Bill > S0670

This bill, titled the "Save Our Teachers Act", aims to improve teacher salaries and address compensation challenges in Florida's school districts. The legislation raises the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers from $47,500 to $65,000, and establishes a comprehensive framework for teacher compensation that includes step-based salary increases, performance evaluations, and compression relief supplements. The bill requires school districts to develop localized salary adjustment plans that consider regional economic conditions and teacher retention needs, with a phased implementation strategy to be overseen by the Department of Education. Key provisions include mandatory step-based salary increases for teachers with 5-20+ years of experience (ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 annually), retention incentives for long-serving educators ($5,000 for 10-20 years of service and $10,000 for over 20 years), and requirements for performance-based salary schedules that promote fairness and address local economic factors. The bill also mandates annual reporting, collaborative planning with local stakeholders, and establishes state-level grants to help smaller school districts and charter schools meet these new compensation requirements. The implementation of these changes will be gradual, with full implementation expected by the 2030-2031 school year, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/670