Loading...
Loading...
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
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | At least a bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 GPA | Verified |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
basic skills
Passing score: Varies by subtest
Tests general knowledge in essay, English language skills, reading, and mathematics (4 subtests totaling $130). GKT alternatives accepted: qualifying GRE, SAT, ACT, or CLT scores may be used to satisfy the General Knowledge requirement.
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.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
Browse study guides
Teacher Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Praxis Teacher Certification Exams practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) - General Knowledge Test
Passing Score
Varies by subtest
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $357–$460Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) - General Knowledge Test.
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
Prepare for your Praxis Core Academic Skills with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeApplication fee per subject area | $75 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeFDLE/FBI fingerprint processing fee (approximate) | $56 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)General Knowledge ($97–$130) + Subject Area ($130–$200) + Professional Education ($130) | $357–$460 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateApplication fee per subject | $75 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeProfessional Certificate renewal fee; $105 for late renewal (within 1 year of expiration) | $75 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and all exam fees | $490–$590 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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.
Browse Teacher study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Florida with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Florida
See how Florida compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare teacher requirements across all states →
Teacher licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure teacher is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Florida compare to other states for teacher? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your teacher license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Florida.
Teacher Schools in Florida
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Teacher requirements in Florida verified against Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) - Bureau of Educator Certification, March 2026.
Moving to Florida? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Florida →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.