Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman’s Bill Passes Florida House Unanimously. Senate Expected To Follow Next Week.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Students who take part in marching band for two years at the high school level will fulfill their physical education requirement, thanks to a bill penned by Florida Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman of Boca Raton.
The Florida House of Representatives just unanimously passed HB 453. The cote count: 111–0.
According to a statement from Rep. Sgossett-Seidman: House Bill 453 updates Florida’s graduation requirements to:
- Allow students with disabilities to fulfill one P. E. credit through one year of participation in Special Olympics, when appropriate for the student;
- Allow students to satisfy one P. E. credit and one fine arts credit through two years of marching band participation.
During House debate and bill presentation this last Wednesday, Gossett-Seidman described the bill as “a healthy and happy bill” grounded in fairness and recognition of student effort. She emphasized that marching band requires significant physical endurance, coordination, and teamwork comparable to traditional athletics.
“Marching band students train for hours each week, carry heavy instruments, master drill formations, and meet demanding performance schedules equal to many sports,” Rep. Gossett-Seidman said on the House floor. “It makes no sense that this work, which builds fitness and commitment, would not count toward a student’s P. E. requirement.”
Gossett-Seidman also highlighted the inclusive nature of the bill, noting that Special Olympics participation offers students with disabilities meaningful physical activity, confidence-building opportunities, and community engagement.
“For comparison, participation in football often requires approximately 15 hours per week, while marching band participation frequently averages 20 hours per week,” she noted.
The Florida Senate is expected to pass the bill next week. There is no indication that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will prevent the bill from becoming law in time for the 2026-2027 school year.
