Gov. DeSantis signs Florida bills on penny transactions, school policy changes

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed nine bills from the 2026 legislative session into law, including a measure designed to help businesses adjust to the phaseout of the penny and several education-related proposals affecting Florida students and school boards.

Among the measures signed May 11 was SB 1074, which allows businesses to round cash transactions up or down to the nearest nickel as pennies become less common in circulation following the federal government’s decision last year to stop producing the 1-cent coin.

The law applies only to cash transactions and does not affect debit card, credit card, check or electronic payments, which will still be charged the exact amount. It also does not change sales prices, taxes, surcharges or fees tied to purchases.

Under the law, totals ending in 1 or 2 cents will round down to zero, while totals ending in 3 or 4 cents will round up to 5 cents. Amounts ending in 6 or 7 cents round down to 5 cents, while totals ending in 8 or 9 cents round up to 10 cents. Purchases already ending in 0 or 5 cents remain unchanged.

Lawmakers said the bill was intended to provide businesses with a clear framework as pennies gradually disappear from circulation. The measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, clearing the Senate 36-0 and the House 111-1.

“With this framework, Florida is a model for how states can navigate currency changes, ensuring businesses can prosper and consumers are protected,” Florida Retail Federation President and CEO Scott Shalley said in a statement following the bill’s signing.

Supporters of ending penny production have argued for years that the coin costs more to manufacture than it is worth. Estimates cited during debate on the legislation projected that eliminating penny production could save the U.S. Treasury about $56 million annually.

The law took effect immediately.

Among the education-related measures signed by DeSantis was HB 453, which allows two years of marching band participation to satisfy both physical education and performing arts requirements needed for a high school diploma. The bill also permits students with disabilities who participate in Special Olympics programs to fulfill physical education graduation requirements.

Another measure, HB 1073, creates a “District School Board Members’ Bill of Rights,” giving school board members the ability to publicly comment on district business except in cases prohibited by law.

DeSantis also signed HB 1201, which revises educational programs related to epilepsy and updates requirements for students’ individualized seizure action plans.