No degree yet: the traditional route
For high school students, college students and anyone without a bachelor's degree. You earn the degree and the teacher preparation in one program.
Teacher Education Program Graduates
Florida's direct traditional pathway is a teacher education degree program combined with passing scores on the Florida certification examinations, which leads straight to the full Professional Certificate. Applicants who do not yet meet every Professional Certificate requirement can first qualify for a Temporary Certificate and upgrade later. Exam details are published on the FTCE/FELE testing site.
- Complete a teacher education degree program
- Pass the Florida certification examinations (FTCE)
- Match your preparation to a Florida certification subject using the state's subject list
- Apply to the Bureau of Educator Certification for the Professional Certificate
Bachelor's in another field: the alternative route
For people who already hold a bachelor's degree in a subject other than education.
Career Changer or College Graduate of a Non-education Program
One direct alternative option is an Educator Preparation Institute program plus passing scores on the Florida certification examinations, which leads to the Professional Certificate. Other bachelor's degree holders first qualify for a Temporary Certificate, for example with a passing Florida Subject Area Examination score, a valid ABCTE certificate, a major in the content area, or the required content courses with a 2.5 GPA. While teaching on the Temporary Certificate, they upgrade through a route such as the Florida Professional Development Certification Program, ABCTE plus demonstrated classroom competence, or professional preparation college courses, and pass the remaining certification examinations.
- Earn a bachelor's degree
- Qualify for a Temporary Certificate through a passing subject area exam, a content-area major, required content courses or an ABCTE certificate
- Teach in a Florida school under the Temporary Certificate
- Complete an upgrade pathway such as the Florida Professional Development Certification Program or professional preparation college courses
- Pass the remaining Florida certification examinations
- Apply to upgrade to the Professional Certificate
Changing careers into teaching in Florida
If you already have a bachelor's degree and some years in another job, start with the alternative route described above. It is built for people who did not study education. The 15 programs below are on the state's approved list.
For pay context, the median annual wage for high school teachers in Florida was $60,410 in May 2025, according to the BLS OEWS state estimates. If your background matches a subject on the state's shortage list, that list is further down this page.
State-approved alternative certification programs
| Program | Online | Listed by | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Board (ABCTE) | Not stated | State list | |
| Miami-Dade (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Broward (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Hillsborough (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Orange (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Palm Beach (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Duval (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Polk (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Lee (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Pinellas (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Pasco (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Osceola (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Brevard (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Collier (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list | |
| Lake (school district certification program) | Not stated | State list |
Programs shown are a selection from the state's approved list, checked November 7, 2026. "Online" reflects what the program or the state says about its coursework; teaching practice is always in a real school. The full, current list is on the agency's approved-program page.
Licensed in another state
For teachers who hold a license from another state and want to teach in Florida.
Reciprocity for Out-of-state Teachers and Administrators
Florida has two reciprocity routes to its Professional Certificate. Route 1 is for holders of a currently valid standard certificate from another state that is comparable to the Florida Professional Certificate, is in a comparable subject, and required the same or a higher level of training. Route 2 is for holders of a currently valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certificate. Applicants who no longer hold a valid out-of-state or NBPTS certificate apply instead for a Temporary Certificate in their degree major or teacher education program subject.
- Confirm your out-of-state standard certificate or NBPTS certificate is currently valid
- Find the Florida certification subject that matches the subject on your certificate
- Begin the Steps to Certification and apply for a Florida Professional Certificate in the same subject or subjects
- If you no longer hold a valid certificate, apply for a Florida Temporary Certificate in your degree major or teacher education program subject instead
Required tests, codes and qualifying scores
Florida uses FTCE for teacher licensure. The table lists the core tests by license area, with the qualifying score and fee exactly as the source publishes them. Which tests you take depends on the license area you are seeking, so check the full list for your subject before you register.
