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Educator Certification

Reinstatement of a Professional Certificate

Effective with Applications Received January 7, 2003, and After

Requirements for Reinstatement: Submit an online reinstatement application and appropriate processing fee (More reinstatement application information) Complete six (6) semester hours of college credit from an accredited institution or 120 inservice points earned through a Florida school district's approved Master Inservice Plan Submit a passing score on the Florida Subject Area Examination in each subject from the expired certificate that will be shown on the reinstated certificate Submit cleared fingerprints processed by both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the FBI

Frequently Asked Reinstatement Questions:

Eligibility to Reinstate

1. What kinds of Florida certificates can be reinstated?
   Only expired Florida Professional Certificates in subject areas comparable to those currently issued by the Department of Education may be reinstated. A "Professional Certificate" is a certificate that:
   • reflects the title "Professional Certificate,"
   • was issued by the Florida Department of Education (not a school district),and
   • reflected a subject that required a bachelor's or higher degree.

   To determine if your subject area(s) may be reinstated, see the Reinstatement: Eligible Subjects Chart.

2. Does it matter how long ago my Florida Professional Certificate expired?
   No, there is no limit on the number of years ago that you held a certificate, as long as your expired Professional Certificate meets the criteria in question #1 above.

3. If I am not sure my certificate can be reinstated or I can’t find my expired certificate, how can I determine if I should apply for reinstatement?
   You can contact the Bureau of Educator Certification at 800-445-6739 (U.S. residents) or 850-245-5049 (outside U.S.) or contact your local Florida public school district office. Certification staff in each of these offices will be able to review your history in the Bureau's database and confirm your eligibility to apply for reinstatement.

4. Can I teach while I'm reinstating?
   It is possible to teach while you complete reinstatement requirements, if you apply for and qualify for a Temporary Certificate. A Temporary Certificate may only be issued if you meet content requirements for a current certification subject. If reinstatement requirements are not completed, you must maintain your certification and employment under current laws and rules and complete all requirements for a new Florida certificate.

5. If I find out that my certificate cannot be reinstated, can I still teach?
   You may still be eligible to teach, even if your expired certificate cannot be reinstated, because you may qualify for a new Florida Educator's Certificate or a certificate now issued by a Florida school district. Please return to the Bureau of Educator Certification's home page to view our Steps to Certification and the certification Subjects Available through the Department of Education, and contact your local Florida school district office for employment and certification assistance.

6. Where can I find information about teaching jobs in the public schools?
   Each school district in Florida employs its own teachers. However, Florida has one web site where you can find employment information for all public school districts: www.teachinflorida.com. This site includes a wealth of information for teachers and prospective teachers and is your one-stop portal to employment in our teaching force.

Contact Educator Certification