Special Diploma

Legislation passed in Florida during the 2014 session repealed the special diploma statute effective July 1, 2015. The special diploma does not require its recipients to meet the same standards as those earning the standard diploma and may impact availability of post-school options. Students entering 9th grade during the 2014-15 school year and after must work toward a standard diploma. Students with disabilities who entered 9th grade prior to the 2014-15 school year may continue to work toward a special diploma if this is indicated on their IEP. There are two special diploma options for students who entered grade 9 prior to 2014-15: Option 1, which is academic-focused; and Option 2, which is employment-focused. Specific criteria for these options are available from the school district.