If you are considering a teaching career in Florida, the easiest way to get there is by going to school at an accredited college or university in Florida with an approved teacher preparation program. Whether you have graduated or are getting ready to graduate, you will be able to obtain certification to teach. You will also need to take the Florida Teacher Certification Examination, but you can take advantage of a temporary certificate if you have not taken this exam.

For graduates of approved Florida programs who have passed all three sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination, all that is left for you to do to get your certification is get a job in a Florida school, and then submit your fingerprints for a background check. Once you have completed these steps (in that order), you will be issued a Professional Certificate. If you have not completed your education or have not passed all three sections of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination, you can receive a Temporary Certificate that is valid for three years.

Finding a job in Florida is key to getting either form of certification. Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville has high expectations for teachers and students, and it shows in the many initiatives, diminishing drop-out rates, and success of the students in the district. Working as a team with educators, students, and the community has paid off for Miami-Dade Public Schools. Twelve of their high schools made Newsweek’s list of the top 5% in the country. School districts in the Tampa and St. Petersberg areas focus on a holistic approach to teaching that incorporates magnet schools and progressive programs. Their efforts have paid off in high success rates among the students.

Once you’ve been teaching in Florida for five years with your Professional Certificate, you will need to renew your certification. The renewal requirements state that you must complete six semester hours of college credit or the equivalent. All college courses must be taken at an approved institution and must carry a grade of "C" or better.