Florida law lets teacher candidates start coursework before field work

Approved educator preparation institutes may let participants take and complete coursework while they seek an eligible status statement. This applies to participants in competency-based certification programs for people with noneducation bachelor's degrees. Participants must meet certification requirements before taking part in field experiences. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

The department shall issue a temporary certificate to an applicant whose previously issued professional certificate has expired, if the applicant meets the listed requirements. This applies to applicants whose previously issued professional certificate has expired. The applicant must complete the listed certification requirements. The department must electronically notify the person at least one year before the temporary certificate expires and list ways to qualify for a professional certificate. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

The department may reinstate an expired professional certificate, including the subject areas and endorsements held when it expired. This applies to educators seeking reinstatement of an expired professional certificate and its subject areas or endorsements. The educator must apply, complete the listed certification requirements, and meet a recent learning requirement: six college credits, 120 training points, or a combination. The educator must pass an exam for each subject to be restored. The required credits, training points, or exams cannot be ones used to get the expired certificate. The required credits, training points, and exams must be completed within the five years before reinstatement.

The Florida Center for Teaching Excellence must work with the David C. Anchin Center at the University of South Florida on educator training and professional learning. It must provide its learning system at no cost to eligible educators, report their training points, and share information about school district training systems. These duties apply to the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence and certified educators seeking certificate renewal or reinstatement. Free access and point reporting apply to certified educators seeking to renew or reinstate a certificate. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.