If you’re exploring how to become a teacher in Florida, you’re not alone. With its large public school system—spanning over 4,000 schools and serving nearly 3 million students—Florida offers strong job stability, competitive salaries, and year-round sunshine. Ongoing teacher shortages across the state, particularly in high-need areas like English, ESE, Science, and ESOL, have opened the door to numerous opportunities for aspiring educators.
Thanks to statewide initiatives like the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation and expanded alternative certification pathways, Florida has become an increasingly accessible and attractive option for new teachers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to become a certified teacher in Florida, including education requirements, certification exams, and job search tips—so you can confidently start your teaching career in the Sunshine State.
Overview of the Teaching Situation in Florida
As of the 2025–2026 school year, Florida’s public education system spans 67 school districts, with more than 4,200 public schools serving approximately 2.85 million K–12 students. The state continues to employ hundreds of thousands of education professionals, including over 170,000 instructional staff.
Despite this scale, Florida is still contending with a chronic teacher shortage. At the start of the school year, there were just over 4,300 vacant teaching positions, continuing a gradual decline from previous years. This marks a roughly 10% improvement from the 2024–2025 school year, when vacancies were reported at 4,776.
However, shortages remain especially acute in critical subject areas identified by the Florida Department of Education, including:
- English/Language Arts
- Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
- General and Physical Sciences
- Reading
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Mathematics
To address these challenges, the state has expanded recruitment incentives, including sign-on bonuses, out-of-state credential reciprocity, and fast-track alternative certification pathways. Some districts are also partnering with universities to create teacher pipeline programs and offering additional stipends for high-need subject areas.
While progress is being made in reducing overall vacancies, ensuring a fully staffed and qualified teaching workforce remains a top priority for Florida in 2025. Ongoing investment in teacher recruitment and retention will be critical to maintaining educational quality and equity across the state.
Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Florida
To become a teacher in Florida, you must go through some mandatory steps. We’ll cover each step to help you understand exactly what you need to do to get certified.
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree.
You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to become a teacher in Florida.
Having a bachelor’s degree demonstrates to employers and the state that you’ve developed the skills necessary to be an effective teacher.
The degree must be in the subject area you wish to teach or in a related field. The state of Florida recognizes degrees from both in-state and out-of-state institutions as long as they are accredited.
You’re still eligible to become a teacher if your degree is not education-related. This is as long as you complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) Subject Area Exam.
The state of Florida views the bachelor’s degree as an indicator of your preparation for the challenges of teaching and commitment to the profession.
2. Gain Student Teaching Experience.
To obtain a teaching certificate in Florida, you must complete a state-approved student teaching experience program after your bachelor’s degree. Teaching experience equips you with the necessary training and real-life experience to become an effective teacher.
In the program, you’re placed in a real classroom under the supervision of a mentor teacher. Here, you’re allowed to plan and teach lessons, work with students, collaborate with colleagues, and receive feedback and support from the mentor teacher.
The experience you gain in the student teaching experience program will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your classroom.
If you’re using the alternative certification route of the Educator Preparation Program (EPI), student teaching is not a requirement. For EPIs you’re not required to undergo the student teaching program with alternative certification, however, you teach for a year on a temporary teaching certificate but enjoy full pay and benefits.
3. Pass the Required Certification Test.
To obtain a teaching license in Florida, you must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE). Passing the FTCE demonstrates your knowledge and skills related to teaching.
The FTCE is a series of standardized tests administered by the Florida Department of Education.
The test is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required of all prospective teachers in Florida. It’s computer-based and offered in testing centers throughout the state.
There are three different FTCE exams that you may be required to take, depending on the specific teaching field and grade level you wish to teach. For instance:
- General Knowledge Test (GKT): This test measures the general knowledge and abilities required of all teachers in Florida. It covers reading, writing, and math skills.
- Subject Area Exam(SAE): This exam measures knowledge in a specific subject area. For example, if you want to teach mathematics, you would need to take the Mathematics Subject Area Exam.
- Professional Education Test (PEd): This test measures your knowledge of pedagogy and professional practices. For example, curriculum development, assessment, and classroom management.
To pass the FTCE, a candidate must score at or above the passing level established by the Florida Department of Education. The score required to pass the FTCE is subject to change and varies depending on the exam and the specific teaching field.
