Florida 2023 2023 Regular Session

Florida Senate Bill S1430 Analysis / Analysis

Filed 03/17/2023

                    The Florida Senate 
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT 
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.) 
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Education Pre-K -12  
 
BILL: SB 1430 
INTRODUCER:  Senator Avila 
SUBJECT:  Education 
DATE: March 17, 2023 
 
 ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR  REFERENCE  	ACTION 
1. Sagues Bouck ED Pre-meeting 
2.     AED   
3.     FP  
 
I. Summary: 
SB 1430 adds and revises a number of requirements relating to teacher preparation programs, 
educator certification, and teacher and administrator professional development. 
 
The bill modifies Florida’s teacher preparation programs by:  
 Requiring each educator preparation institute (EPI) to include scientifically based reading 
instruction, content literacy, and mathematical practices for each subject identified on the 
statement of eligibility or temporary certificate; and requiring EPI candidates to demonstrate 
competency and participate in field experiences that are relevant to their individual 
educational plan;  
 Expanding initial teacher preparation programs’ core curricula to include instructional 
practices to support effective, research-based assessment and grading practices aligned to the 
state’s academic standards; and 
 Separating, and renaming Professional Learning Certification Programs and Professional 
Education Competency Programs; and providing the State Board of Education with 
rulemaking authority to establish the criteria for the review and approval of Professional 
Learning Certification Programs. 
 
The bill modifies teacher training by requiring a system-wide shift from professional 
development to professional learning by:  
 Defining the requirements for professional learning;  
 Requiring all inservice activities to meet specific criteria;  
 Requiring external professional learning providers to meet specific criteria;  
 Authorizing administrators’ to visit and observe classroom teachers throughout the year to 
provide mentorship, training, instructional feedback, or professional learning;  
REVISED:   BILL: SB 1430   	Page 2 
 
 Requiring the DOE to create a high-quality marketplace to aid in the identification of high-
quality programs and resources; and requiring the DOE to review and approve professional 
learning systems every 5 years. 
 
The bill modifies educator certification requirements by: 
 Extending the temporary teaching certificate from 3 years to 5 years and limits the certificate 
to a one-time, non-renewable issuance; and expands eligibility for temporary certification to 
candidates who are currently enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation programs and 
meet certain requirements. 
 Requires all personnel under a temporary certificate to demonstrate mastery of general 
knowledge, rather than just classroom teachers. 
 Limits the personnel who must demonstrate professional preparation and education 
competence to classroom teachers and school administrators. 
 
The bill also includes a number of other provisions relating to K-12 public schools: 
 Beginning with students entering grade 9 in the 2023-2024 school year, the one credit in 
practical arts required for high school graduation is replaced by one credit in career 
education. 
 Beginning in 2023-2024, the bill adds an additional measure to the school grades formula to 
include student results on the grade 3, standardized ELA assessment. 
 To increase access to CAPE certificates or certifications the bill removes the cap of 0.1 FTE 
earned within the same fiscal year by elementary and middle grades students. 
 The bill expands the schools that may receive funds under the  Turnaround School 
Supplemental Services Allocation, removes the four-year maximum limitation for school 
eligibility for the program, and specifies the allocation must be based on actual student 
enrollment from the October FTE survey. 
 The Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program is amended to require the DOE to 
administer a competitive procurement through which classroom teachers may purchase 
classroom materials and supplies. 
 
The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminate, however, the bill may have a significant negative 
impact on state revenues or expenditures. See Section V. 
 
The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2023. 
II. Present Situation: 
The Present Situation is presented under Section III, Effect of Proposed Changes.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 3 
 
III. Effect of Proposed Changes: 
Teacher Preparation Programs 
Present Situation 
Teacher preparation programs are accountable for producing individuals with the competencies 
and skills necessary to achieve the state education goals.
1
 State-approved teacher preparation 
programs are offered by Florida public and private postsecondary institutions, public school 
districts, and private providers by which candidates for educator certification can, depending on 
the type of program, demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, professional preparation and 
education competence, and/or subject area knowledge for purposes of attaining an educator 
certificate.
2
 
 
There are various state-approved teacher preparation programs that individuals may use to 
receive the training needed to attain teaching credentials, including:
3
 
 Initial Teacher Preparation programs requiring candidates to demonstrate mastery of subject 
area knowledge in one or more specific subject areas(s), mastery of general knowledge, and 
mastery of professional preparation and education competence. Program completers qualify 
for a professional educator certificate.
4
 
 Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs) offering alternative certification programs by 
postsecondary institutions and qualified private providers for baccalaureate degree holders. 
These programs provide professional preparation for career-changers and recent college 
graduates who do not already possess a Professional Educator Certificate and require mastery 
of general knowledge, mastery of subject area knowledge and mastery of professional 
preparation and education competence. 
 District Professional Development Certification and Education Competency Programs: 
cohesive competency-based professional preparation certification programs offered by school 
districts, charter schools, and charter management districts by which the instructional staff 
can satisfy the mastery of professional preparation and education competence requirements.
5
 
In addition to completing the district program, candidates must demonstrate mastery of 
general knowledge
6
 and subject area knowledge.
7
 
 
Teacher Preparation Program Uniform Core Curricula 
Each candidate enrolled in a teacher preparation program must receive instruction and be 
assessed on the uniform core curricula in his or her area of program concentration during course 
                                                
1
 Section 1004.04(1)(b), F.S. 
2
 See Florida Department of Education (DOE), Professional Development in Florida, 
http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/professional-dev/ (last visited Mar. 15, 2023). See also rule 6A-5.066, F.A.C.; ss. 
1004.04(3)(a) and 1004.85(1), F.S. 
3
 Florida DOE, Educator Preparation, http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/preparation (last visited Mar. 15, 2023).  See also rule 
6A-5.066, F.A.C. 
4
 Rule 6A-5.066(1)(r), F.A.C. 
5
 Section 1012.56(8)(a), F.S. 
6
 See Florida DOE, General Knowledge, https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/general-cert-requirements/general-
knowledge.stml (last visited Mar. 15, 2023). 
7
 Florida DOE, Subject Area Knowledge, https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/general-cert-requirements/subject-area-
knowledge.stml (last visited Mar. 15, 2023).  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 4 
 
work and field experiences. A candidate for certification in a coverage area that includes reading 
instruction or interventions in kindergarten through grade six must successfully complete all 
competencies for a reading endorsement.
8
 
