How to Get Your Florida
Teacher Certification
Your Florida teaching certification opens the door to a meaningful career and the chance to make a positive, lasting impact on your community. Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career change, Florida offers diverse opportunities and a streamlined path to the classroom.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your Florida teaching certification — from choosing the right Educator Preparation Institute to passing your certification exams and applying for your license.
Florida Department of Education
The Florida Department of Education is a great resource to help you navigate teacher certification, with info on job openings, shortage areas, routes to certification, requirements, and how to apply.
If you’re pursuing an alternative pathway to teacher certification in Florida, the DOE also has information on state-approved Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) Programs, like Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in Florida
In general, there are two pathways to earn your Florida teaching certification.
The Direct Pathway
If you’re a high-school graduate and you know you want to become a teacher, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in education from an approved Teacher Education Program.
You’ll then need to:
- Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exams.
- Complete your initial application package.
- Obtain your Official Statement of Eligibility (SOE).
- Obtain employment in a Florida elementary or secondary school.
- Submit your fingerprints for a background screen.
- Apply for certification.
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The Alternative Pathway
If you have a bachelor’s degree in something other than education, you can apply for a temporary teaching certificate and enroll in an approved Educator Preparation Institute Program.
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
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Teacher Benefits in Florida
Abundant Job Opportunities
Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, with a high demand for qualified teachers.
Quality School Systems
Florida is the No. 1 state in the nation for education, according to a ranking from U.S. News & World Report
High Quality of Life
The aptly named Sunshine State boasts beautiful weather, beaches, and diverse outdoor activities.
Certification Types
Florida has two types of teaching certifications, a temporary certificate and a professional certificate.
Temporary Certificate
A temporary teaching certificate is valid for 5 school years in Florida and is nonrenewable. This certificate allows educators to teach full-time while completing the requirements for a professional certificate.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (does not have to be in education)
- Demonstrated Mastery of Subject Area Knowledge
Professional Certificate
A professional certificate is Florida’s highest educator certificate, renewable every 5 years.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (does not have to be in education)
- Demonstrated Mastery of Subject Area Knowledge
- Demonstrated Mastery of General Knowledge
- Demonstrated Mastery of Professional Preparation and Education Competence
For more information, visit the Florida Department of Education website.
Florida Teacher Requirements
General Requirements
Florida teachers are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. They also must:
- Complete an initial application package.
- Obtain an Official Statement of Eligibility.
- Complete a Teacher Preparation or Educator Preparation Institute Program.
- Obtain employment in a Florida elementary or secondary school.
- Submit fingerprints for certification.
Testing Requirements
Florida educators take the Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE). These include a General Knowledge Test,
a Professional Education Test and Subject Area Exams.
General Knowledge Test
This is the main Florida teacher exam, covering the basic knowledge and instructional skills needed to teach in Florida.
The General Knowledge Test includes four subtests: an essay, English language skills, reading, and math.
Professional Education Test
This test covers professional conduct, professional development, curriculum, literacy improvement, and teaching English Language Learners.
The Professional Education Test is two and a half hours long, with about 100 multiple choice questions.
Subject Area Exams
There are 39 Subject Area Exams in Florida, but teachers only have to take those relevant to the grades and subjects they want to teach.
Most SAEs are two and a half hours long, with 70 to 100 multiple choice questions. Some include a written and/or oral section as well.
For more information on testing, visit FTCEtest.org.
Education & Degree Requirements
Florida requires educators to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. If
your degree is in something other than education, you can complete an approved Educator
Preparation Institute Program, such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
Florida Licensing Application Process
When you’re ready to apply for your Florida teaching certification, you’ll submit your application online to the Bureau of Educator Certification.
Make sure to include your application fee and official transcripts.
Florida Educator Preparation Institute (EPI)
Florida has a list of approved EPIs.
Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is a great option for Florida teachers eager to advance their careers. TEACH-NOW is fully accredited and 100% online, with small class sizes, dedicated mentors, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Florida offers a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Sunshine State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in Florida. We have answers.
How do I become a Florida teacher?
Florida requires teachers to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If your degree is in something other than education, you can earn your teaching certification through an approved Educator Preparation Institute Program.
Before you can enroll in an EPI, you’ll need to obtain an Official Statement of Eligibility (SOE). You will get this after you complete your initial application with the Florida Department of Education.
You’ll also need to pass the required Florida Teacher Certification Exams and submit your fingerprints for a background check.
You can find more information on the Department of Education website.
Do I need a certification to teach in Florida?
Yes, in most cases, you need a certification to teach in Florida. In general, Florida offers two types of teacher certifications:
- A professional certificate, Florida’s highest educator certificate, renewable every 5 years.
- A temporary certificate, also valid for 5 years but nonrenewable. This certificate allows educators to teach full-time while completing the requirements for a professional certificate.
What are the requirements for Florida teacher certification?
The specific requirements for teacher certification in Florida vary depending on factors such as the type of certification you’re seeking and the grades and subject areas you want to teach.
In general, 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).
- Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Institute Program (EPI).
- Pass the required Florida Teacher Certification Exams.
- Pass a criminal background check.
It’s important to note this is just one example of a path to a teaching certification in Florida. For more detailed information, visit the Florida Department of Education website.
What are the steps to get a teaching certification in Florida?
To earn a teaching certification in Florida, you need to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Exams.
- Complete your initial application package.
- Obtain your Official Statement of Eligibility (SOE).
- Complete an Educator Preparation Institute Program.
- Obtain employment in a Florida elementary or secondary school.
- Submit your fingerprints for a background screen.
- Apply for certification.
It’s important to note this is just one example of a path to a teaching certification in Florida. For more detailed information, visit the Florida Department of Education website.
How do I maintain my Florida teaching certification?
A temporary teaching certification in Florida is valid for 5 years but is nonrenewable. From there, you must advance to a professional certification.
A professional certification is also valid for 5 years. To renew your professional certification, you must:
- Submit your renewal application and processing fee before the expiration date on your teaching certificate.
- Earn six semester hours of college credit for professional development, including at least one semester hour in teaching students with disabilities.
It’s important to check regularly with the Florida Department of Education for updates on renewal requirements and procedures.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Florida?
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 the required exams and training programs.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
How much do Florida teachers make?
Florida teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district.
The average starting salary for a Florida teacher is $47,178, according to the National Education Association. That’s No. 16 in the nation.
The average overall salary for a Florida teacher is $53,098, No. 50 in the U.S.
It’s worth noting these salaries typically reflect around 10 months of work, as teachers have summers off as well as some time off during the school year.
Those who pursue a master’s in education (M.Ed.) can often make more money as well.
How much money can I make starting out as a Florida teacher?
The average starting salary for a Florida teacher is $47,178, according to the National Education Association. That’s No. 16 in the nation.
Starting salaries for Florida teachers vary depending on the school district, education level, teaching experience, subject area, and grade level.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Florida?
The Florida Department of Education is a great resource to learn more about teacher certification and teaching and education in general in the Sunshine State.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, state-approved EPI.