Bill > S1272

This bill, titled the "Save Our Teachers Act," significantly increases the minimum base salary for certain teachers to $65,000, up from $47,500, and revises the purpose of salary increases for instructional personnel to include addressing salary compression, providing cost-of-living adjustments, and offering longevity pay for experienced teachers. It also mandates that school districts and charter schools develop and submit salary distribution plans to the Department of Education, with specific reporting requirements beginning in 2026 that detail salary increases, the use of supplemental funds, and progress on addressing pay compression. Furthermore, the bill requires school districts to implement performance salary schedules that include step-based salary increases based on years of experience and compression relief supplements to ensure fair compensation for experienced educators, with specific minimum increases for different experience levels and retention incentives for those with significant service. The Department of Education will oversee a phased implementation of these requirements, prioritizing districts with greater financial need, and will provide grants to smaller districts and charter schools to help them meet salary goals. The bill also clarifies that certain duties, such as being a department chair, instructional coach, or mentor, qualify as additional academic responsibilities for salary supplements.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1272