Florida public schools are facing a growing shortage of teachers and staff, according to new data released by the Florida Education Association (FEA). The figures show an increase in unfilled positions across the state as schools begin the second half of the academic year without enough bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians, cafeteria workers, and teachers.
The FEA reports that thousands of vacancies remain midway through the school year—a period when most positions should already be filled. The organization says this trend reflects not just unfilled jobs but roles that districts are unable to fill despite ongoing efforts. Since August 2025, the number of vacancies has risen, signaling that staffing challenges are intensifying rather than improving.
Teacher turnover is also accelerating. According to FEA data, 31% of teachers last year had fewer than four years of experience. This high rate of turnover contributes to instability in classrooms and disrupts student learning.
Several factors have contributed to these shortages. The FEA points to Florida’s $4.4 billion voucher program and a statewide affordability crisis—marked by rising living costs and policies affecting migrant communities—as reasons for declining enrollment in public schools. Despite this decline, many teaching and staff positions remain vacant.
The reported decrease in vacancies compared to previous years is largely due to budget cuts and eliminated positions rather than actual improvement in hiring or retention. Over the past five years, the number of certified teachers replaced with out-of-field or temporary instructors has nearly doubled. Some districts have stopped advertising open roles after temporarily filling them with uncertified substitutes, which may understate the real scope of the problem.
Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, said: “While the Commissioner of Education will likely try to rewrite the facts, the truth is, if even one child walks into a classroom this semester without a permanent, certified educator, that is one too many. It’s unacceptable for students to cycle through four or five different teachers in a single year, because consistency is key to student success. Yet, between the micromanagement of classrooms, overbearing regulations, and Florida ranking 50th in average teacher pay, our educators and education staff professionals are being chased out of the profession. Lawmakers must take responsibility and address this crisis head-on. Parents and voters are demanding stronger public schools. They want lawmakers to strengthen Florida’s public schools, not abandon them.”
The FEA calls for state leaders—including an Education Commissioner and State Board committed to supporting public education—to invest in fair pay for educators and fully fund resources needed by students.
Vacancy numbers are compiled twice annually by counting postings on district websites each August and January; detailed county-by-county figures can be found at https://feaweb.org/issues-action/teacher-shortage/.
The Florida Education Association represents about 120,000 members including PreK-12 teachers as well as higher education faculty and educational staff professionals across Florida.
