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Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Florida

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in Florida, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Florida

Estimated timeline: 3 months

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    Equivalent Credentials for the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program for School-Year Instructors.

  5. 5

    (1) The department approves the following educational credentials for VPK instructors during the school year program as being equivalent to or greater than an educational credential described in sections 1002.55(4)(a)-(d), F.S.: (a) An associate's degree in earl y childhood education

    • (b) A bachelor's or higher degree in family and child sciences and at least 480 hours of experience in teaching or providing child care services for children any age from birth through eight (8) years of age
    • (c) A bachelor's or higher degree in: 1.
  6. 6

    Exceptional student education or special education

    • 2.
  7. 7

    Prekindergarten/primary education (age three through grade three)

    • 2.
  8. 8

    Preschool education (birth through age four)

    • 3.
  9. 9

    Elementary education (grades 1-6) or (Kindergarten through grade 6)

    • 4.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

Certificate in the area of
1

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    FL Department of Education • Bureau of Teacher Certification

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $34,270 median (8% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites ((1) The department approves the following educational credentials for VPK instructors during the school year program as being equivalent...; Prekindergarten/primary education (age three through grade three); 2.).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to FL Department of Education~Bureau of Teacher Certification and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Florida

With a median salary of $34,270, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Florida earn 8% below the national median of $37,120. Florida ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,330

Median annual salary

$34,270

Hourly estimate

$16.48
8% below national median

Difference: -$2,850

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$28,170
  • P2525th percentile$29,210
  • P50Median$34,270
  • P7575th percentile$36,790
  • P9090th percentile$44,800

State vs National Median

State: $34,270
National: $37,120

Total employment: 34,940 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#34 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nebraska$50,270
#2New Jersey$46,570
#3California$45,880
#4New York$45,580
#5Massachusetts$45,030

Nearby States Comparison

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Florida$34,270Specific course requiredState exam required3 months
Georgia$42,330Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$27,630Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Florida60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

FL Department of Education • Bureau of Teacher Certification

325 W Gaines Street, Ste 201 Turlington Bldg., Tallahassee, Fl, 32399-0400

Phone: 8502450505

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Florida

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$64,840Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$83,740Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$75,330Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,020Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Florida?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Florida?

Florida lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.

What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Florida?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Florida.

What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Florida?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Florida is $34,270. Salaries range from $28,170 (10th percentile) to $44,800 (90th percentile).

How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Florida compare to the national average?

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Florida earn 8% below the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $34,270.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 34,940 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Florida from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Florida?

The licensing agency is FL Department of Education / Bureau of Teacher Certification. Review agency details at https://www.firn.edu/doe/.

How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Florida?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.