Section 1003.21 of the Florida Statutes states that children who have attained the age of 6 years or who will have attained the age of 6 years by February 1 of any school year or who are older than 6 years of age but who have not attained the age of 16 years, except as otherwise provided, are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term. Section 984.151 of the Florida Statutes sets forth the court procedure and penalties for the enforcement of the statutory provisions relating to compulsory school attendance.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority conferred by Florida Rule of General Practice & Judicial Administration 2.215, it is ORDERED as follows:

1. The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller shall assign the truancy petitions to the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division.

2. The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller shall schedule the initial hearing within 30 days of the filing of a truancy petition. The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller shall issue a summons to the parent, guardian or legal custodian of the student directing that person to appear for the hearing at the time and place specified.

3. Truancy petitions shall be set on the Juvenile Division Administrative Judge’s Tuesday docket at 11:30am.
DONE AND SIGNED in Chambers, at West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida, this 16th day of March, 2023.

Glenn Kelley, Chief Judge

*Supersedes Administrative Order 5.805-4/19*