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How to become a certified teacher in Florida. Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) - General Knowledge Test. Government fees: $490–$590. Substitute requirements: Varies by district; typically high school diploma or higher. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Florida
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Florida. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) - Bureau of Educator Certification.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) - General Knowledge Test
Total Gov Fees
$490–$590
Initial Cert
3 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: Varies by subtest
Tests general knowledge in essay, English language skills, reading, and mathematics. Three subtests cost $97 on first attempt; all four subtests cost $130.
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Subject-specific content knowledge exam required for the certification area sought.
pedagogy
Passing score: Varies
Tests pedagogical knowledge and professional education competencies.
Issued after the individual is employed in a Florida school and fingerprints have been cleared. Valid for 3 years (non-renewable). Must upgrade to Professional Certificate within this period.
The standard renewable certificate in Florida. Requires completion of all FTCE exams and professional education requirements. Valid for 5 years and renewable with continuing education.
Minimum Education
Varies by district; typically high school diploma or higher
Certificate Required
No separate certificate
Background Check
Required
Validity
Determined by employing district
Florida does not require a state-issued substitute teaching certificate. Individual school districts set their own requirements for substitute teachers, which typically include a high school diploma or higher, fingerprinting, and a background check. Many districts require a bachelor's degree or at least 60 college credit hours.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeApplication fee per subject area | $75 |
| Fingerprint FeeFDLE/FBI fingerprint processing fee (approximate) | $56 |
| Exam Fees (Total)General Knowledge ($97–$130) + Subject Area ($130–$200) + Professional Education ($130) | $357–$460 |
| Initial CertificateApplication fee per subject | $75 |
| Renewal FeeProfessional Certificate renewal fee; $105 for late renewal (within 1 year of expiration) | $75 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and all exam fees | $490–$590 |
Graduate from an approved teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Take and pass the FTCE General Knowledge Test, Subject Area Examination, and Professional Education Test.
Fee: $357–$460
Submit fingerprints for FDLE and FBI background checks through an approved vendor.
Fee: $56
Apply through the FLDOE's online certification application system.
Fee: $75
The Temporary Certificate is issued after being employed by a Florida school and clearing fingerprints. Valid for 3 years.
Must upgrade to Professional Certificate within 3 years.
Complete all remaining requirements including passing all FTCE exams and demonstrating professional competency.
Fee: $75
The Professional Certificate is valid for 5 years and renewable.
Florida offers robust alternative certification through Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs) and district-based programs. The state also accepts ABCTE certification. Fee waivers are available for military personnel, veterans, and their spouses for initial certification and exam fees.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Florida requires 6 semester hours of college credit for Professional Certificate renewal every 5 years, including at least 1 semester hour in teaching students with disabilities. Credits must relate to the educator's certification area or professional growth.
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Florida participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers may be eligible for a Temporary Certificate while completing Florida-specific requirements.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass all required FTCE exams, complete a background check, and demonstrate subject mastery. A valid out-of-state certificate may satisfy some requirements.
Unique to Florida: Florida uniquely requires employment in a Florida school before issuing the Temporary Certificate, meaning teachers cannot hold a Florida certificate without a job offer. The state offers significant fee waivers for military families and teachers adding ESE/Elementary crossover certifications. Florida also requires 1 semester hour specifically in teaching students with disabilities for each renewal.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Florida.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#39 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$49,220
25th percentile
Median
$55,550
-11% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$64,900
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
78,630 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Florida Department of Education - Educator Certification
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Florida Department of Education - Educator Certification
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Florida Department of Education - Educator Certification
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Florida requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
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