 
The SBE must establish, in rule, uniform core curricula for each state-approved teacher 
preparation program including, but not limited to:
9
 
 Candidate instruction and assessment in the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices 
(FEAP)
10
 across content areas; 
 The use of state-adopted content standards to guide curricula and instruction;
11
 
 Scientifically researched and evidence-based reading instructional strategies that improve 
reading performance for all students;
 12
 
 Content literacy and mathematical practices; 
 Strategies appropriate for instruction of English language learners; 
 Strategies appropriate for instruction of students with disabilities; 
 Strategies to differentiate instruction based on student needs;
 
 
 Strategies and practices to support evidence-based content aligned to state standards and 
grading practices; 
 Strategies appropriate for the early identification of students in crisis or experiencing a 
mental health challenge and the referral of such student to a mental health professional for 
support; and 
 Strategies to support the use of technology in education and distance learning. 
 
In addition, before program completion, each candidate must demonstrate his or her ability to 
positively impact student learning growth in the candidate’s area(s) of program concentration 
during a prekindergarten through grade 12 field experience and must pass each portion of the 
Florida Teacher Certification Examination required for a professional certificate in the area(s) of 
program concentration.
13
  
 
Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs) 
Postsecondary institutions that are accredited or approved by the Department of Education 
(DOE) to award degrees and credits for educator certification may seek approval from the DOE 
to create EPIs for the purpose of providing all or any of the following:
14
 
 Professional development instruction to assist teachers in improving classroom instruction 
and in meeting certification or recertification requirements; 
 Instruction to assist potential and existing substitute teachers in performing their duties; 
                                                
8
 Section 1004.04(2)(c), F.S. 
9
 Section 1004.04(2)(b)1.-10., F.S. 
10
 Florida DOE, Professional Development The Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAP), 
https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/professional-dev/the-fl-educator-accomplished-practices.stml (last visited Mar. 16, 2023). 
11
 The SBE has adopted the state academic standards, which establish the core content of the curricula taught in the state and 
specify the core content knowledge and skills that K-12 public school students are expected to acquire. Rule 6A-1.09401(1), 
F.A.C.; s. 1003.41(1), F.S. 
12
 The Just Read, Florida! Office must assist teacher preparation programs and EPIs with this requirement. Section 
1001.215(11), F.S. 
13
 Section 1004.04(2)(d), F.S. 
14
 Section 1004.85(2)(a), F.S.   BILL: SB 1430   	Page 5 
 
 Instruction to assist paraprofessionals in meeting education and training requirements;  
 Instruction for noneducation baccalaureate degree holders to become certified teachers in 
order to increase routes to the classroom for mid-career professionals; and 
 Instruction and professional development for part-time and full-time non-degreed teachers of 
career programs. 
 
A private provider that has a proven history of delivering high-quality educator preparation may 
also seek approval to offer a competency-based certification program. The DOE approval must 
be based upon evidence provided from other state recipients of the provider’s services and data 
showing the successful performance of completers based upon student achievement.
15
 
 
Educator preparation institutes may offer competency-based certification programs specifically 
designed for non-education major baccalaureate degree holders to enable program participants to 
meet educator certification. The DOE must approve a certification program if the institute 
provides evidence of the institute’s capacity to implement a competency-based program that 
includes each of the following:
16
 
 Participant instruction and assessment in the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices across 
content areas. 
 The use of state-adopted student content standards to guide curriculum and instruction. 
 Scientifically researched and evidence-based reading instructional strategies that improve 
reading performance for all students, including explicit, systematic, and sequential 
approaches to teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text 
comprehension and multisensory intervention strategies. 
 Content literacy and mathematical practices. 
 Strategies appropriate for instruction of English language learners. 
 Strategies appropriate for instruction of students with disabilities. 
 Strategies to differentiate instruction based on student needs. 
 Strategies and practices to support evidence-based content aligned to state standards and 
grading practices. 
 Strategies appropriate for the early identification of a student in crisis or experiencing a 
mental health challenge and the referral of such student to a mental health professional for 
support. 
 Strategies to support the use of technology in education and distance learning. 
 An educational plan for each participant to meet certification requirements and demonstrate 
his or her ability to teach the subject area for which the participant is seeking certification, 
which is based on an assessment of his or her competency in specified areas. 
 Field experiences appropriate to the certification subject area. 
 A certification ombudsman to facilitate the process and procedures required for participants 
who complete the program to meet any requirements related to the background screening and 
educator professional or temporary certification. 
 
Continued program approval is determined by the Commissioner of Education (commissioner) 
based upon a periodic review of candidate readiness based on passage rates on educator 
                                                
15
 Section 1004.85(2)(b), F.S. 
16
 Section 1004.85(3)(a), F.S.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 6 
 
certification examinations and evidence of performance of students in prekindergarten through 
grade 12 who are assigned to in-field program completers on statewide assessments, results of 
program completers’ annual evaluations, and workforce contributions.
17
 
 
Each approved institute must submit annual performance evaluations to the DOE that measure 
the effectiveness of the programs, including the pass rates of participants on all examinations 
required for teacher certification, employment rates, longitudinal retention rates, and satisfaction 
surveys of employers and program completers. The satisfaction surveys must be designed to 
measure the sufficient preparation of the educator for the realities of the classroom and the 
institute’s responsiveness to local school districts. These evaluations must be used by the DOE 
for purposes of continued approval of an EPI’s certification program.
18
 
 
Professional Development Certification and Education Competency Programs 
School districts, charter schools and charter management organizations may offer a professional 
development certification program that must be approved by the DOE. The program must 
include:
19
 
 A minimum period of initial preparation before becoming the teacher of record;  
 An option to collaborate with other agencies or educational entities for implementation;  
 A teacher mentorship and induction component;  
 An assessment of teaching performance aligned with the district’s personnel evaluation 
system; 
 Professional educational preparation content knowledge which must be included in the 
mentoring and induction activities;  
 Required passing scores on the general knowledge, subject area and the professional 
education competency test; and 
 Completion of all competencies for a reading endorsement for all candidates for certification 
in coverage areas that include reading instruction or interventions in kindergarten through 
grade 6. 
 
