Starting point
Does Florida accept out-of-state teaching licenses?
An out-of-state license can open a path to Florida certification, but it does not transfer automatically. The state decides which certificate, endorsements, tests or additional requirements apply.
Your exact route can still depend on your license type, preparation, experience, subjects, grade levels and testing history.
How teacher license reciprocity works · Look up your current license
Mobility compact
Florida joined the teacher mobility compact
Compact eligibility may matter when your current license also comes from a member state. Joining the compact does not replace the need for current Florida application instructions and an eligible-license match.
Check compact states and eligibilityKeep your place
Your Florida application checklist
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What can change your path
- • The source certificate must be current, standard and not revoked
- • Florida decides whether the certificate, subject and training level are comparable
- • The application cannot be evaluated until the application, fee and required records are complete
- • The Official Statement of Status of Eligibility is valid for three years
- • Fingerprint processing follows Florida's eligibility and employment instructions
What the state says
6 official sources
These facts come from official sources. The state agency still makes the final licensing decision.
Likely route
A current comparable standard out-of-state certificate or qualifying National Board certificate can support a comparable Florida Professional Certificate subject.
Complete application package
Florida requires official transcripts from every college or university attended and a complete copy of every current out-of-state certificate. Institutions should send transcripts through an accepted secure method or by original paper transcript; applicant-uploaded or emailed transcript files are not accepted as official.
Initial application fee
Florida publishes a nonrefundable $75 initial certification application fee per subject. Fingerprint processing and district or vendor charges are separate.
Florida's first decision
After the complete package is evaluated, Florida issues an Official Statement of Status of Eligibility. It is valid for three years and states whether the applicant is eligible for a Temporary or Professional Certificate and which requirements remain.
Fingerprint handoff
Public-school employees follow their district's fingerprint instructions. A nonpublic-school employee or applicant not seeking Florida employment should wait for an eligible Statement of Status of Eligibility and follow Florida's stated processing route.
State certification help
3 guides
Why your details matter
State websites describe the possible routes. The right one for you can depend on your license, preparation, experience, subjects, grades, tests, National Board status and compact eligibility. TeachPassport uses those details to work out your path and handle the steps it can do for you.
One thing to know: Florida determines whether the certificate, subject and training level are comparable to its Professional Certificate.
Plan the whole move
Questions to answer before you apply
The application is only one part of the move. Check the costs, timing and records that can hold up an otherwise complete file.
Common license moves to Florida
10 routes
Official sources
State agency material