Florida offers a variety of pathways to becoming a licensed teacher, including options for teacher education program graduates, career changers, and nontraditional candidates.
Regardless of the path you choose, you will require teacher certification from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). From there, you'll need to maintain your certification to remain in good professional standing throughout your career.
This challenging but rewarding process unfolds across multiple steps, which are covered in complete detail below. Learn how to become a teacher in Florida, from the start of your college education to your first day as a full-fledged instructor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Teacher in Florida
If you want to pursue a teaching certificate in Florida, you first need to decide on your subject area. This ensures you complete the appropriate educational program and register for the right certification exams.
Follow these steps to learn how to become a teacher in Florida.
Step 1: Meet Florida's Education Requirements
Florida provides multiple direct and alternative paths to become a certified teacher. Whether you choose to earn a temporary teaching certificate or a professional certificate, you need at least a bachelor's degree which meets your subject area requirements. Look for a properly accredited school and teaching program.
Candidates can demonstrate educational competence by finishing a state-approved teaching preparation program and passing the Florida Professional Education Test. Florida also offers alternative routes to become a certified teacher. You can pursue a Florida certificate if you hold a standard certificate from another state or a certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Did You Know…
In the fall of 2023, Florida ranked third in total public school enrollment in the United States, with 2.872 million students enrolled. Given the size of the state's student base, K-12 teachers in the Sunshine State appear poised to benefit from ongoing demand.
Step 2: Pass the Required Certification Exams
To ensure that teachers possess the classroom skills and pedagogical knowledge needed to teach in Florida, they must pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE). The exact tests you take depend on your background. The Bureau of Educator Certification determines what courses you need to take after you submit your application.
If you graduated from a Florida-approved teacher program, you must pass three parts of the FTCE, including the general knowledge, professional education, and subject area portions. The general knowledge consists of an essay, English language, reading, and math sections.
Percentages needed to pass vary for each section. Generally, you cannot score below 71%-75%. Tests are graded as pass or fail.
The three subtests cost $97 on the first attempt, while all four subsets cost $130 on the first attempt. Military personnel and their family may qualify for exam fee waivers.
Step 3: Obtain Your Teaching License
Floridians meet the state's licensure requirements by completing four steps. As of July 2025, teaching in Florida requires an application and fingerprints. Candidates who pass a criminal background check then begin their job hunt. Educators receive their temporary or professional license after accepting a job offer. Please check the state board website for the latest information.
Maintaining Your Florida Teaching Credentials
Florida requires that educators take professional development (PD) classes throughout the school year and summer. Florida requires PD so that educators may create engaging lessons and teach learners valuable life lessons. The state approves a PD catalog by evaluating classes' professional learning standards.
A professional teaching license lasts five years. Teachers must earn at least six semester hours of college credit, or at least 120 inservice points in that time. The state requires a college class in each of a teacher's licensed subject areas. Educators must also take at least one college credit in teaching students with disabilities. Teachers must earn a minimum C grade for college classes to count toward PD.
Teachers can earn the remainder of their credits or inservice points by taking PD from approved providers. The state lets licensed educators take some classes 100% online. Please check a provider's status with the state board before signing up for a class.
How Much Do Teachers Make in Florida?
According to National Education Association (NEA) data, Florida teachers received a 3.42% year-over-year pay increase ahead of the 2023-24 school year. On a national scale, the percentage pay hike ranked about midway, outpacing states like Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York — all of which are noted for their relatively high teacher salaries.
In general, teacher salaries in Florida tend to cluster around similar levels for most positions, with special education teachers commanding premiums at the middle and high school levels. The following table provides a detailed breakdown, along with job growth projections.
| Job | Annual Median Wage (2024) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teacher | $34,270 | 12% |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $56,870 | 11% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $55,550 | 12% |
| Middle School Teacher | $51,680 | 12% |
| High School Teacher | $59,400 | 12% |
| Special Education Teacher, Preschool | $50,030 | 10% |
| Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary | $52,700 | 12% |
| Special Education Teacher, Middle School | $59,410 | 12% |
| Special Education Teacher, High School | $60,570 | 12% |
| Substitute Teacher | $36,400 | 15% |
| Teaching Assistant | $30,230 | 11% |
Is There a Teacher Shortage in Florida?
The Florida Education Association (FEA) characterizes the state's teacher shortage as "severe," noting that it extends beyond instructors to also include educational support staff. A deeper FEA analysis identified a complex series of root causes, including a large number of certified teachers exiting the profession and a deficit of emerging teachers to replace them.
For its part, the FLDOE highlights specializations experiencing a critical shortage of available teachers. As of the 2024-25 school year, these include:
- Exceptional student education
- English, science, and mathematics
- English for speakers of other languages
By certifying in one of these areas, you could help fill acute needs in Florida's education system.
Can You Become a Florida Teacher With an Out-of-State License?
Yes, you can become a Florida teacher with an out-of-state teaching license. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement lets teachers transfer their license between some U.S. states and Canadian provinces. This agreement helps relocating teachers resume their career as soon as possible. As a NASDTEC member state, Florida accepts out-of-state licenses if they compare to its professional license.
Out-of-state teachers must hold an active license in a subject that Florida public schools teach. The state does not accept expired or revoked licenses. These educators follow the same licensure process as Floridians applying for a first-time temporary or professional license.