How to become a substitute teacher in Florida

Looking for a rewarding career that fits around your life, not the other way around? Substitute teaching in Florida offers the perfect blend of meaningful work and flexibility, and with Scoot Education, you can be classroom-ready in just 7 days.

Download our free checklist to get the steps to become a substitute teacher in Florida with Scoot Education!

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Substitute teacher requirements in Florida

All you need to become a substitute teacher in Florida are:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Clean background check
• Complete training

You don’t need a teaching certification or license! The state of Florida does not formally issue certifications for substitute teachers.

Since the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) does not standardize how to become a substitute in their state, each county and school district has unique requirements for applying and onboarding. For example, some require a high school diploma while others require college credits or a minimum GPA.

But with Scoot, you don’t have to worry about district-specific requirements! We partner with a variety of schools, so we’ll let you know which of our partners have stricter requirements and how you can meet them should you want to teach there.

Once you apply to Scoot, you can work at multiple school districts—no need to navigate each county’s different requirements. Plus, we can match you with roles that fit your skills and preferences!

Steps to become a substitute teacher in Florida

Take these 4 steps to become a Florida substitute teacher with Scoot:

1. Submit your application
2. Complete phone screen and interview
3. Complete onboarding requirements
4. Pass your background check

Step 1: Submit your application

First, start your application online. We recommend uploading an updated resume, but if you don’t have one, you can just answer our questionnaire about your work experience.

If your application is accepted, you’ll be contacted within 2-5 business days for a phone screen.

Step 2: Complete phone screen and interview

Next up, the phone screen and interview! You’ll meet virtually with a Scoot Education Consultant and share your motivations for substitute teaching; any teaching credentials you may have; school preferences and availability; and educator skills and experience.

Your answers help us find opportunities that match your skills and preferences. If you ever want to branch out to new grade-levels or different subjects, just let us know. You can enjoy a variety of subbing opportunities with Scoot.

Step 3: Complete onboarding requirements

Great job! Once you’ve passed your interview and signed your offer letter, you’ll start onboarding with us! You’ll submit:

• Three references–including at least one supervisor and one person who can speak to your experience working with children
• Payroll information
• I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form
• Friendly, professional Scoot profile photo
• Complete three Scoot trainings:
  • Health and safety
  • Workplace violence
  • Creating inclusive classrooms
• Complete state-required Mandated Reporter Training

Step 4: Pass your background check

To ensure a safe experience for students, all substitute teachers must complete a criminal background check by submitting your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Your fingerprints will be checked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) databases for any criminal records. With Scoot, you will:

1. Complete Scoot’s background check authorization form
2. Get fingerprinted at an FDLE-approved LiveScan location with your government-issued photo ID

LiveScan fees typically cost between $71 and $81.

If you apply with Scoot Education, we reimburse the cost up to $90 for the LiveScan in your first paycheck.

Subbing in Florida FAQs

1. Do I need a Florida substitute teaching license or certificate before applying?

No, you do not need a Florida substitute teacher license to start subbing in Florida. The state does not issue a specific credential for substitute teachers.

2. How much does a substitute teacher make in Florida?

A Florida substitute teacher salary depends on assignment length, type of role, school district, and certificate level.

On average, a substitute teacher’s pay in Florida is around $120 per full day or $35,690 annually according to Indeed.

3. How do I get scheduled for jobs?

If you work with Scoot, you schedule when you’re able to work in our in-house app Scoot2Work.

Your personal consultant takes the guesswork out for you by choosing assignments that best suit your preferences! We check your availability and if we have a position for you, we’ll call you in the morning to see if you’d like to go. We can also schedule you weeks in advance.

4. Why should I apply to Scoot Education instead of directly to school districts?

If you apply directly to school districts, you’ll spend more time researching each county’s unique requirements and applying rather than finding assignments and teaching.

You’ll also need to complete an FLDOE-approved substitute teacher preparation program and apply for a Florida educator certificate on top of submitting all the background checks and references.

Although the requirements are easier to meet compared to other states, the certification process is just slightly more complicated and time consuming than if you applied through an agency like Scoot Education.

In Miami, you can start subbing 5 days after completing onboarding! Whereas, hiring and onboarding could take 2-4 weeks with the county.

Additional perks of subbing with Scoot

Congrats! You made it to the end of this guide. Now you know what it takes to become a Scoot sub in Florida.

Wanna start subbing right away? Apply to Scoot. Not only do we make applying a lot faster and hassle-free, we also provide a lot of perks to our Scoot subs. Here are some of the benefits of subbing with Scoot Education:

• Personalized 1-on-1 support: Your dedicated Scoot consultant is an expert in the education field who can answer all your questions from hire to teaching in the classroom.
• Get exclusive access to our teacher preparation resources that cover behavior management, supporting students in special education, and trauma-informed teaching.
• Full flexibility and control over your schedule with our app Scoot2Work. We have no availability minimum, so you can work as much or as little as you want.
• Enjoy weekly pay every Friday via direct deposit straight into your bank account!

Ready to sub with Scoot Education?

Become a Scoot Education substitute teacher today and start making a difference in schools near you!

Apply now