Become a Florida Teacher
with Moreland University

To become a teacher in Florida, you’ll typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in education or the subject area you want to teach. From there, you’ll need to submit a completed application package to the Bureau of Educator Certification and obtain an official Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE), which will let you know if you’re eligible for a certificate in the area(s) you requested. Once you’re found eligible, you’ll need to complete a state-approved educator preparation institute (EPI) program (like Moreland University’s nine-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program), pass the required exams (such as the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE)), and undergo a background check. Then you can apply for certification through the Florida Department of Education.

Specific requirements for Florida certification can vary. If you have questions about the process of getting your teaching certification in Florida, Moreland University admissions representatives would be happy to chat. Give us a call at
1(844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.

Yes, in most cases, you do need a teaching certification to teach in Florida. Certification ensures that teachers meet certain standards of education, testing, and background checks required by the state.

However, there are some exceptions and alternative routes to certification that may be available. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree in a subject area but not in education, you may be able to pursue alternative certification programs that allow you to become certified while teaching under a temporary or provisional license.

Additionally, Florida offers temporary certificates for individuals working toward certification while teaching in the classroom. It’s essential to check with the Florida Department of Education or the specific school district where you intend to teach for the most accurate and up-to-date information on certification requirements and alternative pathways.

The specific requirements for teacher certification in Florida can vary depending on factors such as the type of certification you’re seeking (e.g., elementary, secondary, special education) and any changes in state regulations. Generally, though, Florida teachers must meet the following requirements:

✓ Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
✓ Obtain an official Statement of Eligibility (SOE) from the Bureau of Educator Certification, which determines your eligibility for teacher certification in the requested areas
✓ Complete a state-approved educator preparation institute (EPI) program, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program
✓ Complete other requirements outlined in your SOE which may be unique to your teaching pursuits
✓ Pass the required educator certification exams, which often includes the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) or the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) as well as other exams that may be based on the grade level and subject area you wish to teach
✓ Pass a criminal background check
✓ Depending on the specific certification you’re pursuing, there may be additional requirements, such as coursework in specific areas or completion of a master’s degree

It’s essential to regularly check the Florida Department of Education website or contact them directly for the most current and detailed information on certification requirements and any changes to the process.

If you have further questions about the requirements for getting your teaching license in Florida, Moreland University admissions representatives would be happy to chat more. Give us a call at 1(844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.

To obtain a teaching certification in Florida, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, ideally in education or a subject area relevant to the grade level and subject you want to teach.
2. Obtain an official Status of Eligibility (SOE): Submit a completed application package to the Bureau of Educator Certification to receive an official SOE that states your eligibility for teacher certification in the requested areas and steps to achieve full certification.
3. Complete an educator preparation institute (EPI) program: Enroll in and complete a state-approved educator preparation institute (EPI) program, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation program.
4. Complete other eligibility requirements: Dependent on the areas of certification you are pursuing, there may be additional steps outlined in your SOE. It’s important to complete all the steps outlined in your SOE to get your full teacher certification in Florida.
5. Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE): Take and pass the required exams, which include subject area exams, professional education exams, and general knowledge exams.
6. Undergo a background check: Complete a criminal background check as part of the certification process. This is necessary to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff.
7. Apply for and receive your Florida teacher certification: Submit an application for certification to the Florida Department of Education. You’ll need to provide transcripts, your SOE, exam scores, proof of completion of a state-approved EPI, and any other required documentation — along with the required application fee.

Throughout this process, it’s important to stay informed about any updates or changes to certification requirements and procedures by regularly checking the Florida Department of Education website or contacting them directly for assistance.

