Florida

Dept. of Education: Florida schools can hold recess inside classrooms

File image of a playground.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida schools can comply with the state's new recess mandate without having to take children outside.

The Florida Department of Education on Friday told school superintendents that there's nothing in a new state law that dictates where recess must take place.

State legislators earlier this year passed a law that requires elementary schools to set aside 20 minutes each day for "free-play recess" although charter schools were exempted.

For the past two years mothers of school children pushed for recess, saying children need a break from schoolwork.

Parent Carrie Humphrey assumed that meant outside, away from the classroom.

She wasn't completely sold on the idea of indoor recess.

"For me, I think (recess is) important," Humphrey said. "I did it when I was young and it got some energy out and I think that's what they need at school, too.

"You know, I don't know how to feel about (indoor recess) yet," she added. "I understand if it's raining or if it's too cold."

Department officials sent a memo to superintendents asking them to report to the state by Sept. 1 whether or not they are complying with the new mandate.

That memo also urged districts to establish weather guidelines to ensure student safety.