This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to educator preparation and certification. It authorizes educator preparation institutes to allow program participants to enroll in introductory coursework while they work towards obtaining an eligible statement of status of eligibility. Additionally, it revises the criteria for awarding temporary educator certification to include individuals with expired professional certificates. The bill also mandates that subject area coverages and endorsements be reinstated alongside the professional certificate and specifies that certain reinstatement requirements cannot be satisfied using specific inservice points.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence to collaborate with the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching to develop professional learning opportunities and educator training programs. It changes the center's role from being authorized to submit a professional learning system for approval to being required to do so, and it mandates that certified educators can use this system at no cost. The bill aims to enhance the educator preparation process and improve the support available to educators seeking certification or reinstatement of their professional certificates. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1718 Filed: 1004.85, 1012.56, 1012.585