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K-12 Teacher Licensing in Florida

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Florida, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Florida

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: No exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required

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

    $55,550 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #38 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Florida

With a median salary of 55,550, K-12 Teachers in Florida earn 11% below the national median of $62,340. Florida ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$55,550

Hourly estimate

$26.71
11% below national median

Difference: -$6,790

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,790
  • P2525th percentile$49,220
  • P50Median$55,550
  • P7575th percentile$64,900
  • P9090th percentile$77,080

State vs National Median

State: $55,550
National: $62,340

Total employment: 78,630 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#38 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington99,110
#2California98,190
#3Rhode Island86,900
#4Massachusetts83,260
#5New York82,480

Nearby States Comparison

K-12 Teacher licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Florida$55,550Specific course requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Georgia$63,490Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Alabama$59,850Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months

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

FL Department of Education • Bureau of Teacher Certification

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

Phone: 8502450505

Related Careers in Florida

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Librarian$59,890Varies by state board6-24 months
School Counselor$54,080Degree required6-24 months
Architect$83,720No educational requirements6-24 months
Audiologist$83,290Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Florida?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Florida?

Florida lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.

What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Florida?

The board typically expects Specific course required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Florida.

What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Florida?

The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Florida is 55,550. Salaries range from $46,790 (10th percentile) to $77,080 (90th percentile).

How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Florida compare to the national average?

K-12 Teachers in Florida earn 11% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 55,550.

How many K-12 Teachers work in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 78,630 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher 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 K-12 Teachers in Florida?

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