The Florida Ministry of Education announces that Florida will run the nation in the Edchoice Friedman Index

Press release from Florida Department of Education

Tallahasee, Florida – Today the Florida Ministry of Education announced that Florida achieved the highest score in the Edchoice Friedman Index in 2025. Florida achieved a 77 in the index and reflected the expansive school selection programs of the state and the availability of educational savings accounts (ESAS) in which families can use additional educational services.

“Today Florida posted another number 1,” said governor Ron Desantis. “Edchoice has appointed Florida No. 1 in Education Freedom because they have the most robust options for school selection in the nation. Education is best with competition and freedom! “

“I am proud of the work that we have done to expand the options for the school selection for families,” said Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. “Florida led the nation into education due to our record investments in school selection. I thank Edchoice for the recognition of our hard work to support every student in Florida in the search for the right learning environment for his individual needs.”

The Friedman Index evaluates states that are assessed on the authorization of the students for selection programs, options for the use of school selection funds and parity of the school selection funds for traditional school financing. Florida is far above the other high -ranking states, with the second state of Arkansa a score of 60 and number three in Alabama compared to Florida's score of 77 a score of 59.

Here you can find the Full Friedman Index results here: www.edchoice.org/engage/the-2025-edchoice-friedman-index/.