Teacher vacancies in Florida have declined by 17.7% for the 2025-2026 school year compared to the previous year, according to an announcement from the Florida Department of Education. Over the past two years, there has been a total decrease of nearly 30% in teacher vacancies across the state. The department noted that its vacancy figures are based on direct reports from school districts, and cautioned against relying on third-party sources for such data.
“Florida continues to attract the best teaching talent because we have raised teacher pay, empowered our teachers in the classroom and created new pathways for Floridians to enter the teaching profession,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “While the teachers unions use the same, tired tactics in an attempt to smear Florida’s education system, we are focused on providing our teachers with the tools they need to succeed, and the data show our approach is working. I am proud of the work Florida has done to dramatically reduce the number of vacancies across the state thanks to the policies Governor Ron DeSantis has championed.”
Since Governor Ron DeSantis took office, more than $5.9 billion has been allocated for increases in pay for teachers and instructional personnel. The state has also broadened opportunities for people interested in becoming teachers. Through initiatives like the Teacher Apprenticeship Program, over 80 participants are receiving practical training while pursuing certification and close to 500 have applied so far. In addition, more than 100 military veterans have started teaching careers using a temporary certificate available through a dedicated pathway; almost 700 veterans have applied for this program.
