Newly released Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) data reveals that physical restraint of students with disabilities continues at concerning levels across the state's public schools, despite legal requirements that such interventions be used only as a "last resort."
During the first month of the 2025-26 school year, Florida educators physically restrained students in 395 separate incidents involving 313 individual students statewide, according to mandatory monthly reports submitted to the FLDOE.
The data, compiled from all 67 Florida school districts, paints a troubling picture: over half of restrained students were in elementary grades, with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder representing the largest group affected by these interventions.
Which Florida Counties Are Restraining the Most Students?
Under Florida Statute Section 1003.573, all Florida public school districts must submit monthly restraint data to the state. Six counties are doing most of the restraining, accounting for nearly half of all incidents:
- Polk County (43 incidents)
- Volusia County (37)
- Lee County (31)
- Osceola County (29)
- Palm Beach County (26)
- Hillsborough County (17)
The statewide breakdown gets even more concerning when you look at the demographics: At least 52% of restrained students were in grades PK–3 (with additional elementary students in grades 4-5 included in the 4-8 reporting bracket), while disability data shows 35% had autism spectrum disorder and 19% had emotional or behavioral disabilities.
What the Law Actually Says About Restraining Students
Florida Statute Section 1003.573 lays down strict rules for when schools can physically restrain students. On paper, the law says restraint is only allowed when a student poses "an imminent risk of serious injury to self or others" and when "other less restrictive interventions have been ineffective."
Here's what schools are supposed to follow:
- Prohibited uses: Restraint cannot be used for punishment, discipline, staff convenience, or to address defiant behavior
- Duration limits: Restraint must be discontinued immediately when the threat of injury ends
- Reporting mandates: Districts must report incidents to the state within 24 hours and provide written notice to parents the same day
- Training requirements: Only trained personnel may implement restraint procedures
Why This Data Should Worry Every Parent
Here's the uncomfortable truth: when schools repeatedly restrain students, especially elementary-age kids with disabilities, it signals bigger problems with how Florida handles special education.
From a special education law perspective, frequent restraint of students with disabilities may constitute a denial of their right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). When schools repeatedly use restraint without addressing underlying behavioral needs through appropriate interventions, they may be failing to provide the specialized instruction and related services required by law.
Here's what the research actually shows: physical restraint can traumatize students, especially kids with autism or trauma histories. Worse yet, it often makes behaviors worse, not better. Meanwhile, evidence-based alternatives like functional behavior assessments and positive intervention plans actually work, and they preserve student dignity in the process.
What Parents Can Do When Their Child Gets Restrained
If your child has been restrained at school, you have rights, and you need to act fast. Special education attorneys and advocates recommend taking these steps immediately:
- Request comprehensive documentation including the incident report, written notice, and any video footage (if available)
- Demand an immediate IEP team meeting to review and revise behavioral intervention plans and ensure appropriate supports are in place
- Document all incidents with dates and details — repeated restraint may indicate IDEA violations requiring formal complaint procedures
- Consider independent evaluation if current behavioral assessments appear inadequate
- Consult with special education advocates or attorneys who understand federal disability law and can ensure your child receives appropriate educational services
Remember: under federal law, schools must address the root causes of challenging behavior with proper supports, not just react with restraint when things go wrong.
We're Tracking This Every Month, Here's Why
We're committed to tracking Florida's restraint data every single month because parents deserve to know what's happening in their schools. We break down the official data into clear, actionable insights that you can actually use.
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