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Florida Gets Real
All the Florida fit to print for residents and future ones.
BEAN COUNTERS > FLORIDA SCHOOLS?
I got a press release from Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) last month. It is the agency tasked with regulating more than 1.7 million businesses and professionals in the state across more than 30 sectors.
The DBPR lists its 2025 accomplishments, including transferring 10% of tobacco permit revenues, totaling $147,618, to the Florida Department of Education.
A few bullets down, the DBPR crows about awarding $192,857 to a scholarship fund for future Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to strengthen the pipeline of professional talent in the state.
The two figures might seem innocuous, like seeing the trees through the forest, but why is the state allocating more money to bean counters than schools?
Speaking of schools, surely, Florida education is well-funded, right?
Wrong.
If you’re a Florida resident or thinking of moving to the state, how much is this a concern?
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THIS WEEK’S FLORIDA STORY
How is the miserly state of Florida teacher pay affecting boots on the ground?
Wrote one Redditor in a post from two years ago: “As a former teacher down here, I proudly take every opportunity to tell those interested in the teaching profession to run the f*ck away from Florida.”
Surely, this jaded former educator is in the minority, right?
Wrote another Redditor in the same post: “As a former Florida teacher, get out. Leverage your communication skills to get another career. I’m in marketing and make 20k more than what I left at.”
I sense a trend here. Florida teachers are not great, Bob!
Educators blame the state championing charter schools and not giving veteran teachers the pay raises they deserve, fixating on test scores over experience.
Florida leaders know they have a problem. In his latest $117.3 billion state budget proposal. Governor DeSantis called for $1.56 billion for increased teacher pay.
WHAT THIS MEANS…
So what does low teacher pay mean if you live in the state or are thinking of moving here?
If You Currently Live in Florida
Teachers, especially newer ones, are fleeing the profession.
This causes a shortage of educators, crowded classrooms and more “virtual” instruction.
If local schools fail, property values drop.
If You’re Thinking About Moving to Florida
If you’re relocating to Florida, you may be forced to consider private schooling or homeschooling due to deteriorating public schools.
Communities with good schools will even be that much more in demand and pricier to buy in.
WHAT EVERYONE GETS WRONG
Low teacher pay and its ramifications will lead people to put even greater emphasis on grades given to Florida schools.
One Thing People Get Wrong
School grades like those published by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) can be misleading, skewing more to higher test scores and socioeconomic factors.
In other words, richer communities get better school grades.
Practical Tip
To check the performance of a Florida school, use third-party evaluation tools like GreatSchools.org that provide aggregated data on performance, diversity and parent reviews.
What We’re Watching
Continued Public/Private Battle: Florida legislators are scrutinizing charter schools’ incursion into underperforming public schools after reports of fraud and disruption in school districts
Legislative Focus: Governor DeSantis’ 2026 budget is just a proposal. Legislators will actually grind out the details and final numbers on improving Florida teacher pay.
TALLAHASSEE, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
Florida is still a magnet for people looking to escape the cold and a cheaper cost of living. Education remains a legit concern for residents and people relocating to the state. This is more of an issue for younger families than retirees.
Stay tuned to this newsletter as we cover Florida leaders’ efforts to address the situation legislatively this year.
Who Are We?
Team John Garuti is one of Florida's leading real estate teams, having sold hundreds of homes in the state.
If you have concerns about Florida education or other issues in the state, please hit reply.
As Team Leader, I read and act on every reply.
— John
