Florida public schools are facing a growing shortage of teachers and staff, according to new data released by the Florida Education Association (FEA). The figures show an increase in unfilled positions across the state as schools begin the second half of the academic year. Vacancies include roles such as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, cafeteria workers, and teachers.
Typically, most school positions should be filled by mid-year. However, thousands remain vacant at this point in the school year. The FEA notes that these vacancies are not just open jobs but positions that districts have been unable to fill despite ongoing efforts. While some turnover is expected at the start of each school year, the number of unfilled roles has risen since August 2025.
The FEA reports that teacher turnover is also accelerating. Last year, 31% of teachers had fewer than four years of experience. This trend points to a system struggling with retention rather than recovery.
Several factors contribute to this crisis. The FEA cites Florida’s $4.4 billion voucher program and rising living costs as reasons for declining public school enrollment and difficulty retaining qualified educators. Budget cuts have led to position eliminations, which accounts for some decrease in reported vacancies rather than actual improvements in staffing levels.
Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in certified teachers being replaced by out-of-field or temporary instructors. Districts sometimes fill positions with uncertified substitutes or leave them unadvertised if they cannot find suitable candidates.
Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, commented on the situation: “While the Commissioner of Education will likely try to rewrite the facts, the truth is, if even one child walks into a classroom this semester without a permanent, certified educator, that is one too many,” said Spar. “It’s unacceptable for students to cycle through four or five different teachers in a single year, because consistency is key to student success. Yet, between the micromanagement of classrooms, overbearing regulations, and Florida ranking 50th in average teacher pay, our educators and education staff professionals are being chased out of the profession. Lawmakers must take responsibility and address this crisis head-on. Parents and voters are demanding stronger public schools. They want lawmakers to strengthen Florida’s public schools, not abandon them.”
The FEA emphasizes its belief that every child deserves access to quality public education as mandated by the state constitution. The association calls for leadership committed to strengthening public schools through respect for educators and increased investment in pay and resources.
Vacancy numbers are compiled twice yearly from district websites by FEA—in August and January—with detailed county-by-county data available online.
The Florida Education Association represents 120,000 members including PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, students preparing to become teachers at colleges and universities across Florida as well as retired education employees.
