Florida schools will cooperate with all law enforcement working to enforce the nation’s laws on illegal immigration and keep our schools safe.'

The Florida Department of Education plans to cooperate with the Trump administration's new directive to allow immigration enforcement within schools. Why it matters: The state's cooperation could discourage undocumented parents from enrolling their children in public schools.

Schools across America, including in Florida, are gearing up for the possibility of officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showing up to their campuses.

Schools will be closed in 31 counties across Florida. See the complete list of public schools, colleges and universities.

Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Entries must be received by Feb. 3.

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and Volunteer Florida are encouraging students to participate in the 2025 Black History Month student art and essay contests.

Two Central Florida Democrats have filed legislation that would allow some K-12 students to take standardized tests in a language other than English in Florida. Democratic State Representatives Kristen Arrington and Rita Harris filed companion bills that would allow English language learners, or ELL students, to take tests in their first language.

Worries have spiked after President Trump’s executive order saying immigration enforcement could take place in schools, where it had been prevented. A 1990 federal judge’s order prohibits Florida schools from asking a student’s immigration status, making sweeps or raids logistically difficult, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Data from the Florida Education Association shows there are more than 3,000 teacher vacancies in the state right now, an improvement from last year’s numbers.

In South Florida, graduation rates for the two largest school districts increased. Miami-Dade County public schools reached their highest graduation rate this year, at 91.8 percent for the 2023-2024 school year, almost 2 percent higher than the state average.

In preparation for the winter weather, Florida school districts, colleges, and universities have closed their doors ahead of the system's arrival.

How Florida could carry out President-elect Trump's immigration crackdown. Plus, how sheriff's offices across the state are already working with federal immigration officials.