Based on Florida Department of Education data, Florida’s public school enrollment has stayed largely steady since 2018–19, though some districts saw steep losses while others grew significantly, based on statewide data through 2024–25.
Statewide, Florida’s K-12 student population declined from 2.84 million students in 2018-19 to 2.79 million in 2024-25, a decrease of about 53,700 students, or 1.9%.
Among large districts, Pinellas County Schools recorded the steepest percentage decline, losing 16.8% of its enrollment over the six-year period. The district dropped from 100,985 students to 84,064 students, a loss of nearly 17,000 students.
The chart below shows the changes in student enrolment from 2018/19 to 2024/25 for districts with over 10,000 students in 2024/25.
Broward County Public Schools posted the largest numeric decline, shedding 29,244 students, or 10.8%. Leon County Schools ranked among the districts with the highest percentage losses, falling 10.6% from 33,543 students to 29,990 students.
Other districts with notable declines included School District of Indian River County at minus 10.6%, Escambia County School District at minus 10%, and Seminole County Public Schools at minus 7.8%.
On the growth side, Hendry County School District recorded the state’s largest percentage increase, nearly doubling enrollment from 7,322 students to 14,194 students, a 93.9% increase.
Several fast-growing districts were concentrated in Central and Northeast Florida. St. Johns County School District grew 21.7%, while Walton County School District increased 20.2% and St. Lucie Public Schools expanded 18.4%.
Other districts posting sizable gains included Pasco County Schools at 9.6%, Lee County School District at 7.4%, and School District of Osceola County at 6.7%.
School Closures
Several of the Florida school districts that experienced the largest enrollment declines since 2018-19 are now actively closing or consolidating schools because of falling student numbers and related budget pressures.
Pinellas County Schools, which posted the state’s largest percentage decline among major districts at 16.8%, has already approved multiple school closures and consolidations. In February 2026, the school board voted to close Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy while also merging and restructuring other campuses to address long-term enrollment losses and rising operating costs.
District officials said the changes were part of a broader “Planning for Progress” initiative prompted by years of declining enrollment. Earlier in the process, administrators warned that additional closures could follow.
Broward County Public Schools, which lost more than 29,000 students between 2018-19 and 2024-25, is also pursuing a large-scale downsizing effort. The district has considered closing, consolidating, or repurposing dozens of campuses under its “Redefining Our Schools” initiative.
Reports indicate Broward officials proposed shutting down at least seven schools amid a projected budget shortfall tied to declining enrollment.
Statewide, enrollment losses have been linked to lower birth rates, expanded school choice programs, charter school growth, homeschooling, and private-school voucher programs. Former Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said in 2024 that some school closures are an expected consequence of increased school choice competition.
While Leon County Schools ranked among the districts with the sharpest enrollment declines, current web reports did not show the district formally moving to close schools at this time. Other districts with notable losses, including Escambia County School District and Seminole County Public Schools, also have faced ongoing discussions about capacity and enrollment management, though large-scale closures have not received the same statewide attention as Pinellas and Broward.
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