As required by law, the DOE adopted, effective January 1, 2018, standards for the approval of 
professional development certification programs, including standards for the teacher mentorship 
and induction component.
20
 The standards for the teacher mentorship and induction component 
must include:
21
 
 Program administration and evaluation; 
 Mentor roles, selection, and training; 
 Beginning teacher assessment and professional development; and 
 Teacher content knowledge and practices aligned to the FEAP. 
 
Each school district, charter school, or charter management organization, wishing to provide a 
professional preparation and competency program must submit its program, including the teacher 
mentorship and induction component, to the DOE for approval.  
                                                
17
 Section 1004.85(4), F.S. 
18
 Section 1004.85(5), F.S. 
19
 Section 1012.56(8)(a)1.-7., F.S. 
20
 See rule 6A-5.066, F.A.C. 
21
 Section 1012.56(8)(c), F.S.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 7 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
SB 1430 modifies s. 1004.04, F.S., to add strategies and practices to support effective, research 
based assessment and grading practices aligned to the state’s academic standards to the list of 
uniform core curricula topics that must be included in teacher preparation programs. 
 
The bill modifies s. 1004.85, F.S., to eliminate redundancy in EPI instruction provided to 
candidates that are already embedded in the FEAP and clarifies that candidates must demonstrate 
competency and participate in field experiences that are appropriate to his or her individual 
educational plan at the institute.  
 
The bill requires that all state approved EPI programs cover scientifically based reading 
instruction, content literacy, and mathematical practices for each subject identified on the 
participant’s statement of status of eligibility or temporary certificate. 
 
The bill requires the SBE to adopt rules for the approval of EPIs, commissioner determination.  
 
In addition, the bill separates, and renames the two alternative certification pathways offered by 
school districts, charter schools, and charter management organizations: Professional Learning 
Certification Programs and Professional Education Competency Programs:  
 Professional Learning Certification Programs are developed by the DOE and include a 
teacher mentorship and induction component to ensure candidates receive timely coaching 
and feedback to improve practice. The bill provides for mentor activities to be routine and 
requires all professional learning to be in alignment with the professional learning criteria.  
 Professional Education Competency Programs are developed by school districts by which 
members of the instructional staff may demonstrate mastery of professional preparation and 
educator competence as required by law. Each program must be based on classroom 
application of the FEAP and instructional performance and, for public schools, must be 
aligned with the district’s evaluation system. The bill authorizes the commissioner to 
determine the continued approval of programs, based on the DOE’s review of performance 
data, as a part of the periodic review of district professional learning systems. 
 
Educator Certification 
Present Situation 
In order for a person to serve as an educator in a traditional public school, charter school, virtual 
school, or other publicly operated school, the person must hold a certificate issued by the DOE.
22
 
Persons seeking employment at a public school as a school supervisor, principal, teacher, library 
media specialist, counselor, athletic coach, or in another instructional capacity must be 
certified.
23
  The purpose of certification is to require school-based personnel to “possess the 
                                                
22
 Sections 1012.55(1) and 1002.33(12)(f), F.S. 
23
 Sections 1002.33(12)(f) (charter school teachers) and 1012.55(1), F.S. District school boards and charter school governing 
boards are authorized to hire non-certified individuals who possess expertise in a given field to serve in an instructional 
capacity. Rule 6A-1.0502, F.A.C.; ss. 1002.33(12)(f) and 1012.55(1)(c), F.S. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, 
audiologists, and speech therapists are not required to be certified educators. Rule 6A-1.0502(10) and (11), F.A.C.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 8 
 
credentials, knowledge, and skills necessary to allow the opportunity for a high-quality education 
in the public schools.”
24
 
 
To be eligible for an educator certificate, an individual must meet the following eligibility 
requirements:
25
 
 Be at least 18 years of age; 
 Sign an affidavit attesting that the applicant will uphold the U.S. and State Constitutions; 
 Earn a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
26
 or from 
a nonaccredited institution identified by the DOE as having a quality program resulting in a 
bachelor’s or higher degree;
27
 
 Submit to fingerprinting and background screening and not have a criminal history that 
requires the applicant’s disqualification from certification or employment; 
 Be of good moral character; and 
 Be competent and capable of performing the duties, functions, and responsibilities of a 
teacher. 
 
After meeting eligibility requirements, an individual may choose a certification route. The DOE 
issues three types of educator certificates: 
 Professional Certificate: Florida’s highest type of full-time educator certification;
28
 valid for 
5 years and renewable.
29
 
 Temporary Certificate: covers employment in full-time positions for which educator 
certification is required;
30
 generally valid for 3 years and nonrenewable.
31
 
 Athletic Coaching Certificate: covers full-time and part-time employment as a public school 
athletic coach;
32
 includes two types of athletic coaching certificates – one is valid for 5 years 
and may be issued for subsequent 5-year periods while the other is valid for 3 years and may 
be issued only once.
33
  
 
An applicant seeking a professional certification must: 
 Meet the basic eligibility requirements for certification;
34
 
