How to Become a Substitute Teacher in Florida 2025
To become a substitute teacher in Florida, you just need a high school diploma, a background check, and flexible availability. There are a few steps to consider.
Working as a substitute teacher is a great way to help improve your community while gaining valuable skills for a future teaching career. The steps to become a substitute teacher in Florida are pretty simple. And with a constant need for quality subs, it's easy to find work once you've met all the requirements. Below, we'll discuss the steps you need to take before starting as a substitute.
6 Steps To Become a Substitute Teacher in Florida
The Sunshine State is a great place to live and work for someone interested in pursuing a teaching career. The high demand for substitute teachers across grade levels in public and private schools means solid job security.
Those interested in becoming substitutes should get their high school diploma, fill out a background check, and complete any training their school district requires. A substitute teacher certification is sometimes required in some states; however, in Florida, this is not required. Still, several steps are necessary to become a substitute teacher in Florida.
1. Obtain High School Diploma
Since most school districts in Florida require at least a high school diploma or GED, this is the first step towards a job as a substitute. Some school districts will require a bachelor's degree or some college experience, so be sure to check what level of education you will need before pursuing a career in a specific Florida county.
2. Understand State and Local Requirements
Florida does not have state-level requirements for subs; it is up to each individual county to set their requirements. However, all teachers must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and be legally allowed to work in the U.S. Beyond that, prospective teachers should check their county's rules before applying to be a substitute.
For example, regarding education, long-term substitute teachers in Broward County Public Schools must have a bachelor's degree and present an official transcript with at least 60 semester hours of completed coursework from an accredited institution. However, substitutes in Osceola County only need a high school diploma.
3. Complete Necessary Training and Background Checks
Depending on the county, most substitutes must complete professional development training in topics like classroom management or CPR certification. These classes may be offered online or in person and will help better prepare you to step into the classroom.
As per the Florida Department of Education, anyone interested in substituting at a public school or charter school must complete a background check and fingerprinting. Some counties may also require drug screening.
4. Earn Teaching Certification
If your county requires certification, you must submit an online application for a substitute teaching certificate from the FLDOE. To complete the application process, you will need to submit the following required documents:
- a bachelor's degree or high school diploma
- a background check
- proof that you've completed an approved substitute teacher preparation program
There is also a fee to receive your certificate. Full-day teachers pay $105, while part-time teachers will $62.
5. Consider Earning College Credits
Even though a bachelor's degree is not required to be a substitute in Florida, college credits and the additional teaching experience can really be a boost. Beyond making your application more desirable to employers, an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or any college credits can impact your pay rate.
For example, in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Kelly Education reports that subs with a bachelor's degree will be paid $117.72 per day, while those without higher education will receive $113.02 per day. Special education teachers will receive an additional $17 per day.
6. Connect With Recruitment Agencies
Now that you are cleared and ready to teach, it's time to get connected with schools. LinkedIn or the FLDOE website can be great places to start looking for work.
Another great resources is Kelly Services, a portal that will not only help connect you with hundreds of schools in Florida, but can assist with training and onboarding. They can help you find full-time or part-time work, complete your background check, and succeed as a Florida educator.
How Do I Apply for My Teaching Certificate?
All teachers in Florida public schools and many in private schools must have a teaching certificate, and there are two types: a professional certification and a temporary certification. A temporary certification is valid for three years, and is meant to give working teachers time to complete the requirements for a professional certification.
To complete a professional certification, you will need to:
- fill out an application
- have a bachelor's degree or higher
- show proficiency in subject area knowledge
- demonstrate mastery of general knowledge
- gain knowledge of professional preparation and education competence
- complete a background check and fingerprinting
Substitute teachers in Florida do not need a professional certificate to begin teaching. Refer to the specific county's requirements to confirm what you will need to do to become a substitute classroom teacher.
Benefits of Substitute Teaching at Florida School Districts
Working as a sub can be an excellent way to gain teaching experience for those interested in pursuing a full-time career as an educator. Subs can be called upon at the last minute to fill in wherever there is a need in either elementary or secondary schools. Working in a variety of environments throughout the school year can help prospective teachers get a feel for the environment, and see if it's the right career for them.
FAQs About Substitute Teaching in Florida
You may still have a few questions about the substitute teacher requirements in Florida. Take a look at the questions below to learn more about what steps you need to take to get into the classroom.
Can You Be a Teacher in Florida Without a Teaching Certificate?
Full-time teachers in Florida must have a teaching certificate, but substitute teachers do not. Various counties may require training courses, higher education, or a substitute certificate.
Do Substitute Teachers in Florida Need a Degree?
No, you do not need to have a degree to substitute teach in Florida. Many counties will accept subs with a high school diploma. However, college credits or a bachelor's degree can increase a substitute teacher's salary and prospects.
How Much Does the Fingerprint Appointment Fee Cost?
The fee to have your fingerprints scanned varies county by county, but is usually about $50. Kelly Education has fingerprinting machines onsite at several locations, to make this process easier for new hires.
Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees in Education Today
Working as a substitute teacher is a rewarding way to make an impact on your community, and will certainly keep you on your toes. If you are ready to find the best substitute teaching position for you, then take a look at the accredited teaching programs offered by Learn.org. You can also take a look at the requirements for substitute teaching in specific Florida counties below.
Become A Substitute Teacher in Brevard County
Become A Substitute Teacher in Broward County
Become A Substitute Teacher in Hillsborough County
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Become A Substitute Teacher in Pinellas County