.
Students can use phones during class if a teacher permits them for instructional use.
Along with using cellphones, tablets and gaming systems, students are banned from wearing AirPods earbuds or headphones on school grounds.
In the event of a school-wide emergency, students will have access to their devices.
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://as.myoneclay.net/student-code-of-conduct.
Nassau County
All cellphones and other wireless devices (including air pods and ear buds) need to be put away and secured in a backpack, purse, or bag (out of sight) while in the classroom during instructional time unless directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes. High school students may use their devices during class transition and lunchtime.
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.nassau.k12.fl.us/Page/4647.
Flagler County
Students can have cellphones, iPods, tablets, and other wireless communication devices at school, on buses, and at school functions; however, a student may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when a written safety or medical plan exists for a student.
Devices may be used on the school bus provided they are quiet, and the student uses headphones or other noise-canceling devices.
Failure to comply may result in the device being confiscated. Repeated failure to comply will be considered defiance of school rules.
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.flaglerschools.com/students-families/behavior-discipline.
Putnam County
A student can have an electronic device while the student is on school property, on school buses or in attendance at a school function.
An electronic device is any device that is powered by electricity or battery or is an accessory to such a device, which is not required by the curriculum. Such devices may include, but are not limited to, cellphones, smart watches, MP3 players, cameras, headphones, ear buds, tablets, laptops or similar devices.
Students must keep any electronic device (see list above) on their person and out of sight.
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.putnamschools.org/documents/students-%26-families/student-code-of-conduct/163028.
Alachua County
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.sbac.edu/Page/3665.
Baker County
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.bakerk12.org/.
Bradford County
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.bradfordschools.org/.
Columbia County
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.columbiak12.com/.
Union County
The district's Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.union.k12.fl.us/.
