Third through fifth graders now required to learn cursive

Third through fifth graders across Florida now are required to learn cursive and demonstrate proficiency by the end of fifth grade starting this August. 

Senate Bill 182 was filed in October 2025, introducing the requirement for elementary school students. 

Students will learn skills such as letter formation, proper spacing and alignment, and writing complete, legible words and sentences. 

At the end of fifth-grade year, students must demonstrate proficiency, which means showing their ability to write uppercase and lowercase letters in cursive writing, as well as the ability to read and apply cursive writing for literacy development, including writing essays and assignments in cursive. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill April 20, and it took effect Wednesday, July 1. 

OCPS School Board Member Alicia Farrant said this is a huge win for "common sense education." 

"I love seeing our schools get back to the basics," she posted online. "I would actually love to see our kids learn cursive in kindergarten. The brains build better connections, helping them with spelling and reading words."