As Florida continues to see record-breaking new cases of COVID-19 across the state, some Tampa Bay area school districts are making face masks required for students, staff and visitors for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.
ABC Action News has compiled a list of Tampa Bay area school districts and their stand on face masks.
NOTE: The information below is subject to change. Please check back for the latest information.
- Citrus County: Students and staff will be required to wear face masks or coverings while on campus and school buses when social distancing is not possible. The school board approved the recommendation and policy on Tuesday, July 28. For detailed information, click here.
- DeSoto County: The use of face masks or coverings is highly encouraged on-campus. Parents must provide the face mask or covering for their student. For detailed information, click here.
- Hardee County: Students and staff will be required to wear face masks or coverings in common areas, hallways, on buses, while arriving at school and during afternoon dismissal. In the classroom, face masks will be at the discretion of the individual teacher based on the activity and proper social distancing. For detailed information, click here.
- Hernando County: Students and staff will be required to wear face masks or coverings on campus and on buses. Face shields are also acceptable. For detailed information, click here.
- Highlands County: Students and staff will be required to wear face masks or coverings on buses and in hallways during class changes for middle and high school level. The school board announced the change on Wednesday, July 29. If students don't have a mask, one will be provided for them. For detailed information, click here.
- Hillsborough County: Students and teachers in Hillsborough County will be required to wear masks for the new school year when social distancing isn't possible, the superintendent announced. The district says it will provide three reusable masks for each student on first day of school and three reusable masks for each staff member on the first day of teacher preplanning. For detailed information, click here.
- Manatee County: Students and staff will be required to wear face masks, coverings or shields when inside the school district building or on school buses. Masks will also be worn when outside on school grounds or property unless at recess, PE or some other organized outdoor activity where social distancing is practiced. Cloth masks will be provided to all students, faculty and staff. For detailed information, click here.
- Pasco County: At this time, students will be required to wear a face mask or covering to and from their classroom at both arrival and dismissal, including on the bus. Secondary students and staff will be strongly encouraged to wear masks at all times unless social distancing is possible. Elementary students and staff will be required to wear masks to their class and may remove them once they get to class. For detailed information, click here.
- Pinellas County: At this time, students, staff and visitors will be required to wear face masks or coverings when social distancing isn't an option. Masks are also required for everyone on the school bus. All students and school district employees will get five free, reusable masks at the start of the school year. For detailed information, click here.
- Polk County: Face masks or coverings will be required for students in second-grade through twelfth-grade. For students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and first-grade, masks are recommended when feasible. Students are to bring their own masks, however, masks will be provided for students in need. For detailed information, click here.
- Sarasota County: At this time, students and staff will be required to wear face masks or coverings on school buses and on campus. Visitors will also be required to wear face coverings. The school district is working to finalize its face coverings policy and will share it with the public when the school board approves it. For detailed information, click here.
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