4. Get Certified.
After completing all the above requirements, you must apply for a teaching certificate from the Florida Department of Education.
Follow these steps to get certification:
- Visit the Florida Department of Education’s website and complete an online application for a teaching certificate.
- Pay the application fee, which is paid online as part of the application process.
- Submit official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree program and any other required documentation, i.e., proof of passing the FTCE exams or completing a state-approved teacher preparation program.
The Florida Department of Education will review your application and determine if you meet all the state requirements for certification.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive your teaching certificate. It’ll indicate the specific subject area and grade level you are certified to teach.
5. Applying for teaching jobs in Florida.
Armed with your teaching certificate, you can go ahead and start looking for teaching jobs in Florida. You can apply for jobs directly to school districts since school districts in Florida have their own websites and job postings. Here you’ll find and apply for open teaching positions.
As you search for a full-time teaching position, you should consider substitute teaching. Becoming a substitute teacher can help you gain experience and build relationships with schools and administrators.
Also, connect and build relationships with other teachers, administrators, and educational organizations in your community. You can achieve this by:
- Attending job fairs
- Attending education events
- Joining professional organizations,
- Reaching out to former teachers or professors for advice and guidance.
You should also utilize online job search resources. For instance, Teach in Florida is an online job search website specifically designed for teachers.
You can search for open teaching positions by location, subject area, and grade level.
Certification Requirements in Florida
As stated, anyone planning to teach in Florida must seek an educator’s certificate from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE).
Florida offers two types of certification to its teachers, namely, the:
- Temporary Certificate
- Professional Certificate.
1. Temporary Certificate for Teachers in Florida
The temporary certificate is a nonrenewable educators certification that’s valid for three years. The holders of this certificate can teach full-time while completing the professional certification requirements.
To obtain a Temporary Certificate for teachers in Florida, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or from a non-accredited but approved institution.
- Demonstrate mastery of the subject area or meet subject specialization with a 2.5 GPA in the area you wish to teach.
- Submit to a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance conducted by the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- Must first gain employment in a Florida school
2. Professional Certificate for Teachers in Florida
The Professional Certificate for teachers In Florida is the highest teacher certification level available in Florida. It’s renewable and valid for up to five years.
To obtain this certificate, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or from a non-accredited, approved institution.
- Pass a subject area examination in the area you wish to teach
- Clear fingerprint-based screening and criminal background check by the FBI and FLDE
- Pass a General Knowledge Test that tests your knowledge in English language skills, mathematics, essay writing, and reading.
- Demonstrate mastery of professional preparation and education competence
Certification Application Fee
To be a licensed teacher in Florida, you need to pay fees for the certifications. The table below shows the cost and purpose of various certification applications.
| Application | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| FLDOE Statement of Status of Eligibility | $75 per subject | For those who’ve never held Florida certification, or certification expired more than a year ago |
| Temporary to professional certificate | $75 | Upgrading from temporary to professional certificate after three years |
| Addition of a subject | $75 per subject | Demonstrating qualification to teach in additional subjects |
| Removal of a subject | $20 | If you no longer intend to teach on particular subjects |
| Renewal of valid Professional Educator Certificate | $75 | Professional Certificate needs renewal after every five years |
| Late renewal of Professional Educators Certificate | $105 | If Professional Certificate expired within the past year |
| Reinstatement of an expired Professional Certificate | $75 per subject | Reinstating an already expired Professional Certificate |
| Athletic Coaching Certification | $75 | Applying for temporary, upgrading to 5 year or new 5-year certification |
Requirements for Out-of-State Teachers
As mentioned above, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) is keen on attracting out of state teachers into Florida classrooms to curb the teacher shortage.
There are two reciprocity routes prospective teachers and administrators can follow to qualify for the Professional Certificate in Florida.
1. Valid Standard Certificate Issued by a State Other than Florida
If you hold a valid standard educator’s certificate from another state, you can be licensed to teach in Florida. The certificate must be the state equivalent of the Professional Certificate. It must also be issued in a subject that’s comparable to a Florida certification subject.
The certificate must hold a higher or similar level of training for certification required in Florida. It also must be valid and not expired or revoked.
2. Certificate Issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certificate is recognized in Florida.
If you’re a holder of the NBPTS certificate, you can be licensed to teach in a classroom in Florida. All you have to do is apply for the Professional Certificate. The certificate will reflect the Florida subject considered the NBPTS equivalent. It must also be valid and not expired.
