Florida Book Bans: A Declining Trend, But Concerns Remain

approximately 400 books were removed or discontinued from Florida public schools during the 2024-25 school year, according to the Florida Department of Education. This figure represents a decrease from the roughly 700 books removed the previous year.

Notably, 56 out of Florida’s 67 counties – nearly 84% – reported no book removals. Over half of all removed books originated in Clay County, located southwest of Jacksonville.

Florida law mandates the Department of Education to publish a list of books removed by school boards following objections from parents or guardians. This year’s report was released in September, two months earlier than the previous year’s list of approximately 700 books.

however, its important to note that the state’s reported numbers differ from those compiled by organizations like PEN America.PEN America utilizes a broader definition of a “book ban,” resulting in a considerably higher count of removals.

Key Takeaways

• Book removals in Florida public schools decreased from roughly 700 in the 2023-24 school year to approximately 400 in 2024-25.
• The vast majority of Florida counties (84%) reported no book removals.
• Clay county accounted for more than half of the books removed statewide.
• The Florida Department of Education’s definition of a “book ban” differs from that used by groups like PEN America, leading to varying reported numbers.