Transferring your teaching license from Kentucky to Florida
Both Kentucky and Florida participate in the NASDTEC interstate agreement, which standardizes how states evaluate out-of-state teaching credentials. Educators relocating from Kentucky can generally expect a streamlined review process, though state-specific content exams or coursework may still be required.
See 282 open teaching jobs in Florida →Your current credential (Kentucky)
- Issuing authority
- Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB)
- License type
- Provisional Certificate (3 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- Kentucky participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates receive reciprocal review; content exams may be required.
Florida certification
- Issuing authority
- Florida Department of Education
- License you'll earn
- Temporary Certificate (3 years)
- Typical timeline
- 12–18 months traditional; ACP allows immediate classroom entry with completion over 3 years
- Florida reciprocity policy
- Florida participates in NASDTEC. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a Florida Temporary Certificate; FTCE exams are typically required for the Professional Certificate.
Exams typically required in Florida
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on Florida's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- FTCE General Knowledge TestBasic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics
- FTCE Subject Area ExaminationContent knowledge for your certification area
- FTCE Professional Education TestPedagogy and professional knowledge
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Kentucky credential is current. Florida will request a verification of your active Provisional Certificate from Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).
- Apply through Florida Department of Education. The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any Florida-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but Florida may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to Florida districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 282 active openings — browse Florida teaching jobs to start identifying districts.