State Senator Lori Berman, D-Delray Beach, introduced Senate Bill 670, a measure designed to raise the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers and certified pre-kindergarten teachers across the state.
The bill seeks to address the ongoing teacher shortage in Florida by increasing the minimum base salary for educators to at least $65,000.
SB 670 aims to help school districts and charter schools comply with the state’s salary requirements, offering financial relief to teachers while ensuring that schools meet the minimum salary thresholds. If passed, the bill will take effect on July 1.
Florida has some of the largest school districts in the nation, but the state’s teacher pay has long lagged behind national standards.
According to Niche, while Florida’s education system is one of the country’s largest, its educators often struggle with wages that fail to keep up with rising living costs, particularly in high-cost areas like Miami and Orlando. This has made it increasingly difficult for schools to recruit and retain quality teachers.
“The increase in base salary to $65,000 is a recognition of educators’ hard work,” said Tyonna Jones, a fourth-year education major at Florida A&M University. “It will provide teachers with more financial security, which is critical in an environment where many educators leave the profession due to financial stress.”
Florida’s teacher shortage is a longstanding issue, with low pay and challenging working conditions cited as major contributing factors.
A recent National Education Association survey revealed that nearly 55% of teachers in Florida are considering leaving the profession, mainly due to inadequate compensation and poor working environments.
SB 670 is widely seen as a step in the right direction, but many believe raising teacher pay alone might not fully solve the teacher shortage crisis. Jones, for example, emphasized that salary is just one part of the equation.
“Teacher retention is a major issue in Florida, and while raising salaries is good, it’s not the only factor at play,” Jones said. “Teachers also need smaller class sizes, better classroom support and opportunities for professional development. If we focus on pay without addressing these other challenges, we may only see a short-term fix.”
While salary increases are crucial, Jones stressed that improving the broader work environment is necessary for creating sustainable change. Overcrowded classrooms, a lack of resources, and minimal administrative support are among the additional challenges educators face, making it harder for them to succeed and stay in the profession.
A companion bill, House Bill 335, was withdrawn before introduction on Feb. 24.
Meanwhile, as SB 670 moves through the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to turn the tide for Florida’s educators. Many hope the bill will help retain experienced teachers while attracting new talent into the classroom.
If lawmakers continue to prioritize financial and non-financial reforms, Florida could see lasting improvements in teacher retention and overall education quality.
SB 670 offers an essential solution to teachers’ economic challenges, but a holistic strategy will be needed to address the root causes of teacher turnover in the state.