Florida 2026 Session Status: Passed Senate

SB 2516 — Higher Education

Last action — Died in Messages; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 1246 (Ch. 2026-101)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced February 13, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 46% · moderate confidence

  • Passed Senate

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 4 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

Higher Education; Establishing the Florida Center for Nursing within the University of South Florida; providing that a specified fee waiver applies to a student’s out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and fees after other aid is applied; providing that the LINE Fund was established for shortages in health science professions in addition to nursing; requiring institutions awarded grant funds to submit an annual report by a certain date to the center instead of the Board of Governors or the Department of Education; requiring the Office of Reimagining Education and Career Help to provide specified data to the department, etc.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

37 added · 37 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent changes to Bill SB 2516 primarily involve the title and number formatting adjustments, shifting from "SB 2516" to "SPB 2516." This change is likely a technical clarification rather than a substantial alteration to the content of the bill itself. It matters because accurate bill identification is important for legislative tracking and public understanding, ensuring that everyone is referencing the same version of the legislation.

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Latest
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 By the Committee on Appropriations 576-03003-26 20262516__ A bill to be entitled An act relating to higher education;
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 FOR CONSIDERATION By the Committee on Appropriations 576-02416A-26 20262516pb A bill to be entitled An act relating to higher education;
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ LINE funds submitted by an institution;
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb LINE funds submitted by an institution;
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ Section 1.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb Section 1.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ distribution, and retention.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb distribution, and retention.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ Legislature and other entities.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb Legislature and other entities.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ (b) The center shall provide technical assistance to eligible institutions before, during, and after the award process to maximize the success of the program statewide.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb (b) The center shall provide technical assistance to eligible institutions before, during, and after the award process to maximize the success of the program statewide.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ February 10, to include data related to the NCLEX examination.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb February 10, to include data related to the NCLEX examination.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ the state and be offered at a majority of state universities at the time the Board of Governors approves the list.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb the state and be offered at a majority of state universities at the time the Board of Governors approves the list.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ as defined in s.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb as defined in s.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ or association that is recognized by the database created and maintained by the United States Department of Education to grant baccalaureate degrees;
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb or association that is recognized by the database created and maintained by the United States Department of Education to grant baccalaureate degrees;
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ Science curriculum framework.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb Science curriculum framework.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ program enrollments or improved or modernized educational or simulation space for nursing education or related health science students.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb program enrollments or improved or modernized educational or simulation space for nursing education or related health science students.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ (c) Proposals for related health science programs other than nursing may be considered, but may not be prioritized over nursing programs.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb (c) Proposals for related health science programs other than nursing may be considered, but may not be prioritized over nursing programs.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ (b) The center may assign priority consideration for grant applications that will improve services in underserved geographic areas or for programs and partnerships that address the greatest workforce needs or gaps identified under s.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb (b) The center may assign priority consideration for grant applications that will improve services in underserved geographic areas or for programs and partnerships that address the greatest workforce needs or gaps identified under s.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ the full program requirements for funding.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb the full program requirements for funding.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ noticed date, the center may redistribute any remaining LINE funds to highly ranked Approved, Pending Available Funding proposals from any type of program or institution that can certify, before June 30, the receipt of its health care partner’s contribution.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb noticed date, the center may redistribute any remaining LINE funds to highly ranked Approved, Pending Available Funding proposals from any type of program or institution that can certify, before June 30, the receipt of its health care partner’s contribution.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ (c)(b) Annually, by February 1, each institution awarded grant funds in the previous fiscal year shall submit a report to the center which Board of Governors or Department of Education, as applicable, that demonstrates the expansion as outlined in the proposal and the use of funds.
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb (c)(b) Annually, by February 1, each institution awarded grant funds in the previous fiscal year shall submit a report to the center which Board of Governors or Department of Education, as applicable, that demonstrates the expansion as outlined in the proposal and the use of funds.
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 2516 576-03003-26 20262516__ Technical Education-aligned health science certificates and degrees;
Florida Senate - 2026 (PROPOSED BILL) SPB 2516 576-02416A-26 20262516pb Technical Education-aligned health science certificates and degrees;
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Action History

  1. Died in Messages; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 1246 (Ch. 2026-101)

  2. In Messages

  3. Immediately certified -SJ 419

  4. The Senate requests that the House pass the bill as passed by the Senate or agree to include the bill in the Budget Conference -SJ 417

  5. Passed; YEAS 36 NAYS 0 -SJ 416

  6. Read 3rd time -SJ 416

  7. Read 2nd time -SJ 416

  8. Introduced

  9. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 02/20/26

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

  11. Filed

  12. Submitted as Committee Bill and Reported Favorably by Appropriations; YEAS 18 NAYS 0

  13. On Committee agenda-- Appropriations, 02/18/26, 1:30 pm, 412 Knott Building

  14. Submitted for consideration by Appropriations

Sponsors

  • Appropriations · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 163 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Appropriations

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (163)

163 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 163 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Third Reading

