Attorney General James Uthmeier and Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to enhance the protection of parental rights in Florida's education system. The agreement aims to safeguard students from unlawful school practices and uphold parents' rights in directing their children's education.
“With this collaboration between the Office of Parental Rights and the Florida Department of Education, we are putting the power in parents’ hands,” stated Attorney General Uthmeier. He emphasized that "the rights of parents are non-negotiable in Florida," highlighting the significance of an unbiased educational framework.
Commissioner Diaz echoed these sentiments, stating, “Florida is the Parental Rights state, and I am proud to work with Attorney General Uthmeier to enhance the power of Florida parents.” He expressed pride in signing the memorandum to further support parental rights and child protection.
Additionally, Attorney General Uthmeier announced an expansion of the Parental Rights reporting portal. This platform allows parents to report businesses targeting minors with flavored vapes or youth-focused advertising near schools. The initiative seeks faster review and enforcement by enabling parents to upload photos and provide business details directly for investigation.
The announcement was made during a vaping enforcement symposium hosted by the Attorney General’s Office at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Pensacola. This event is part of a statewide series aimed at training law enforcement on new legislation concerning vaping devices appealing to children.
Officers receive training on identifying illegal products, seizing them, and collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office for civil forfeiture and destruction.
This expanded effort is partially funded by a $79 million settlement with JUUL Labs, Inc., following litigation over its marketing tactics towards minors. JUUL is now prohibited from targeting youth in Florida under strict advertising restrictions. Of these funds, $30 million supports ongoing enforcement through the Vape Free Florida Fund.
The Office of Parental Rights continues efforts like those outlined in the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Parental Rights in Education Act. More information can be found at MyFloridaLegal.com/ParentalRights.