Full Breakdown
Florida Introduces Conservative U.S. History Course as Alternative to AP Program
5/8/2026, 7:35:36 AM
New FACT U.S. History Course
The Florida Department of Education launched a new U.S. History course under the FACT system. A pilot starts fall 2026, offering college credit at Florida colleges as a state-run alternative to AP U.S. History.
Legislative Roots
The course follows the 2023 “anti-woke” law (HB 1537) signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which authorizes state-created advanced courses. FACT previously offered College Algebra; this is its second rollout.
Program Leaders
Gov. Ron DeSantis, Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas, and State Board chair Ryan Petty back the program. The required text, *Land of Hope*, is by Wilfred M. McClay.
Curriculum Overview
The FACT framework is 214 pages versus the 560-page AP syllabus. It stresses political, constitutional, and economic history while de-emphasizing social topics. The text frames the founding in Protestant faith and calls enslaved labor a “necessary evil.”
Official Statements
Kamoutsas said the FACT framework expands coursework and removes bias. DeSantis called the course a restoration of academic integrity against “woke” influence. Petty called it a balanced study of the nation’s past. The College Board defended AP U.S. History as fostering analysis of primary sources.
Criticism
Historians and educators argue AP U.S. History already offers balance and that the new curriculum misrepresents slavery and the founding era. Kevin Kruse warned of a “Florida Man version” of history.
Unresolved Issues
The state says the course contains no Critical Race Theory, yet the framework suggests the founders opposed slavery. Authors are undisclosed, and credit acceptance outside Florida remains uncertain.
Implementation Timeline
Districts must apply by May 18 for the pilot; statewide rollout is slated for 2027-2028. Supporters cite choice and bias reduction; opponents fear limited credit transfer and partisan narratives.
Implications for Education and Credit Transfer
The pilot tests whether a state-designed curriculum can replace a nationally recognized AP program. If widely adopted, it could influence other states’ curricula and affect how colleges evaluate Florida students’ credits for admission and transfer.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The FACT U.S. history framework underscores our commitment to instruction grounded in the full scope of our nation’s history, while ensuring materials are free from ideological bias or indoctrination,” — Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas, Education Commissioner
- “FACT U.S. History framework provides a thorough and balanced study of our nation’s past” — Ryan Petty, Chair, Florida State Board of Education
- “AP U.S. History gives students the opportunity to analyze evidence, build critical thinking skills, and engage deeply with required sources like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and Washington’s Farewell Address,” — College Board statement
- “time and again partisan school unions have shown that they do not act in the best interests of the teachers they purport to represent, let alone the best interests of students,” — Ron DeSantis (X)