| Test | Code | Qualifying score | Fee | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge Test (GK) FTCE · Basic skills | 082 (subtests: Essay 825, English Language Skills 826, Reading 827, Mathematics 828) | Essay Subtest: at least 6 out of 8 total points; ELS, Reading and Mathematics Subtests: a scaled score of at least 200 per subtest; examinees must pass all four subtests | $32.50 per subtest ($130 for all four) | General knowledge skills for beginning educators; the Bureau of Educator Certification determines each applicant's testing requirements Source |
| Professional Education Test FTCE · Teaching knowledge | 083 | A scaled score of at least 200 | $150 | Professional education knowledge; the Bureau of Educator Certification determines each applicant's testing requirements Source |
| Elementary Education K-6 FTCE · Subject knowledge | 060 (subtests 601, 602, 603, 604) | A scaled score of at least 200 per subtest; examinees must pass all four subtests to pass this test | $37.50 per subtest ($150 for all four) | Elementary Education K-6 Source |
| Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 FTCE · Subject knowledge | 053 (subtests 531, 532, 533, 534) | A scaled score of at least 200 per subtest; examinees must pass all four subtests | $37.50 per subtest ($150 for all four) | Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Source |
| Exceptional Student Education K-12 FTCE · Subject knowledge | 061 | A scaled score of at least 200 | $150 | Exceptional Student Education K-12 Source |
| Reading K-12 FTCE · Reading instruction | 035 | A scaled score of at least 200 | $150 | Reading K-12 Source |
| English 6-12 FTCE · Subject knowledge | 013 | Multiple-choice section: a scaled score of at least 200; written performance section: at least 5 out of 8 total points; both sections must be passed | $75 per section ($150 for both) | English 6-12 Source |
| Mathematics 6-12 FTCE · Subject knowledge | 026 | A scaled score of at least 200 | $150 | Mathematics 6-12 Source |
| Biology 6-12 FTCE · Subject knowledge | 002 | A scaled score of at least 200 | $150 | Biology 6-12 Source |
| Chemistry 6-12 FTCE · Subject knowledge | 003 | A scaled score of at least 200 | $150 | Chemistry 6-12 Source |
| Social Science 6-12 FTCE · Subject knowledge | 037 | A scaled score of at least 200 | $150 | Social Science 6-12 Source |
Scores and fees change. Confirm both on the testing company's page before you register.
Fees, background check and license validity
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Florida certificate application, per subject | $75 | Source |
| Upgrade from a Temporary to a Professional Certificate | $75 | Source |
| Addition of a subject to a valid certificate, per subject | $75 | Source |
| Removal of a subject, per subject | $20 | Source |
| Renewal of a valid Professional Certificate | $75 | Source |
| Late renewal of a Professional Certificate ($75 renewal fee plus $30 late fee) | $105 | Source |
| Reinstatement of an expired Professional Certificate, per subject | $75 | Source |
Background check
Every applicant must be fingerprinted and screened under Florida law, with prints checked by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI, and must not have a disqualifying offense. No certificate is issued until the screening is complete and the results reach Educator Certification. Public school employees are fingerprinted through the district personnel office, and any criminal record is referred to Professional Practices Services for review. Processing fees may be paid by the district, charter school, employee or contractor. Source
Your first license
License: Professional Certificate. It is valid for 5 school years. Florida issues two educator certificates. The Professional Certificate is renewable and is Florida's highest educator certificate. Applicants who have not yet met every Professional Certificate requirement can hold the nonrenewable Temporary Certificate, also valid for five school years, which gives time to complete the remaining requirements while teaching full-time; it is issued only after the individual is employed in a Florida school and fingerprints have been cleared. Source
Renewal
The Professional Certificate is renewed by submitting the Renewal Application and processing fee through the Certification Online account before the certificate expires. Six semester hours of renewal credit must be earned during the validity period, including at least one in teaching students with disabilities; 20 inservice points count as one semester hour and a passing Florida Subject Area Examination score in the subject counts as three. Certificates with a validity period beginning July 1, 2020 or later that include certain elementary, English, reading, ESOL or exceptional student education coverages also require two college credits or 40 inservice points in science of reading instruction. A late renewal is allowed before July 1 of the year after expiration, with an extra $30 fee, if all credit was earned in time. Requirement: 6 semester hours of college credit or equivalent per validity period, including 1 semester hour in teaching students with disabilities. Source
Teacher pay in Florida
Elementary teachers in Florida earned a median of $58,930 a year in May 2025, $5,040 below the national median of $63,970. Half of teachers in each occupation earn more than the median and half earn less. What you earn in a given district depends on its salary schedule, your experience and any graduate credits.
