Tampa School Lice Policy

The school districts in Tampa generally maintain “no nit” policies. The school districts in the Tampa Florida area generally maintain “no nit” policies. In general, schools across the country are moving toward eliminating these policies in accordance with recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Schools in the Tampa area, however, are retaining their stricter policies as they believe having these policies in place helps to contain the spread of head lice.

Hillsborough County Public Schools

The county of Tampa schools has a “no nit” policy that is stated as follows: “If a child is identified as having head lice, he or she shall be excluded from school and shall not be permitted to return to school until he or she is free from lice and nits. Nits are the white eggs that lice lay that adhere to strands of hair. Parents are responsible to provide the appropriate treatment to eliminate head lice and nits before the child returns to school. A child should miss no more than one or two days of school because of head lice. Excessive absences due to head lice shall be addressed according to the provisions of the Compulsory School Attendance Law. (F.S. 381.0056, F.S.1003.22, District Policy Chapter 5 - Policy 5.13.)”

Pinellas County Schools

Consistent with the Hillsborough County Policy, Pinellas County schools also maintain a “no nit” policy. Should a student become infested with head lice, Pinellas County Schools policy states “the child must be sent home and may not return to school until he/ she has been treated. Policy further states the child must be nit-free upon return to school.” Private schools make their own policies. LiceDoctors recommends that parents contact your local school to make sure that you are abreast of the most current lice policies.