To maintain your Florida teaching certification, you typically need to fulfill certain requirements for renewal. Here are the typical steps to maintain your Florida teaching certification:

• Renewal Period: Florida teaching certificates are typically valid for five years. You need to renew your certificate before it expires to continue teaching in the state.
• Continuing education and Professional Development: As part of the renewal process, you’ll need to earn six semester hours of college credit. At least one of these credit hours needs to be in teaching students with disabilities. Alternatively, you can earn inservice points in an approved Florida master inservice program. According to FLDOE, 20 inservice points are equal to 1 semester hour of college credit. You’ll want to refer to FLDOE for the most up-to-date information on continuing education requirements and acceptable professional development activities.
• Documentation: Keep records of your professional development activities and documentation of completion. You may need to submit this documentation as part of the renewal process.
• Renewal Application: Submit a renewal application to the Florida Department of Education before your certificate expires. This typically involves completing an online application and paying a renewal fee.
• Background Check: Depending on the type of certification, you may need to undergo a background check as part of the renewal process.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check the Florida Department of Education website for updates on renewal requirements and procedures to ensure compliance.

By fulfilling these requirements and staying current with professional development opportunities, you can maintain your Florida teaching certification and continue your career as an educator in the state.

The timeline to become a certified teacher in Florida can vary depending on several factors, including your educational background, the specific certification pathway you choose, and the time it takes to complete required exams and training programs.

A typical timeline for teacher certification in Florida typically starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree — which usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

To determine your eligibility for teacher certification in Florida, you’ll need to apply for and obtain an official Status of Eligibility (SOE) from the Bureau of Educator Certification, which can take 90 days to review. The SOE is valid for three years, giving you time to complete the listed requirements for full certification before the SOE expiration date.

Once you have your SOE, you’ll need to complete a state-approved educator preparation institute (EPI) program, which can take a few months to a few years. Choosing an alternative pathway to certification often shortens the timeline. For example, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program — offered 100% online — takes only 9 months to complete.

Then you’ll need to complete other eligibility requirements outlined in your SOE, pass the required exams (such as the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE)), and pass a background check before applying for and obtaining your Florida teaching license. The time for these steps can vary greatly, but it typically takes 30 days to process your background check and 30 days to be issued your Florida teacher certification once all your materials (including cleared background check records) have been received.

Florida teachers’ salaries can depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district. In 2023, the National Education Association reported that Florida teachers make an average of $51,230 per year. Additionally, 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics put Florida teachers’ median pay at around $60,000 per year, and K-12 special education teachers’ average salary between $57,780 and $66,220. The BLS also reported:

• Kindergarten teachers in Florida make an average of $58,990
• Elementary school teachers in Florida make an average of $59,240
• Middle school teachers in Florida make an average of $58,700
• High school teachers in Florida make an average of $63,470

It’s worth noting these salaries typically reflect ~10 months of work as teachers have the summer off as well as some time off during the school year. Those who pursue a master’s in education (M.Ed.) can often make even more money while increasing their career trajectory.

Starting salaries for new teachers in Florida can vary depending on factors such as the school district, education level, teaching experience, subject area, and grade level. In 2023, the National Education Association found Florida’s average teacher starting salary is $45,171 — ranking 16th in the nation. This is typically for ~10 months of work as teachers get the summer and time during the year off.

There are many reasons Moreland University is a great option for current and aspiring educators in Florida.

Moreland University is accredited, ensuring our programs meet high standards of quality and are recognized by employers and state education agencies. Moreland University also has a strong reputation within Florida, the broader United States, and internationally for producing highly qualified educators — providing you credibility in the field.

Additionally, Moreland University offers a supportive online learning environment for current and aspiring Florida teachers. With monthly start dates, experienced faculty, and expert support across the entire certification journey, Moreland University is a flexible and effective pathway to get your teaching certification in Florida or uplevel your teaching career.

To learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Florida, aspiring educators can turn to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) as a valuable resource. The FLDOE serves as a central hub for navigating teacher certification in the sunshine state, offering comprehensive guidance on the necessary steps, examination requirements, and more.

Through the FLDOE website, candidates can access a wealth of information, including details on certification pathways and application procedures. And, if you’re pursuing an alternative pathway to teacher certification in Florida, you can also find information on state-approved educator preparation institute programs like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.

If you have questions about the teacher certification process in Florida, Moreland University admissions representatives would be happy to chat. Give us a call at 1 (844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.