In a world increasingly shaped by economic volatility, equipping young people with strong financial knowledge has become more than just an advantage—it's a necessity. In response to this growing demand, Florida has taken significant legislative and community-driven steps to enhance financial literacy among students. From new high school graduation requirements to innovative partnerships between schools and nonprofit organizations, the state is laying the groundwork for a generation better prepared to manage personal and professional finances. Despite these strides, challenges remain in expanding access and deepening engagement, particularly among underserved communities. The success of programs like JA BizTown demonstrates the power of experiential learning, while also serving as a call to action for broader involvement from educators, business leaders, and policymakers alike.

A Statewide Push for Financial Competency

In the 2023–2024 academic year, Florida high school students began encountering a new graduation requirement: a full course in financial literacy. This mandate, signed into law in 2022 under Senate Bill 1054 by Governor Ron DeSantis, reflects a larger vision to elevate Florida’s standing in workforce education by the end of the decade. Complementing this initiative is the REACH 2.0 Act passed two years earlier, which broadened pre-apprenticeship opportunities and integrated financial awareness into career-focused curricula. These developments highlight a growing recognition that financial fluency must be embedded early in a student's academic journey. Meanwhile, in Broward County, a collaborative model led by Junior Achievement of South Florida has gained traction through immersive programs such as JA Finance Park and JA BizTown—where students engage in real-life financial decision-making. Spearheaded by CEO Laurie Sallarulo, these initiatives offer a blueprint for scalable, interactive financial education across the state.

Building a More Resilient Future Through Collective Action

The push for widespread financial literacy in Florida goes beyond policy; it represents a cultural shift toward empowering individuals with tools for long-term stability. As alarming data shows only a small fraction of teens grasp essential financial concepts, the urgency to scale effective models becomes even clearer. Community engagement plays a pivotal role—whether through mentorship, volunteering, or resource contributions. By strengthening public-private collaborations and encouraging lawmakers to continue investing in youth financial education, Florida can serve as a national model for preparing future generations not just to survive, but to thrive in an unpredictable economy. The time is now for educators, business leaders, and legislators to unite behind this mission and ensure every young person has the opportunity to build a secure financial future.