                                                
24
 Section 1012.54, F.S.; see rule 6A-4.001(1), F.A.C. 
25
 Section 1012.56(2)(a)-(f), F.S. 
26
 Section 1012.56(2)(c), F.S.; rule 6A-4.003(1), F.A.C. (approved accrediting agencies); see also 34 C.F.R. ss. 602.1-602.50; 
U.S. Department of Education, Institutional Accrediting Agencies, 
https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg3.html#RegionalInstitutional (last visited Mar. 15, 2023). 
27
 Section 1012.56(2)(c), F.S.; rule 6A-4.003(2), F.A.C. (criteria for approval of nonaccredited institutions of higher 
learning). Section 1012.56(2)(c), F.S. 
28
 Rule 6A-4.004(3), F.A.C. 
29
 Section 1012.56(7)(a), F.S.; see rule 6A-4.0051(3)(d), F.A.C. (validity period is expressed as 5 years from July 1 of the 
school fiscal year). The DOE also issues a nonrenewable 5-year professional certificate that allows an applicant with a 
bachelor’s degree in the area of speech-language impairment to complete a master’s degree in speech-language impairment. 
Section 1012.56(7)(c), F.S.; rule 6A-4.004(4), F.A.C. 
30
 Rule 6A-4.004(1)(a)2., F.A.C. 
31
 Section 1012.56(7)(e), F.S. (flush-left provisions at end of subsection; validity period is expressed in school fiscal years); 
rule 6A-4.004(1)(a), F.A.C. The veteran’s pathway to educator certification authorizes a 5 year nonrenewable temporary 
certificate. Section 1012.56(7)(e)2., F.S. The DOE also issues a nonrenewable temporary certificate, which is valid for 2 
years, in the area of speech-language impairment. Sections 1012.56(7)(c), F.S. 
32
 Section 1012.55(2)(a), F.S. 
33
 Rule 6A-4.004(5), F.A.C. (validity periods expressed in school fiscal years). 
34
 Section 1012.56(2)(a)-(f), F.S.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 9 
 
 Demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, if the person serves as a classroom teacher;
35
 
 Demonstrate mastery of subject area knowledge;
36
 and 
 Demonstrate mastery of professional preparation and education competence.
37
 
 
A professional certificate is renewable for successive periods of 5 years
38
, but may be extended 
by: 
 One year due to serious illness or injury of the applicant or other extraordinary extenuating 
circumstances; or 
 A period of time equal to the active duty status for any person who volunteers or is called 
into wartime or required peacetime military service. 
 
An applicant seeking a temporary certification must: 
 Meet the basic eligibility requirements for certification;
39
 
 Obtain full-time employment in a position that requires a Florida educator certificate by a 
school district or private school that has a DOE-approved professional education competence 
demonstration program;
40
 and 
 Do one of the following: 
o Demonstrate mastery of subject area knowledge;
41
 or 
o Complete the required degree or content courses specified in state board rule for subject 
area specialization
42
 and attain at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in the 
subject area courses.
43
 
 
To qualify for a temporary certificate, an applicant must meet subject area specialization 
requirements in at least one subject. Each subject area has specific degree or course requirements 
set in SBE rule,
44
 and select subject areas including Reading, Speech-Language Impaired, School 
Counseling, School Psychology, and School Social Work require a master’s or specialist 
degree.
45
  
 
                                                
35
 Section 1012.56(2)(g) and (3), F.S.; Florida DOE, General Knowledge, 
http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/general-cert-requirements/general-knowledge.stml (last visited Mar. 15, 2023).  
36
 Section 1012.56(2)(h) and (5), F.S. 
37
 Section 1012.56(2)(i) and (6), F.S.; Florida DOE, Professional Preparation and Education Competence, 
http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/general-cert-requirements/professional-preparation-edu-competenc.stml (last 
visited Mar. 15, 2023).  
38
 Sections 1012.56(7)(a) and 1012.585, F.S.; rule 6A-4.0051(1), F.A.C.  
39
 Section 1012.56(2)(a)-(f) and (7)(b), F.S 
40
 Section 1012.56(1)(b), F.S.; Rule 6A-4.004(1)(a), F.A.C. 
41
 Section 1012.56(7)(b), F.S.; Florida DOE, Subject Area Knowledge http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/general-
cert-requirements/subject-area-knowledge.stml  
 (last visited Mar. 15, 2023). 
42
 Section 1012.56(7)(b), F.S. The degree and content requirements are specified in ch. 6A-4, F.A.C. 
43
 Section 1012.56(2)(c), F.S.; See Florida DOE, Certificate Types and Requirements, 
https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/general-cert-requirements/ (last visited Mar. 15, 2023). 
44
 Section 1012.56(7)(b), F.S. The degree and content requirements are established in ch. 6A-4, F.A.C. 
45
 Florida DOE, Educator Certification, Certificate Subjects, https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/certificate-
subjects/#degreed (last visited Mar. 15, 2023).  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 10 
 
Generally, a temporary certificate is valid for 3 years and is nonrenewable; however, a temporary 
certificate for military service members is valid for 5 years, limited to a one-time issuance, and is 
nonrenewable.
46
  
 
A temporary certificate may be extended by 2 years if the requirements for the professional 
certificate, other than the general knowledge requirement, have not been met due to serious 
illness or injury of the applicant, military service by the applicant’s spouse, or other 
extraordinary extenuating circumstances; or, the certificate holder is rated highly effective in the 
immediate year’s performance evaluation or has completed a 2-year mentorship program.
47
 
 
Renewal of Professional Certificates 
A professional certificate must be renewed every 5 years.
48
  An educator must submit an 
application,
49
 pay a fee,
50
 and earn at least six college credits or 120 inservice points, or a 
combination of both, during each 5-year validity cycle to renew his or her professional 
certification.
51
  At least three college credits or 60 inservice points must be earned in each 
subject area for which renewal is sought.
52
   
 
Applicants for renewal of a professional certificate must earn at least one college credit or the 
equivalent amount of inservice points in the area of instruction for teaching students with 
disabilities.
53
 
