HOPE Waiver Information

What is the HOPE Waiver?

Students are required to satisfy 1 credit in Physical Education for a standard Florida high school diploma. The HOPE (Health Opportunities through Physical Education) course satisfies this graduation requirement.

Students who choose not to complete the full HOPE course may satisfy or waive the Physical Education requirement through certain approved alternatives.

Who Qualifies?

Students may qualify through one of the following options:

• Interscholastic Athletics: Participation in an FHSAA-sanctioned sport at the JV or Varsity level for two full seasons
  • This does not include 9th-grade-specific teams, crew, or non-competitive cheerleading.
• Marching Band or Color Guard: Participation for two full years
• JROTC: Completion of two full years of JROTC courses
  • This does not include Aviation or the Emergency Medical Response Program.
• Dance: Completion of 1 full credit in an approved dance techniques course with a grade of C or better

How to Apply

HOPE Waiver Form — CLICK HERE

Students should complete the HOPE Waiver Form after completing the requirements for their selected option.

Interscholastic Athletics

Students must:

1. Complete two full seasons of an FHSAA-sanctioned JV or Varsity sport.
2. Have the appropriate school staff verify participation and completion.
3. Submit the completed HOPE Waiver Form to their school counselor for processing.

A full season requires participation in practices and games from the beginning of the season through team elimination, with a minimum of 95% attendance.

Marching Band or Color Guard

Students must:

1. Complete two full years of marching band or color guard.
2. Have the Band Director verify completion.
3. Submit the completed HOPE Waiver Form to their school counselor for processing.

JROTC

Students who complete two full years of JROTC should contact their school counselor to have their eligibility verified and the appropriate waiver information entered.

Aviation and the Emergency Medical Response Program do not satisfy the JROTC requirement for the HOPE waiver.

Dance

Students who complete 1 full credit in an approved dance techniques course with a grade of C or better should contact their school counselor to determine eligibility.

Important Information

• Students must complete waiver requirements in full before the waiver can be entered on the student's transcript.
• Interscholastic athletics waive the 1-credit Physical Education requirement, but students do not receive course credit or a grade for athletic participation.
• Two years of marching band or color guard satisfy both the 1-credit Physical Education requirement and the 1-credit Performing Arts requirement.
• Two years of JROTC satisfy both the 1-credit Physical Education requirement and the 1-credit Performing Arts requirement. Students earn grades and credits for their JROTC courses.
• An approved Dance course may satisfy either the 1-credit Physical Education requirement or the 1-credit Performing Arts requirement.
• Students must still meet the total number of credits required for graduation.
• Students may still choose to take HOPE or other PE or Performing Arts electives even if they qualify for a waiver.
• All waiver requests are subject to verification by school staff.