Passed 36 Yea · 0 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 8002
Republican 26001
Unaffiliated 1000
No Party Affiliation 1000
Total 36003
% of votes cast 92%0%0%8%
How each member voted (39)
Member Party Vote
Smith — Yea
Arrington, Kristen Aston Democrat Yea
Berman, Lori Democrat Yea
Bernard, Mack Democrat Yea
Davis, Tracie Democrat Yea
Davis, Tracie Democrat Yea
Jones, Shevrin D. "Shev" Democrat Not Voting
Osgood, Rosalind Democrat Yea
Polsky, Tina Scott Democrat Not Voting
Rouson, Darryl Ervin Democrat Yea
Sharief, Barbara Democrat Yea
Pizzo, Jason W. B. No Party Affiliation Yea
Albritton, Ben Republican Yea
Boyd, Jim Republican Yea
Bradley, Jennifer Republican Yea
Brodeur, Jason Republican Yea
Burgess, Danny Republican Yea
Burton, Colleen Republican Yea
Calatayud, Alexis Republican Yea
DiCeglie, Nick Republican Yea
Gaetz, Don Republican Yea
Garcia, Ileana Republican Yea
Grall, Erin Republican Yea
Gruters, Joe Republican Not Voting
Harrell, Gayle Republican Yea
Hooper, Ed Republican Yea
Leek, Thomas J. "Tom" Republican Yea
Martin, Jonathan Republican Yea
Massullo, Ralph E., Jr. Republican Yea
Mayfield, Debbie Republican Yea
McClain, Stan Republican Yea
Passidomo, Kathleen Republican Yea
Rodriguez, Ana Maria Republican Yea
Simon, Corey Republican Yea
Truenow, Keith L. Republican Yea
Trumbull, Jay Republican Yea
Vacant Republican Yea
Wright, Tom A. Republican Yea
Yarborough, Clay Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Third Reading

Passed 36 Yea · 0 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 8002
Republican 27001
No Party Affiliation 1000
Total 36003
% of votes cast 92%0%0%8%
How each member voted (39)
Member Party Vote
Arrington, Kristen Aston Democrat Yea
Berman, Lori Democrat Yea
Bernard, Mack Democrat Yea
Bracy Davis, LaVon Democrat Yea
Davis, Tracie Democrat Yea
Jones, Shevrin D. "Shev" Democrat Not Voting
Osgood, Rosalind Democrat Yea
Polsky, Tina Scott Democrat Not Voting
Rouson, Darryl Ervin Democrat Yea
Sharief, Barbara Democrat Yea
Pizzo, Jason W. B. No Party Affiliation Yea
Albritton, Ben Republican Yea
Boyd, Jim Republican Yea
Bradley, Jennifer Republican Yea
Brodeur, Jason Republican Yea
Burgess, Danny Republican Yea
Burton, Colleen Republican Yea
Calatayud, Alexis Republican Yea
DiCeglie, Nick Republican Yea
Gaetz, Don Republican Yea
Garcia, Ileana Republican Yea
Grall, Erin Republican Yea
Gruters, Joe Republican Not Voting
Harrell, Gayle Republican Yea
Hooper, Ed Republican Yea
Leek, Thomas J. "Tom" Republican Yea
Martin, Jonathan Republican Yea
Massullo, Ralph E., Jr. Republican Yea
Mayfield, Debbie Republican Yea
McClain, Stan Republican Yea
Passidomo, Kathleen Republican Yea
Rodriguez, Ana Maria Republican Yea
Simon, Corey Republican Yea
Smith, David Republican Yea
Truenow, Keith L. Republican Yea
Trumbull, Jay Republican Yea
Vacant Republican Yea
Wright, Tom A. Republican Yea
Yarborough, Clay Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Submitted and Reported Favorably as Committee

Passed 18 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 4000
Republican 13000
No Party Affiliation 1000
Total 18000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (18)
Member Party Vote
Berman, Lori Democrat Yea
Polsky, Tina Scott Democrat Yea
Rouson, Darryl Ervin Democrat Yea
Sharief, Barbara Democrat Yea
Pizzo, Jason W. B. No Party Affiliation Yea
Brodeur, Jason Republican Yea
Burgess, Danny Republican Yea
DiCeglie, Nick Republican Yea
Garcia, Ileana Republican Yea
Grall, Erin Republican Yea
Harrell, Gayle Republican Yea
Hooper, Ed Republican Yea
Martin, Jonathan Republican Yea
Massullo, Ralph E., Jr. Republican Yea
McClain, Stan Republican Yea
Smith, David Republican Yea
Trumbull, Jay Republican Yea
Wright, Tom A. Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

healthcare education
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does SB 2516 do?
Higher Education; Establishing the Florida Center for Nursing within the University of South Florida; providing that a specified fee waiver applies to a student’s out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and fees after other aid is applied; providing that the LINE Fund was established for shortages in health science professions in addition to nursing; requiring institutions awarded grant funds to submit an annual report by a certain date to the center instead of the Board of Governors or the Department of Education; requiring the Office of Reimagining Education and Career Help to provide specified data to the department, etc.
Who sponsors SB 2516?
SB 2516 is sponsored by Appropriations.
What is the current status of SB 2516?
This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced February 13, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track SB 2516?
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