 
For professional certificates with specialization areas that include reading instruction or 
intervention for students in kindergarten through grade 6 and a beginning validity date on or after 
July 1, 2020, educators must complete two college credits or the equivalent amount of inservice 
points in specific reading instruction and intervention strategies for renewal of coverages 
specified in state board rule.
54
 
 
Certification in subject areas may also be renewed by earning a passing score on the 
corresponding Florida-developed subject area test or standardized examination specified in SBE 
rule.
55
 Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is deemed to 
meet certification renewal requirements for the life of the certificate, in the corresponding 
certification subject area.
56
 
 
                                                
46
 Section 1012.56(7)(e)2., F.S. 
47
 Section 1012.56(7), F.S. (flush-left provisions at the end of subsection). 
48
 Section 1012.585(2)(a), F.S. 
49
 Rule 6A-4.0051(3)(c), F.A.C. The DOE processes certification renewals for individuals who are not employed by district 
school boards. Section 1012.585(1)(b), F.S. District school boards are responsible for processing certificate renewals for 
school district employees. Section 1012.585(1)(a), F.S. 
50
 The fee for a certification renewal is $75. Rules 6A-4.0051(3)(c) and 6A-4.0012(1)(b)1. , F.A.C 
51
 Section 1012.585(3)(a), F.S.  
52
 Section 1012.585(3)(a), F.S. 
53
 Section 1012.585(3)(e), F.S. This required training may not add to the total hours required by the DOE for continuing 
education or inservice training. Id. 
54
 Section 1012.585(3)(f), F.S. 
55
 Section 1012.585(3)(b), F.S.  For the purposes of renewing a professional certificate, passage of a subject area examination 
is equivalent to three semester hours of college credit. Rule 6A-4.0051(1)(b), F.A.C. 
56
 Section 1012.585(2)(b), F.S.; rule 6A-4.0051(1)(c), F.A.C.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 11 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
SB 1430 modifies s. 1012.56, F.S., to extend the validity period of a temporary teaching 
certificates from 3 years to 5 years. Accordingly, the bill removes the authorization for the DOE 
to extend the validity period of a temporary certificate. 
 
The bill expands eligibility for a temporary teaching certification to candidates who are currently 
enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program, are actively completing the required 
program field experience or internship at a public school, and can provide documentation of 
completion of 60 college credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 
scale as provided by one or more accredited institutions of higher learning identified by the 
DOE, or unaccredited institution identified by the DOE has having a quality bachelor’s degree 
program. 
 
The bill requires all applicants for a professional certificate to demonstrate mastery of general 
knowledge, instead of only classroom teachers. The bill also limits the personnel who must 
demonstrate mastery of professional preparation and education competence to classroom 
teachers and school administrators. 
 
A candidate with a beginning validity date of July 1, 2025, or later seeking to renew a 
professional certificate in educational leadership must complete a minimum of 1 college credit or 
20 inservice points in Florida's educational leadership standards. This provision does not add 
toward the total 120 required continuing education or inservice training hours currently required 
by the department. 
 
Professional Development 
Traditional professional development is differentiated from professional learning, which is 
intended to result in system-wide changes in student outcomes. Professional development is 
usually associated with one-time workshops, seminars, or lectures that are one-size-fits-all. 
Professional learning is typically interactive, ongoing, and tailored to the needs of educators. 
This approach encourages educators to take ownership of learning and apply what they've 
learned in different contexts.
57
 
 
Present Situation 
Professional Development Systems 
Current law requires school districts to develop a professional development system in 
consultation with classroom teachers, state colleges and universities, business and community 
representatives, and local education foundations, consortia, and professional organizations.
58
  
 
                                                
57
 IES REL Regional Educational Laboratory Program, Distinguishing Professional Learning form Professional 
Development, 
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/pacific/blogs/blog2_DistinguishingProfLearning.asp#:~:text=Professional%20develop
ment%2C%20which%20%E2%80%9Chappens%20to%E2%80%9D%20teachers%2C%20is%2 0often,typically%20interacti
ve%2C%20sustained%2C%20and%20customized%20to%20teachers%27%20needs. (last visited Mar. 16, 2023). 
58
 Section 1012.98(4)(b), F.S.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 12 
 
Among other things, the professional development system must:
59
 
 Support and increase the success of educators through collaboratively developed school 
improvement plans;  
 Assist the school community in providing stimulating, scientific research-based educational 
activities that encourage and motivate students to achieve at the highest levels, and that 
prepare students for success at subsequent educational levels and the workforce;  
 Provide continuous support for all education professionals as well as temporary intervention 
for education professionals who need improvement in knowledge, skills, and performance; 
and 
 Provide training to teacher mentors as part of professional development certification and 
education competency programs.  
 
Each school district professional development system must:
60
 
 Be reviewed and approved by the DOE. 
 Be based on analyses of student achievement data and instructional strategies and methods 
that support rigorous, relevant, and challenging curricula for all students.  
 Provide inservice activities coupled with follow up support appropriate to accomplish 
district-level and school-level improvement goals and standards. The inservice activities for 
instructional personnel must focus on analysis of student achievement data, ongoing formal 
and informal assessments of student achievement, identification and use of enhanced and 
differentiated instructional strategies that emphasize rigor, relevance, and reading in the 
content areas, enhancement of subject content expertise, integrated use of classroom 
technology that enhances teaching and learning, classroom management, parent involvement, 
and school safety. 
 Provide inservice activities and support targeted to the individual needs of teachers. 
 Include a master inservice plan, or professional learning catalog, that identifies the 
educational training programs that may generate inservice points toward recertification or 
add-on certification.
61
 Each district catalog must be updated annually by September 1, must 
be based on input from teachers and district and school instructional leaders, and must use 
the latest available student achievement data and research to enhance rigor and relevance in 
the classroom.
62
 