Florida’s Certification Renewal Requirements
The Temporary certificates remain valid for three years and are nonrenewable. After that period, you must obtain a Professional Certificate to teach. All Florida teachers must renew their credentials every five years.
Many school districts in the state offer professional development and training workshops for educators to gain their continuing education units (CEUs). Professional bodies like Simple K12 offer training that could count when renewing your certification — after checking with your school or school district.
To renew a teaching certificate in Florida, you must complete a minimum of six semester hours (or the equivalent) of college coursework in education or a related subject area.
If you happen to obtain a valid NBPTS certificate in that subject, it automatically renews your Florida certificate in that subject.
Salary Expectations for Florida Teachers in 2024 to 2025
Salary Expectations for Florida Teachers in 2025–2026
As Florida enters the 2025–2026 school year, teacher salaries continue to be a key focus of state and district-level investment. Thanks to increased funding and policy initiatives aimed at improving educator retention, teacher compensation has seen modest but steady growth.
- Average Starting Salary: Now over $49,500, making Florida one of the more competitive states in the Southeast for new educators.
- Average Teacher Salary: Approaching $56,000, reflecting efforts to raise baseline pay across districts.
The Teacher Salary Increase Allocation has expanded significantly since 2020, rising from $500 million to over $1.35 billion in 2025. This funding supports salary adjustments at both the entry and mid-career levels, although how these funds are distributed can vary by district.
For example, some districts—like Sarasota County—continue to lead in compensation, offering minimum salaries of $58,000 or more for 10-month instructional positions. Meanwhile, smaller or rural districts may offer lower salaries due to budget constraints, highlighting a persistent pay gap across regions.
Despite these increases, Florida’s average teacher salary still trails the national average, which now exceeds $66,000. However, ongoing legislation and funding proposals aim to close that gap and make the profession more financially sustainable across the state.
For the most accurate and up-to-date salary information, prospective teachers should consult the Florida Department of Education or individual school district websites, as pay can vary depending on your subject area, years of experience, and location.
Florida Teacher Shortages in 2025
Florida continues to experience significant teacher shortages in 2025, a trend that has persisted for several years. According to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), nearly every subject area is affected, but certain fields remain critically understaffed, especially in Title I schools, rural districts, and urban areas with high student populations.
The most acute shortages are currently in the following subject areas:
- English/Language Arts – Schools are struggling to fill vacancies for both middle and high school English teachers, especially those certified in advanced literature and composition.
- Exceptional Student Education (ESE) – There is a growing need for certified special education teachers who can work with students with disabilities and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Science (General and Physical Sciences) – Teachers certified in biology, chemistry, physics, and general science are in high demand, particularly at the secondary level.
- Mathematics – Math teachers are among the hardest positions to fill across all grade levels, with a notable shortage in Algebra I and Geometry instruction.
- Reading Specialists – With a statewide push to improve literacy rates, certified reading teachers and interventionists are needed in both elementary and secondary schools.
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) – Florida’s large and diverse English learner population creates high demand for ESOL-certified educators, especially in South Florida and urban areas.
The shortage is largely due to a decline in the number of graduates from teacher preparation programs. According to recent data from FLDOE and statewide universities, Florida is not producing enough certified educators to meet the demands of its growing K–12 student population, which now exceeds 2.8 million students.
To address these gaps, many school districts are:
- Recruiting out-of-state teachers
- Expanding alternative certification pathways
- Offering signing bonuses and relocation assistance
- Partnering with local universities to increase teacher pipeline programs
If you’re considering a career in education, entering one of Florida’s high-need teaching areas may provide additional support, incentives, and faster job placement. With strong demand and expanded certification options, 2025 is a pivotal time to join the Florida teaching workforce.
Top Reasons to Become a Teacher in Florida
Florida offers unique opportunities and benefits for teachers, making it an attractive state for educators seeking a rewarding and impactful career. Below are the top reasons to pursue teaching in Florida:
1. High Demand and Job Security
Florida faces a significant teacher shortage, creating a high demand for qualified educators in various subject areas.
- Critical Need Areas: English, Exceptional Student Education (ESE), Science, Reading, and ESOL are the fields with the most vacancies.
