HB 561: Changes to Teacher Certification and Training Requirements

Where This Stands

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Signed

Currently passed_both. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Signed.

Last action

Ordered enrolledMar 5, 2026

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

The Frame

What this does

This bill changes the legal requirements for obtaining and maintaining a teaching certificate in Florida and mandates that specific professional development resources be provided to educators at no cost.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Educators

Educators face new requirements for certificate reinstatement and gain access to free professional learning systems.

Educator preparation institutes

These institutions are authorized to allow program participants to enroll in introductory coursework.

Florida Center for Teaching Excellence

The center is mandated to collaborate with the Anchin Center, submit professional learning systems for approval, and provide free access to educators.

What changed

Current stage: passed_both.

What's next

Signed.

Summary

HB 561 updates the rules for teacher certification, including pathways for those with expired certificates and new requirements for professional learning systems. It mandates collaboration between state teaching centers and requires free access to professional learning systems for certain certified educators.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill make it easier to get a teaching certificate if mine has expired?

Yes, the bill revises the criteria for temporary educator certification to include persons who previously held professional certificates that have since expired.

Will I have to pay for the professional learning system mentioned in the bill?

No, the bill requires the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence to allow certain certified educators to use the professional learning system at no cost.

Why It Matters

This bill changes the legal requirements for obtaining and maintaining a teaching certificate in Florida and mandates that specific professional development resources be provided to educators at no cost.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Lobbying Activity

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$60,000

2025

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

“In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. Advocating for sets of questions to be asked during DOJ and OPM nominations to produce concessions and straight answers from nominees that might threaten the rule of law. In opposition to executive impoundments of Congressionally appropriated funds. In support of Congress's power of the purse powers during reconciliation process. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act through H.R.3988, the Article One Act. In opposition of the SAVE Act. In opposition to decreasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officias and CISA. In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In opposition to the Reorganization Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of educating Congressional members on preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority. ”

View filing →

Voting Record

Motion succeededupper3/5/2026openstates_bulkOfficial roll call ↗

Third Reading

Total

39

Yes

37

No

0

Present

0

Not Voting

0

Abstain

0

How they voted (39)

+ 15 more

Motion succeededlower2/25/2026openstates_bulkOfficial roll call ↗

Passage, Third Reading

Total

117

Yes

112

No

0

Present

0

Not Voting

5

Abstain

0

How they voted (117)

+ 93 more

Full roll-call analysis →

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Mandatory Professional Learning

The bill shifts the role of the Florida Center for Teaching Excellence from having the option to submit professional learning systems to being legally required to do so.

Florida Center for Teaching Excellence