 Include inservice activities for school administrative personnel. 
 Provide for systematic consultation with regional and state personnel designated to provide 
technical assistance and evaluation of local professional development programs. 
 Provide for delivery of professional development by distance learning and other technology-
based delivery systems to reach more educators at lower costs. 
 Provide for the continuous evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of professional 
development programs in order to eliminate ineffective programs and strategies and to 
expand effective ones. 
 For middle grades, emphasize interdisciplinary planning, collaboration, instruction, and 
alignment of curriculum and instructional materials to the state academic standards. 
                                                
59
 Section 1012.98(3), F.S. 
60
 Section 1012.98(4)(b), F.S. 
61
 Section 1012.98(4)(b)5., F.S.; Florida DOE, Master Inservice Plans, http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/professional-
dev/master-inservice-plans-mip.stml (last visited Mar. 16, 2023).   
62
 Section 1012.98(4)(b)5., F.S.    BILL: SB 1430   	Page 13 
 
 Provide training to reading coaches, classroom teachers, and school administrators in 
effective methods of identifying characteristics of conditions such as dyslexia and other 
causes of diminished phonological processing skills; incorporating instructional techniques 
into the general education setting which are proven to improve reading performance for all 
students; and using predictive and other data to make instructional decisions based on 
individual student needs. 
 
In addition to improving school district professional development systems, the DOE is required 
to disseminate research-based professional development methods and programs that have 
demonstrated success in meeting identified student needs, including a database of exemplary 
professional development activities, a listing of available professional development resources, 
training programs, and available assistance.
63
 
 
William Cecil Golden Professional Development Program 
The William Cecil Golden Professional Development Program for School Leaders is a 
collaborative network of state and national professional leadership organizations for school 
principals. The program is designed to respond to Florida’s needs for quality school leadership 
and support the efforts of school leaders in improving instruction and student achievement and 
developing and retaining quality teachers. Professional development provided through the 
program must be based upon the Florida Principal Leadership Standards
64
 and other school 
leadership standards.
65
 Goals of the program include support for the professional growth of 
instructional personnel who provide reading instruction and interventions by training school 
administrators on classroom observation and teacher evaluation practices aligned to evidence-
based reading instruction and intervention strategies.
66
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
SB 1430 modifies ss. 1012.98 and 1012.986, F.S. to make a number of changes to the 
professional development system, and changes the title to professional learning. The bill defines 
professional learning as learning that is aligned to the state’s standards for effective professional 
learning, educator practices, and leadership practices; incorporates active learning; is 
collaborative; provides models; and is sustained and continuous.  
 
The bill requires the Division of Law Revision to prepare a reviser's bill to replace references to 
the term "professional development" with the term "professional learning" throughout the 
Education Code to ensure an educational system-wide shift from professional development to 
professional learning. 
 
To increase the quality of educator professional learning activities offered by school districts, 
charter schools, charter management organizations, and consortiums of private schools to 
instructional and administrative staff, the bill requires that professional learning activities linked 
to student learning and professional growth must meet the following criteria: 
                                                
63
 Section 1012.98(4)(a)1., F.S. 
64
 Florida DOE, The Florida Educational Leadership Standards, https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/professional-dev/the-fl-ed-
leadership-stards/ (last visited Mar. 16, 2023). Rule 6A-5.080, F.A.C. 
65
 Section 1012.986(1)-(2), F.S. 
66
 Section 1012.986(1)(e), F.S.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 14 
 
 For instructional personnel, utilize materials aligned to the state’s academic standards. 
 For school administrators, utilize materials aligned to the state’s educational leadership 
standards. 
 Have clear, defined, and measurable outcomes for both individual inservice activities and 
multiple day sessions. 
 Employ multiple measurement tools for data on teacher growth, participants’ use of new 
knowledge and skills, student learning outcomes, instructional growth outcomes, and 
leadership growth outcomes, as applicable. 
 Utilize active learning and engage participants directly in designing and trying out strategies, 
providing participants with the opportunity to engage in authentic teaching and leadership 
experiences. 
 Utilize artifacts, interactive activities, and other strategies to provide deeply embedded and 
highly contextualized professional learning. 
 Create opportunities for collaboration. 
 Utilize coaching and expert support to involve the sharing of expertise about content and 
evidence-based practices, focused directly on instructional personnel and school 
administrator needs. 
 Provide opportunities for instructional personnel and school administrators to think about, 
receive input on, and make changes to practice by facilitating reflection and providing 
feedback. 
 Provide sustained duration with followup for instructional personnel and school 
administrators to have adequate time to learn, practice, implement, and reflect upon new 
strategies that facilitate changes in practice. 
 
The bill specifies that routine meetings for the purposes of information dissemination that do not 
align to the established criteria are not eligible for inservice points.  
 
The bill includes explicit training for school administrators aligned to the state’s leadership 
standards to address the updated skills required for instructional leadership and effective school 
management. Furthermore, the bill modifies s. 1012.34, F.S., to authorize school administrators 
to visit and observe classroom teachers throughout the year to provide mentorship, training, 
instructional feedback, or professional learning by separating such classroom visits and 
observations from teacher performance evaluations. To align with this change, the William Cecil 
Golden Professional Development Program for School Leaders is amended to include 
instructional coaching as a component to support the professional growth of instructional 
personnel. 
 
The DOE must create a high-quality professional learning marketplace list on a centralized 
webpage to aid in the identification of high-quality programs and resources that meet the 
professional learning criteria and have demonstrated success in meeting student achievement 
needs.  
 
Additionally, the DOE must establish a calendar to review and approve all professional learning 
systems every 5 years, by March 1, 2024. Any significant changes to the system made within the 
5-year timeframe must be re-submitted to the DOE for review and approval.  
  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 15 
 
The bill establishes requirements to the current authorization for a district school board, charter 
management organization, or private school consortium to contract with independent entitities 
for professional development and inservice education. The bill authorizes school districts, charter 
management organizations, and private school consortiums to hire outside professional learning 
providers to provide inservice training to staff. Contracted external professional learning 
providers must have three or more years of experience providing professional learning with 
demonstrable success in instructional or school administrator growth. The school district, charter 
management organization, or private school consortium must certify that the provider’s inservice 
activities meet the specified professional learning criteria. 
 