| Teachers | Median | Mean | US median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary SOC 25-2021 | $58,930 | $59,530 | $63,970 |
| Middle school SOC 25-2022 | $58,940 | $60,040 | $64,370 |
| High school (secondary) SOC 25-2031 | $60,410 | $61,570 | $72,040 |
| Special education, elementary SOC 25-2052 | $58,850 | $60,600 | $65,120 |
| Special education, middle school SOC 25-2057 | $60,440 | $60,410 | $66,810 |
| Special education, secondary SOC 25-2058 | $61,510 | $65,290 | $74,260 |
Annual wages, cross-industry estimates, from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 state tables, retrieved through the BLS Public Data API on November 7, 2026. Special education teachers are shown separately; our guide to the online master's in special education covers the add-on and initial-license options.
Teacher shortage areas, 2026-27
Florida reported these subject areas to the US Department of Education as teacher shortage areas for the 2026-27 school year.
- English as a Second Language (statewide)
- Language Arts: English (statewide)
- Mathematics (statewide)
- Science: Earth and Space Science, General Science, Physical Science (statewide)
- Special Education: Generic Special Education (statewide)
Source: US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas report, retrieved November 7, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What tests do you need to become a teacher in Florida?
Florida uses FTCE. Core tests include General Knowledge Test (GK) (082 (subtests: Essay 825, English Language Skills 826, Reading 827, Mathematics 828)); Professional Education Test (083); Elementary Education K-6 (060 (subtests 601, 602, 603, 604)); Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053 (subtests 531, 532, 533, 534)). Qualifying scores and fees for each test are in the table on this page. The exact list depends on your license area, so confirm it with the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification before you register.
Can you become a teacher in Florida without a teaching degree?
Yes, if you hold a bachelor's degree. One direct alternative option is an Educator Preparation Institute program plus passing scores on the Florida certification examinations, which leads to the Professional Certificate. This page lists 15 state-approved programs. See our guide to alternative teacher certification for how these programs compare.
How much does a teaching license cost in Florida?
Published fees include Initial Florida certificate application, per subject: $75; Upgrade from a Temporary to a Professional Certificate: $75; Addition of a subject to a valid certificate, per subject: $75. Add the cost of your required tests (listed above) and your preparation program. Fees change, so confirm current amounts with the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification.
Does Florida accept teaching licenses from other states?
Florida has two reciprocity routes to its Professional Certificate. Contact the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification before you move to confirm which tests or coursework, if any, you will need.
How much do teachers make in Florida?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, median annual pay in Florida was $58,930 for elementary teachers, $58,940 for middle school teachers and $60,410 for high school teachers. Pay varies by district, experience and education.
Sources
- FTCE/FELE home Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- FTCE/FELE Tests Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Certification Requirements Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- General Knowledge Test (GK) (082) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Professional Education Test (083) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Elementary Education K-6 (060) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 (053) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Exceptional Student Education K-12 (061) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Reading K-12 (035) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- English 6-12 (013) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Mathematics 6-12 (026) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Biology 6-12 (002) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Chemistry 6-12 (003) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Social Science 6-12 (037) Pearson Evaluation Systems (Florida Teacher Certification Examinations) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Educator Certification Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Certificate Pathways & Routes Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Certified Teacher Or Administrator Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Educator Preparation Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Certification Application Fee Schedule Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Step 4: Submitting Fingerprints For Certification Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Florida Educator Certification Renewal Requirements Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Professional Learning Certification Programs Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Certificate Types and Requirements Florida Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates, Florida US Bureau of Labor Statistics (accessed November 7, 2026)
- BLS Public Data API (OEWS series OEUS120000000000025202113, OEUS120000000000025202213, OEUS120000000000025203113 and related) US Bureau of Labor Statistics (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Teacher Shortage Areas report, 2026-27 US Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)