When does school start in Central Florida? Here's a list of first days for area schools
Osceola County launches school bus ID scanning system
Osceola County students will now scan their ID cards when getting on and off school buses, part of a district-wide technology upgrade aimed at improving safety and accountability as the new school year begins.
ORLANDO, Fla. - The countdown is on: students across Central Florida are gearing up to head back to class as summer break comes to a close.
For most students in Orlando and the surrounding areas, the 2025–26 school year kicks off next week, bringing an end to late mornings and beach days as classrooms and backpacks take center stage once again.
To help families get prepared, FOX 35 News has put together a helpful list of start dates for local school districts.
When does school start in Brevard County?
The first day of school for Brevard Public Schools students is August 11. However, kindergarten students will begin on August 14, according to the district’s official calendar.
When does school start in Flagler County?
School starts August 11 for Flagler County students.
When does school start in Lake County?
The first day of classes for Lake County Schools students is August 11.
When does school start in Marion County?
August 11 marks the first day of school for Marion County Public Schools students.
Operation Best Foot Forward: Drivers watch for pedestrians
Central Florida students are getting ready to head back to school, and law enforcement wants you to watch the roadways. More families and children are going to be out waiting on school buses and even walking to school. That is why St. Cloud Police are kicking off "Operation Best Foot Forward." this morning. FOX 35's Matt Trezza reports.
When does school start in Orange County?
Orange County Public Schools students will return to class for the new school year on August 11.
When does school start in Osceola County?
Osceola County students will kick off the school year on August 11.
When does school start in Sumter County?
August 13 marks the first day of class for Sumter County School District students.
When does school start in Seminole County?
The first day of school for Seminole County Public Schools students is August 11.
School safety in Seminole County
As Seminole County students return to school, the district is prioritizing safety, particularly online threats, with support from law enforcement. Captain Ron Shaw, from the "School Safety Team" at the Seminole County Sheriff's Office weighs in.
When does school start in Volusia County?
Volusia County Schools students return to class on August 11.
Cracking down on school threats in Volusia County
Volusia County deputies are rolling out a new team as students are heading back to school next week. Last year, they had dozens of swatting calls. They had bomb threats. They had some shooting threats. So they are starting a behavioral threat assessment unit. Captain Todd Smith from the Volusia Sheriff's Office joins FOX 35 to talk more about it.
2025-26 School Supply Lists for Central Florida schools
Select your student’s school district below to view their back-to-school supply list. If your county isn’t listed, be sure to check your child’s school website or contact the school directly for details.
Note: Walmart also offers a "Find Your School Supply List" search tool on its website.
Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is now permanent
What we know:
Florida’s new month-long Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday kicked off on August 1, giving families statewide 31 days to save on school essentials like supplies, clothing, and tech.
Signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this summer, the new law replaces the previous short-term tax holidays with a permanent, annual tax break every August
Eligible tax-free items include:
- Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less
- School supplies at $50 or less
- Personal computers and accessories up to $1,500 when purchased for non-commercial use
Dig deeper:
The Florida Department of Revenue created a webpage providing more information.
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The Source: This story is based on information shared online by Central Florida school districts. Additional details about the permanent, annual August Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday were previously announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis during a news conference in Panama City Beach on July 28, 2025.