Early Education Workforce Support

HB 1623, the "Early Education Workforce Support Pilot Program," would have provided free child care at licensed facilities for the children of early education workers in two Florida counties with the highest workforce shortages. Eligible workers (employed 20+ hours/week at licensed child care centers) could access free full- or part-time care for children under kindergarten age, with funding covering tuition directly to providers. The program, set to run for two years (2025-2027), required verification of employment and residency, and mandated a report to the legislature on outcomes like workforce retention. However, the bill was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration in June 2025, effectively halting its progress.