Florida Senate Bill 112 – Children with Developmental Disabilities

The University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (UF CAN) is at the forefront of Florida’s statewide initiative to support people with autism. Through its clinical efforts, UF CAN delivers integrated psychiatric, psychological, therapeutic, and patient navigation services, while serving as a dynamic resource for faculty and students to collaborate and engage participants in cutting-edge research. 

As designated by the landmark legislation of SB 112, UF CAN will serve as the central hub for information about autism-related research, training, and service across the state. The center will also be responsible for awarding and overseeing grants for summer programs and charters schools serving students with autism, identifying and promote best practices for screening diagnosis and intervention and enhancing professional learning through free autism micro-credentials for educators and childcare providers. As this legislation was only recently enacted, members of UF CAN are actively working to initiate these programs.

FAQs

1. How will the monies be distributed? (Families, service providers, nonprofits?)

SB 112 does not provide direct funding to families or individuals. Instead, the legislation authorizes grant funding to be administered by the UF Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (UF CAN) and awarded to eligible organizations, such as nonprofit entities, schools, and service providers. These organizations use the funds to develop and deliver programs and services that support children with ASD and their families.

2. Is there a plan to open a charter school?

SB 112 authorizes startup grant funding to support the development or expansion of autism-focused charter schools or laboratory schools. UF CAN does not open or operate charter schools. Rather, eligible organizations may apply for startup funding to support planning or implementation, subject to statutory requirements and approval by appropriate sponsoring entities.

3. Are the summer camps intended for anyone who has an interest in starting a camp for kids with ASD?

The specialized summer program grants are intended for eligible organizations that propose structured, supportive summer programs specifically designed to meet the needs of children with ASD for whom traditional summer camps may not be appropriate. Applicants must meet program standards outlined in statute and grant guidelines, including staffing qualifications, safety requirements, and program structure. Funding is awarded through a competitive application process and is subject to available appropriations.

4. Will there be any marketing or public outreach related to this bill, specifically in Alachua County?

UF CAN anticipates sharing information about SB 112 initiatives, including grant opportunities, through its website and outreach to community partners statewide. Outreach efforts may include Alachua County, along with other regions across Florida, as part of broader awareness and information-sharing efforts. Specific marketing or public relations activities will align with available resources and statutory guidance.

5.  If these schools are being held to the same grading standards as public schools, what happens if they have several years of failing grads attached to them?

Schools participating under SB 112 must meet applicable state accountability standards. Schools with ongoing performance concerns would be subject to state-required improvement and monitoring processes. Continued funding and eligibility would be determined in accordance with state guidelines and the terms of the grant award.

6. Will UF help assist in finding buildings/locations for schools awarded the grants?

No. SB 112 grant funding does not include any assistance from the University of Florida in identifying or securing facilities. Site selection, leasing, and facility planning is the responsibility of the applying organization.

7. What is required to become a professional who can diagnose autism in the State of Florida?

In Florida, autism diagnoses must be made by a licensed physician or psychologist practicing within their scope of training and expertise. Licensure and qualification requirements are established by the Florida Department of Health and applicable professional licensing boards. Individuals should consult the appropriate board for specific education, training, and credentialing requirements.

At this time, UF CAN is actively working on the development of the SB 112 Charter School Startup Grant Program and Specialized Summer Program Grants, with both initiatives anticipated to open early spring, subject to final guidelines and legislative appropriations. Additional details and application information will be shared publicly as they become available.

Latest Updates

February 2026

• RFAs for the Charter Schools and for the Summer Programs are being finalized, coming early spring.
• Grant review committee selections are being finalized.
• MOUs for the State of Florida CARD centers has been reviewed and finalized.
• Micro-credential content and instructional design is in progress.
• Chrystie Blot hired as OPS Student Assistant.
• Chantel Thomas hired as Program Manager.
• Kay-Lee Hewett hired as Academic Assistant II – Educational Micro-credentialing Assistant.
• Actively recruiting for the following positions:
  • Director of UF Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment
  • Accounting Specialist

January 2026

• 1-800-9-AUTISM transitioned to UF CAN, serving as Florida’s centralized autism information and support line.
• Community contact email autism-fla@ufl.edu established for autism-related questions and support.
• Caitlyn Annunziato hired as OPS Student Assistant.

December 2025

• RFAs for the Charter Schools and for the Summer Program are in development and under review, coming early spring.
• Directors are actively reaching out to stakeholders to build grant review committees.
• Curriculum committee representing CARD centers from across the state is developing content for the micro-credential program. 

October 2025

• Bree Lee hired as Administrative Specialist II.
• Dr. Jennifer Homard named Director for Charter School Programs.
• Dr. Kerri Peters named Director for Summer School Programs.
• Dr. Ann-Marie Orlando named Director of Community Outreach and Education.

July 2025

• Received $10M funding from state legislation.

May 2025

• Florida Senate Bill 112 – Children with Developmental Disabilities became effective.

Career Opportunities

We are hiring for a variety of positions to support programs and initiatives funded through Florida Senate Bill 112. These roles will help advance innovative education, training, and support services across the state.

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