- Job Stability: With over 4,000 public schools serving approximately 3 million students, teaching positions are abundant across the state.
- Opportunities for Growth: Teachers in high-need areas often receive additional support and opportunities for career advancement.
2. Competitive Starting Salaries and Benefits
Florida has made strides in improving teacher compensation, particularly for new educators.
- Starting Salaries: Florida’s average starting salary for teachers is among the highest in the Southeast, with many districts offering $47,500 or more.
- State Initiatives: Florida has introduced programs to raise overall teacher pay and reduce the salary gap between new and experienced educators.
- Retirement and Health Benefits: Teachers in Florida have access to the Florida Retirement System (FRS) and comprehensive health insurance options.
3. Teacher Incentive Programs
Florida provides financial incentives and recognition programs to attract and retain talented educators.
- Teacher Salary Increase Allocation: Districts receive funding to raise teacher salaries.
- Certification Bonuses: Educators in high-need areas or with advanced certifications, such as National Board Certification, may qualify for additional bonuses.
- Scholarships for Aspiring Teachers: Programs like the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers provide scholarships to future educators.
4. Flexible Pathways to Certification
Florida offers various pathways to help aspiring teachers enter the profession.
- Alternative Certification Programs: Florida offers streamlined certification options for individuals transitioning from other careers. Teachers of Tomorrow is a top consideration for most teachers in Florida who are considering alternative paths to becoming a teacher.
- Temporary Certification: Allows candidates to teach while completing certification requirements.
- Support for Career Changers: Programs like Teach Florida help professionals from other fields become certified educators.
5. Impactful Career Opportunities
Teaching in Florida allows educators to make a profound difference in the lives of diverse student populations.
- Diverse Student Body: Florida’s classrooms reflect diverse cultures, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds, enriching the teaching experience.
- High-Need Communities: Teachers in underserved areas have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by addressing educational disparities.
- Empowering Future Leaders: Florida educators play a pivotal role in preparing students for college, careers, and civic life.
6. Professional Development and Support
Florida emphasizes professional growth, providing teachers with tools and resources to excel.
- Mentorship Programs: New teachers often benefit from mentorship by experienced educators, easing the transition into the profession.
- Statewide Training: Initiatives like the Florida Professional Development System (FPDS) offer workshops and training to enhance teaching skills.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities for teachers to become instructional coaches, administrators, or curriculum specialists are widely available.
Start Teaching in Florida
Due to the acute teacher shortage, the demand for teachers in Florida is consistently high. This means job security is assured for those in the field.
Now that you’ve learned how to become a teacher in Florida, you, too, can work towards becoming one. Florida teachers are compensated competitively and are eligible for medical and dental cover and a defined benefit pension plan, depending on the school district.
The best part of being a teacher in Florida is you’ll generally have the summer months off. This provides time for rest and relaxation on Florida’s beautiful beaches and national parks. You may also decide to pursue additional employment or educational opportunities.
If you’d like to become a teacher in Florida, check out the certification options available for you and start your journey today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to become a teacher in Florida?
Becoming a teacher in Florida typically takes four to five years. Most aspiring teachers earn a bachelor’s degree, which takes about four years. If you major in education, your degree will likely include a teacher preparation program and student teaching, allowing you to move directly into certification.
If your degree is in another field, you’ll need to complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) or similar alternative certification program, which usually takes 12 to 18 months. All candidates must also pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), including general knowledge, professional education, and subject area tests.
Your exact timeline will depend on whether you’re pursuing a traditional or alternative pathway to certification.
Can I Become a Teacher in Florida Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes, you can become a teacher in Florida without a degree in education. However, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in any major from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.50 GPA. From there, you’ll need to complete an alternative certification pathway, such as enrolling in a state-approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) or obtaining a Temporary Teaching Certificate while meeting additional requirements like passing the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE).
This route is commonly used by career changers or individuals who decide to become teachers after earning a degree in another field.
How Hard Is the Florida Teacher Certification Exam?
The difficulty of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) depends on the specific test. Most candidates find the Subject Area Exam and Professional Education Test manageable, especially with strong content knowledge and teacher training.
The General Knowledge Test is often considered the most challenging because it includes multiple subtests—reading, writing, math, and English language skills. Preparing thoroughly, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve studied basic academic skills, is essential for success.
