On November 10, 2025, Florida recognized 451 schools with the Purple Star Schools of Distinction Designation. This includes 78 new schools and the renewal of all 124 schools from the first group. Sixteen colleges in the Florida College System also received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, with seven new colleges added this year. The announcement was made in Tallahassee by Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas in observance of Veterans Day. The event highlighted the state’s support for military families.
Commissioner Kamoutsas stated that it is important to provide consistent, high-quality education for military families, regardless of where they are stationed. He acknowledged the work of Florida’s schools and colleges in supporting children of service members. Esther Byrd, Vice Chair of the State Board of Education, said that Florida aims to be the most military-friendly state in the country. She noted that the Purple Star designation reflects this goal. Layla Collins, a State Board of Education member and veteran, spoke about the challenges faced by military families. She recognized the efforts of Purple Star Schools and Campuses in supporting military-connected students.
The Purple Star Schools of Distinction program began in 2021 under Governor Ron DeSantis. It recognizes schools that support military families. The Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program started in 2023. In 2024, the Florida Purple Star School District Designation was introduced to honor districts with strong support for military families. This year, Florida Virtual School joined five other districts in receiving this recognition…