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FloridaHB 5612026HouseWALLET

Educator Preparation and Certification

Sponsored By: Anne Gerwig (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationCareers & Workforce SubcommitteePreK-12 Budget SubcommitteeEducation & Employment CommitteeHouse CalendarRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More paths to restore teaching credentials

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida must adopt rules to reinstate expired professional teaching certificates, including their former subject areas and endorsements. The prior subject-area exam requirement is removed. The Department of Education may require an application and completion of the certification requirements in section 1012.56(2)(a)–(f). It may also require six college credits earned in the previous five years, 120 inservice training points, or a combination. These must meet the area and credit requirements in sections 1012.585(3)(a) and (e); credits or points used for the expired certificate cannot be reused. Alternatively, people with expired professional certificates may qualify for temporary certificates by completing section 1012.56(2)(a)–(f) requirements.

Free training helps teachers keep credentials

Beginning July 1, 2026, certified educators seeking renewal or reinstatement can use the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence’s learning system free. The center must send training points earned through its system to the Florida Department of Education on each educator’s behalf. It must also share information about district training open to nonemployees, though this does not guarantee a course seat. The center must submit its learning system for state approval, rather than choosing whether to submit it. It must also work with the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching at the University of South Florida, replacing the previously named partner.

Future teachers can start coursework earlier

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida educator preparation institutes may let participants enroll in and finish coursework while seeking certification eligibility. This option applies while participants seek an eligible statement of status of eligibility in their planned teaching subject. Before field experiences, participants still need that statement and must meet the requirements in section 1012.56(2)(a)–(f). Institutes are allowed, but not required, to offer this earlier coursework access.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Anne Gerwig

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Education & Employment Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 149 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 2/25/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 112 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-106

    5/26/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    5/22/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    5/21/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/5/2026House

  5. In Messages

    3/5/2026House

  6. CS passed; YEAS 37 NAYS 0 -SJ 612

    3/5/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time -SJ 612

    3/5/2026Senate

  8. Read 2nd time -SJ 612

    3/5/2026Senate

  9. Substituted for SB 1718 -SJ 612

    3/5/2026Senate

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/5/2026Senate

  11. Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 612

    3/5/2026Senate

  12. Received

    2/26/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules

    2/26/2026Senate

  14. In Messages

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. CS passed; YEAS 112, NAYS 0

    2/25/2026House

  16. Read 3rd time

    2/25/2026House

  17. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    2/25/2026House

  18. Read 2nd time

    2/25/2026House

  19. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/25/2026)

    2/19/2026House

  20. Added to Second Reading Calendar

    2/11/2026House

  21. Bill referred to House Calendar

    2/11/2026House

  22. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)

    2/10/2026House

  23. CS Filed

    2/10/2026House

  24. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

    2/10/2026House

  25. Reported out of Education & Employment Committee

    2/10/2026House

Bill Text

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