Florida governor proposes big jump in starting teachers' salaries

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed increasing the minimum salary for teachers across the state to $47,500 a year.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that the salary increase called for in the governor's 2020 budget proposal would cost $600 million.

Florida ranks 26th in the nation for average starting teacher pay at $37,636, according to the National Education Association. If the salary boost is approved, Florida would jump to  second in the nation for starting teacher pay, DeSantis said.

“We are experiencing a teacher shortage in Florida,” DeSantis says. “With a strong economy and plenty of jobs available in other fields, unfortunately too many college graduates are unwilling to enter the teaching profession. My proposal to increase the minimum salary for teachers to $47,500 will help alleviate this shortage and elevate the teaching profession to the level of appreciation it deserves. This is long overdue, and I look forward to working with the Legislature to make this a reality.”

DeSantis announced his proposal Monday morning during a visit to Middleburg High School in Clay County.