What the heck has the FHSAA done with the classifications in Florida?

Metro, Suburban, Rural, and Independent categories?

There are 9 classes, now, plus the Independents. 4 in the Metro category, 4 in Suburban category, and 1 in the Rural category.

In the Metro and Suburban categories, classes 2, 3, and 4 have 4 regions with 16 districts each. Class 1 of those two categories has 1 region with 8 districts. The Rural category only has 1 class with 4 regions and no districts in each region. 

I need to do more reading, but WOW. 

Florida High School Football Classifications

 

For the last 20 years, the FHSAA has attempted to keep the private and public schools separated as possible, especially in the smaller school classifications. They appear to be all mixed back together, now. 

Interesting. Not sure it makes sense in every state but it probably is reasonable in a state of such variance as Florida. I will say this: all classification releases from state athletic associations should be on PDF. Requiring you to click through to find a school is nonsense!