I don't think you can accurately call it a public school, since it does not issue diplomas, and it offers courses not available in public schools. It is, however, an accredited distance learning school, and it serves students in all areas -- homeschool students, private school students and public school students, if they want to take any of the online courses offered. In addition, it is not required of any homeschooled student in this state, though many choose it. A high school diploma would be obtained from the local high school, not from this online school. Some additional information is available
HERE.
I think it is just terrific that FL offers this for free to every high school student in FL. If you are a high school student attending whatever educational environment, and you want to take Advanced Placement classes, for instance, you can take such classes online, without having to attend a classroom. And, these AP classes are certainly given substantial consideration in a student's application for college.
I thought you might be interested in this Part 16, and in posts #200 and #202. :)