Educator Certification Laws and Rules
Florida policymakers aim to create a world-class education system that fosters highest student achievement for students, seamless articulation and maximum access, a skilled workforce supporting economic development, and quality efficient services. With input from a broad range of stakeholders, Florida’s governor, legislature and State Board of Education have helped create a high-quality education system that is recognized among the best in the nation.
The Educator Certification laws and rules are for each person seeking to obtain or maintain certification in the state of Florida. The recent statutory and state board rule changes are highlighted on this page.
Important Educator Certification Florida Statutes
- 1012.56 Educator certification requirements
- 1012.59 Certification fees
- 1012.32 Qualifications of personnel
- 1012.34 Personnel evaluation procedures and criteria
- 120.536 Rulemaking authority; repeal; challenge
The following rules for Educator Certification were recently amended upon approval by the State Board of Education with effective dates as indicated.
- Rule 6A-4.002 General Provisions
- Adopted revisions effective: 08/22/2023
- Rule 6A-4.003 Degrees, Programs, and Credits
- Adopted revisions effective: 08/22/2023
- Rule 6A-4.004 Florida Educator's Certificates with Academic, Administrative, Degreed Career and Technical, and Specialty Class Coverages
- Adopted revisions effective: 06/27/2022
- Adopted revisions effective: 09/26/2023
- Adopted revisions effective: 11/21/2023
- Rule 6A-4.0012 Application Information
- Adopted revisions effective: 09/26/2023
- Adopted revisions effective: 11/21/2023
- Rule 6A-4.0051 Renewal and Reinstatement of a Professional Certificate
- Adopted revisions effective: 09/26/2023
- Rule 6A-4.0082 Specialization Requirements for Certification in Educational Leadership - Administrative Class
- Adopted revisions effective: 02/20/2024
- Rule 6A-4.0083 School Principal - Administrative Class
- Adopted revisions effective: 02/20/2024
- Adopted revisions effective: 02/20/2024
- Rule 6A-4.01791 Specialization Requirements for the Gifted Endorsement
- Adopted revisions effective: 02/20/2024
- Adopted revisions effective: 02/20/2024
Actions to implement or interpret specific Educator Certification provisions are being considered for rules listed on the State Board Rules Under Review site.
Official notices of rule development posted on the State Board Rules Under Review or the Florida Administrative Register will allow ample opportunity for public comment, requests for meetings, workshops and hearings. To provide public input during the rule development process use the "Submit Comments" feature on the State Board Rules Under Review site.
Legislative Updates
The following recently enacted Florida Laws based on bills passed during legislative session may impact Educator Certification. Rules required or impacted by legislative act will be drafted and formally proposed.
- Chapter 2023-0016, Laws of Florida (HB 1) - Education
- Mastery of subject area knowledge
- Mastery of general knowledge
- Mastery of professional preparation and education competence
- Chapter 2023-39, Laws of Florida (HB 1537) - Education
- Charter schools - adjunct educators
- Five Year Nonrenewable Temporary Certificates
- Temporary Teacher Internship Certificate
- Educational Leadership Certificate Renewal
- Chapter 2023-38, Laws of Florida (HB 1035) - Education
- Temporary Teacher Apprenticeship Certificate
- Chapter 2023-108, Laws of Florida (HB 7039) - Education
- Reading Renewal Requirements for Professional Certificates
- Renewal Requirements for Educational Leadership Certificates
- Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Reading Renewal Requirements for Professional Certificates
- Chapter 2023-165, Laws of Florida (HB 1125) - Education
- Temporary Military Veterans Certificate
- Chapter 2023-102, Laws of Florida (HB 443) - Education
- Adjunct Educator
- Mastery of general knowledge
- Mastery of professional preparation and education competence
- Chapter 2024-33, Laws of Florida (HB 865) - Youth Athletic Activities
- Athletic Coaches CPR certification
- Chapter 2024-101, Laws of Florida (HB 1285) - Education
- Classical Education Teaching Certificate
- Chapter 2024-101, Laws of Florida (HB 5101) - Education
- Teacher Apprenticeship Program
- Chapter 2024-159, Laws of Florida (SB 7002) - Deregulation of Public Schools
- Adjunct Teaching Certificate
- Certification Fee Waivers
- Inactive Certificate Status
The Florida Legislature meets in session every year for sixty consecutive days. A regular session of the legislature convenes on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March of each odd-numbered year, and on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in January of each even-numbered year. To follow legislative bills, please access this webpage: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session.
Repealed Rules
The State Board of Education repealed the following rules for Educator Certification with effective dates as indicated.
- Rule 6A-4.0081 Florida School Leaders Certification
- Repealed effective 2/20/2017
- Rule 6A-4.0221 Specialization Requirements for Journalism (Grades 6-12)
- Repealed effective 6/23/2016
- Rule 6A-4.0341 Specialization Requirements for Speech (Grades 6-12)
- Repealed effective 6/23/2016
- Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum (Grades 5-9)
- Repealed effective 10/25/2011
- Rule 6A-4.076 Endorsement in Teacher Coordinator of Cooperative Education
- Repealed effective 6/23/2016
- Rule 6A-4.078 Endorsement in Teacher Coordinator of Work Experience Programs
- Repealed effective 6/23/2016