Verified by FL Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Florida

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

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Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Florida

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
2
Specialization Requirements for Certification in the Area of Prekindergarten/Primary Education (Age Three Through Grade Three) – Academic Class.
3
Copies of this publication may be obtained from the Bureau of Educator Certification, Florida Department of Education, The Florida Education Center, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
4
A bachelor's or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate major in prekindergarten/primary education (age three [3] through grade three [3])
- or (2) Plan Two.
5
A bachelor's or higher degree with forty-five (45) semester hours in prekindergarten/primary education (age three [3] through grade three [3]) to include the areas specified below: (a) Three (3) semester hours in child growth and development from conception to age eight (8)
- (b) Three (3) semester hours in the historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives in early childhood education
- (c) Eighteen (18) semester hours in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving age three (3) through grade three (3) which include integrated field experiences
- (d) Six (6) semester hours in issues and practices to promote family and community involvement which include integrated field experiences
- (e) Three (3) semester hours in health, nutrition, and safety
- (f) Three (3) semester hours in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation which include integrated field experiences
- (g) Six (6) semester hours in special needs of all children and their families which include integrated field experiences
- and, (h) Three (3) semester hours in child guidance and classroom management which include integrated field experiences.
6
A bachelor's or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate degree major in the area of preschool education (birth through age four [4])
- or a bachelor's or higher degree with the specialization and professional preparation requirements completed for the area of preschool education (birth through age four [4])
- and completion of twelve (12) semester hours in prekindergarten/primary education to include integrated field experiences as specified below: (a) Credit in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving children age five (5) through grade three (3)
- (b) Credit in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation for children age five (5) through grade three (3)
- (c) Credit in special needs of children (age five [5] through grade [3]) and their families
- and, (d) Credit in child guidance and classroom management for children (age five [5] through grade three [3]).
7
A bachelor's or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate degree major in the area of primary education (grades kindergarten through grade three [3]) and twelve (12) semester hours in prekindergarten/primary education to include integrated field experiences as specified below: (a) Credit in developmentally appropriate integrated curriculum and practices in programs serving children ages three (3) and four (4)
- (b) Credit in issues and practices to promote family and community involvement
- (c) Credit in diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation for children ages three (3) and four (4)
- and, (d) Six (6) semester hours in special needs of all children and their families.

Continuing education and program notes

Certification in the Area of Prekindergarten/Primary Education (Age Three Through Grade Three) – Academic Class

Application Snapshot

Licensing Authority
FL Department of Education • Bureau of Teacher Certification
Current Filing Fee
See agency
Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
Salary Position
$52,700 median (16% below national)
State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Specialization Requirements for Certification in the Area of Prekindergarten/Primary Education (Age Three Through Grade Three) – Academic...; A bachelor's or higher degree with an undergraduate or graduate major in prekindergarten/primary education (age three [3] through grade t...).
2. Complete required education or training (Specialization Requirements for Certification in the Area of Prekindergarten/Primary Education (Age Three Through Grade Three) – Academic...).
3. Document required supervised experience (A bachelor's or higher degree with forty-five (45) semester hours in prekindergarten/primary education (age three [3] through grade three...).
4. Pass required state examinations.
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 $52,700, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Florida earn 16% below the national median of $63,000. Florida ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,330

Median annual salary

$52,700

Hourly estimate

$25.34

16% below national median

Difference: -$10,300

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation

P1010th percentile$50,960
P2525th percentile$51,100
P50Median$52,700
P7575th percentile$62,340
P9090th percentile$78,560

State vs National Median

State: $52,700

National: $63,000

Total employment: 8,450 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#43 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary

Rank	State	Median Salary
#1	California	$90,530
#2	Washington	$85,340
#3	Connecticut	$81,220
#4	New York	$80,750
#5	Massachusetts	$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region

State	Median Salary	Education	Exam	Timeline
Florida	$52,700	Varies by state board	State-approved exam	Varies by board
Georgia	$67,710	Degree required	State exam required	Varies by board
Alabama	$61,100	Degree required	State exam required	Varies 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.

State	Reciprocity Score	Tier	Notes
Florida	78	High	Board-specific review required.
Georgia	25	Low	Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama	58	Medium	State-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 Website Call Board Open in Maps

Related Careers in Florida

Profession	Median Salary	Education	Timeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	$64,840	Degree required	Varies by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$83,740	Degree required	Varies by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$75,330	Degree required	Varies by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,020	Degree required	Varies by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Florida?

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

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Florida?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Florida is $52,700. Salaries range from $50,960 (10th percentile) to $78,560 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Florida compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Florida earn 16% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $52,700.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 8,450 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Florida?

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