Teacher vacancies in Florida public schools have declined by 17.7% for the 2025-2026 school year compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Florida Department of Education. This follows a similar reduction last year, resulting in an overall decrease of nearly 30% over two years. The department stated that these figures are based on direct reports from school districts, as opposed to estimates from outside organizations.
“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.”
The state has invested more than $5.9 billion since Governor Ron DeSantis took office to increase pay for teachers and instructional staff. In addition, several initiatives have been introduced to encourage more people to join the teaching workforce. The Teacher Apprenticeship Program currently provides on-the-job training for over 80 participants under experienced teachers while they work toward certification; nearly 500 individuals have applied for this program. More than 100 military veterans have started teaching careers using temporary certificates through a special pathway for veterans, with almost 700 applications submitted.
