FCI’s Authorizing Division leads charter application review and oversight on behalf of higher education institution authorizers, including Miami Dade College, in accordance with Florida’s Principles and Standards for Quality Charter School Authorizing. The division ensures a fair, consistent, and transparent process through the following responsibilities:

• Application Review: Evaluates all charter applications for RFP and statutory compliance using state-recommended forms, evaluation rubrics, and review protocols. Supplemental information is requested when needed to clarify capacity or strengthen the quality of the review.
• Capacity Interviews: Conducts in-depth interviews with applicant groups that meet initial quality thresholds to assess operational readiness, instructional planning, and organizational leadership.
• Expert Analysis: Draws on staff expertise in governance, finance, curriculum, operations, and compliance—and engages external specialists when appropriate—to ensure rigorous, objective evaluations.