The "Save Our Teachers Act" proposes significant salary enhancements for instructional personnel and school administrators in Florida by amending section 1011.62 of the Florida Statutes. The bill raises the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers from $47,500 to $65,000 and requires school districts and charter schools to address salary compression while providing annual cost-of-living adjustments and longevity pay for experienced teachers. Additionally, it mandates that school districts submit detailed salary distribution plans to the Department of Education to ensure transparency in fund allocation.

Moreover, the bill amends section 1012.22 to establish new requirements for salary structures, including step-based salary increases and compression relief supplements for experienced staff. It emphasizes collaboration with local stakeholders to tackle regional disparities and improve teacher retention, while also providing state compensation grants to smaller districts. The legislation introduces retention incentives based on years of service and mandates the presence of the collective bargaining unit's president during updates to the state board, ensuring that collective bargaining perspectives are included in district performance discussions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1272 Filed: 1011.62