To align with SBE rule, the bill renames the “master inservice plan”, which lists all inservice 
activities from all funding sources, as the “professional learning catalog.” 
 
Practical Arts Requirement 
Present Situation  
As a part of the 24 credits required for high school graduation
67
 a student must complete one 
credit in fine or performing arts, speech and debate, or practical arts. The practical arts course 
must incorporate artistic content and techniques of creativity, interpretation, and imagination. 
Eligible practical arts courses are identified in the Course Code Directory.
68
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
SB 1430 modifies s. 1003.4282, F.S., to revise high school graduation requirements by replacing 
one credit in practical arts with one credit in career education, beginning with students entering 
grade 9 in the 2023-2024 school year. 
 
School Grades 
Present Situation  
School grades are used to explain a school’s performance in a familiar, easy-to-understand 
manner for parents and the public.
69
 School grades are also used to determine whether a school 
must select or implement a turnaround option.
70
 
 
Schools are graded using one of the following grades:
71
 
 “A” for schools making excellent progress – 62 percent or higher of total points. 
 “B” for schools making above average progress – 54 percent to 61 percent of total points. 
 “C” for schools making satisfactory progress – 41 percent to 53 percent of total points. 
 “D” for schools making less than satisfactory progress – 32 percent to 40 percent of total 
points. 
                                                
67
 Section 1003.4282(1)(a), F.S. 
68
 For the 2022-2023 school year, the list of career and technical education courses that are approved to satisfy the practical 
arts requirement is located at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7746/urlt/2223CTECPAGR.pdf. 
69
 Section 1008.34(1), F.S. If there are fewer than 10 eligible students with data for a component, the component is not 
included in the calculation. Section 1008.34(3)(a), F.S. 
70
 Section 1008.33(4), F.S.  
71
 Section 1008.34(2), F.S.; rule 6A-1.09981(4)(d), F.A.C.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 16 
 
 “F” for schools failing to make adequate progress – 31 percent or less of total points. 
 
Each school that earns a grade of “A” or improves at least two letter grades may have greater 
authority over the allocation of the school’s total budget generated from the Florida Education 
Finance Program (FEFP), state categoricals, lottery funds, grants, and local funds.
72
 
 
Each school must assess at least 95 percent of its eligible students. Each school must receive a 
school grade based on the school’s performance on the following components, each worth 100 
points. The percentage of eligible students:
73
 
 Passing statewide, standardized assessments in ELA;  
 Passing statewide, standardized assessments in mathematics; 
 Passing statewide, standardized assessments in science; 
 Passing statewide, standardized assessments in social studies; 
 Who make Learning Gains in ELA as measured by statewide, standardized assessments; 
 Who make Learning Gains in mathematics as measured by statewide, standardized 
assessments; 
 In the lowest 25 percent in ELA, as identified by prior year performance on statewide, 
standardized assessments, who make Learning Gains as measured by statewide, standardized 
ELA assessments;  
 In the lowest 25 percent in mathematics, as identified by prior year performance on 
statewide, standardized assessments, who make Learning Gains as measured by statewide, 
standardized Mathematics assessments; and 
 Passing high school level statewide, standardized end-of-course assessments or attaining 
national industry certifications identified in the CAPE Industry Certification Funding List 
pursuant to state board rule, for schools comprised of middle grades 6 through 8 or grades 7 
and 8. 
 
For a school comprised of grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, or grades 10, 11, and 12, the school’s grade 
is based on additional components, including graduation rate and acceleration credit earned, each 
worth 100 points:
74
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill modifies s. 1008.34, F.S., to specify that beginning in 2023-2024 school year, an 
additional measure is added to the school grades formula to include the percentage of eligible 
students who earn an achievement level 3 or higher on the grade 3, standardized ELA 
assessment. Therefore, for schools with a grade 3, the school grade will include both a 
component with aggregated ELA scores, and a separate component for grade 3 ELA results. 
 
                                                
72
 Section 1008.34(2), F.S. (Flush-left provision). 
73
 Section 1008.34(3)(b)1.a.-i., F.S. 
74
 Section 1008.34(3)(b)2.a.-b., F.S.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 17 
 
Turnaround School Supplemental Services Allocation 
Present Situation 
The Turnaround School Supplemental Services Allocation provides additional funding to schools 
identified in Florida’s school improvement and education accountability system so that they may 
offer services designed to improve the overall academic and community welfare of the schools’ 
students and their families.
75
 Eligible schools include those which are district-managed 
turnaround schools, schools that earn three consecutive grades below a “C”, and schools that 
have improved to a “C” and are no longer in turnaround status. Services may include, but are not 
limited to, tutorial and after-school programs, student counseling, nutrition education, parental 
counseling, and an extended school day and school year. In addition, services may include 
models that develop a culture that encourages students to complete high school and to attend 
college or career training, set high academic expectations, and inspire character development.
76
 
 
Subject to legislative appropriation, a school remains eligible for the allocation for a maximum 
of 4 continuous fiscal years while implementing a turnaround option, and a school that improves 
to a grade of “C” or higher remains eligible to receive the allocation for a maximum of 2 
continuous fiscal years after exiting turnaround status.
 77
  
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
SB 1430 modifies s. 1011.62, F.S., to expand the Turnaround School Supplemental Services 
Allocation to include all turnaround schools and schools that implemented a turnaround plan and 
exited turnaround status by earning a school grade of "C" or higher. The funds will be used to 
provide services designed to improve the overall academic and community welfare of the 
schools' students and families. To allow for better school budgeting and planning the allocation 
is based on actual student enrollment from the October FTE survey, rather than adjusting with 
each FEFP calculation. The bill also removes the four year maximum limitation for school 
eligibility for the program, allowing schools to remain eligible for the duration of their time 
while implementing a turnaround plan. 
 
Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program 
Present Situation 
The Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program (Program), previously known as the 
Florida Teachers Lead Program,
78
 was established in 1997 to provide eligible classroom 
teachers
79
 with funds to purchase classroom materials and supplies to supplement materials and 
                                                
75
 Section 1011.62(17), F.S. 
76
 Section 1011.62(17)(a)1., F.S. 
77
 Section 1011.62(17)(f), F.S. 
78
 The program was renamed in 2013 by CS/CS/SB 1664, ch. 2013-185, s. 10, , Laws of Fla. 
79
 Section 1012.71(1), F.S. “Classroom teacher” means a certified teacher employed by a public school district or a public 
charter school in that district on or before September 1 of each year whose full-time or job-share responsibility is the 
classroom instruction of students in prekindergarten through grade 12, including full-time media specialists and certified 
school counselors serving students in prekindergarten through grade 12, who are funded through the Florida Education 
Finance Program. Id.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 18 
 
supplies otherwise available to the teachers.
80
  The funds are appropriated annually in the 
General Appropriations Act and allocated to each district by July 15 based on each district’s 
proportionate share of the state’s total unweighted FTE student enrollment.
81
   Program funds 
may not be used to purchase equipment.
82
  
 
District school boards must calculate an identical amount for each classroom teacher who is 
estimated to be employed by the school district or a charter school in the district on September 
1.
83
  If, by July 1, the district determines the number of classroom teachers, then the district and 
each charter school board may provide each teacher his or her proportionate share of program 
funds by August 1 of that year.  All eligible teachers must be provided their proportionate share 
no later than September 30. A job-share classroom teacher
84
 may receive a prorated share of the 
funds provided to a full-time classroom teacher. 
 
Teachers must sign a statement acknowledging receipt of the funds, keep receipts for no less than 
four years to demonstrate compliance with expenditure requirements, and return any unused 
funds to the district school board at the end of the school year. Funds returned to the district must 
be deposited into the school advisory council account of the school at which the classroom 
teacher was employed when the teacher received the funds or deposited into the Program account 
of the school district in which the charter school is sponsored.
85
 
 
The DOE and district school boards may, and are encouraged to, enter into public-private 
partnerships in order to increase the total amount of the Florida Teachers Classroom Supply 
Assistance Program funds available to classroom teachers.
86
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
SB 1430 modifies s. 1012.71, F.S., to amend the Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance 
Program. The bill replaces the distribution of Program funds to teachers with a competitive 
procurement administered by the DOE through which classroom teachers may purchase 
classroom materials and supplies. By September 1 of each year, each school district must submit 
the following to the DOE: 
 The identical amount per classroom teacher calculated, including the proportionate share of 
the identical amount if a classroom teacher is a job-share classroom teacher; 
 The name of each eligible classroom teacher; 
 The name and master school identification number of the school in which the classroom 
teacher is assigned; and 
 Any other information necessary for the administration of the program, as determined by the 
DOE. 
 
                                                
80
 Ch. 97-384, s. 18, Laws of Fla. 
81
 Section 1012.71(2), F.S. 
82
 Id. 
83
 Section 1012.71(3), F.S. 
84
 Section 1012.71(1), F.S. A “job-share” classroom teacher is one of two teachers whose combined full-time equivalent 
employment for the same teaching assignment equals one full-time teacher. Id. 
85
 Section 1012.71(4), F.S. 
86
 Section 1012.71(6), F.S.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 19 
 
Accordingly, the bill removes the requirement for a teacher to sign an acknowledgment of 
receipt of funds. Funds are distributed to school districts to be credited to teachers for use under 
the Program. Unused funds must be deposited into the school advisory council account of the 
school where the teacher worked at the time the funds were made available. If the school does 
not have a school advisory council, the funds must be used to purchase classroom materials and 
supplies at the discretion of the principal.  
 
Florida Education Finance Program 
Present Situation 
The FEFP allocates funds to each school district based on student enrollment.
87
 The FEFP uses a 
unit of measure for each student called a full-time equivalent (FTE). One FTE equals one school 
year of instruction provided to a student.
88
 Districts may earn additional FTE for students who 
meet qualifying student attainment metrics in specific bonus FTE programs or courses.
89
  
 
A value of 0.025 FTE is calculated for Career and Professional Education (CAPE) digital tool 
certificates earned by students in elementary and middle school.
90
 Additional FTE membership 
for an elementary or middle grades student may not exceed 0.1 for certificates or certifications 
earned within the same fiscal year.
91
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
SB 1430 removes the cap of 0.1 FTE for CAPE certificates or certifications earned within the 
same fiscal year by elementary and middle grades students, allowing students to generate 
additional FTE for all courses completed successfully.  
IV. Constitutional Issues: 
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions: 
None. 
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues: 
None. 
C. Trust Funds Restrictions: 
None. 
                                                
87
 See s. 1011.62(1)(d)1., F.S. 
88
 Section 1011.61(1)(a), F.S. 
89
 Section 1011.62(1)(l)-(p), F.S. Bonus FTE programs include Advanced Placement exams, College Board AP Capstone 
Diploma, International Baccalaureate exams, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Advanced International Certificate of 
Education exams, Advanced International Certification of Education diploma, Career and Professional Education, and Early 
High School Graduation. Id. 
90
 The Florida DOE, 2022-23 Funding for Florida School Districts (2022) available at 
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7507/urlt/fefpdist.pdf at 19. 
91
 Section 1011.61(1)(o)1.b., F.S.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 20 
 
D. State Tax or Fee Increases: 
None. 
E. Other Constitutional Issues: 
None. 
V. Fiscal Impact Statement: 
A. Tax/Fee Issues: 
None. 
B. Private Sector Impact: 
None. 
C. Government Sector Impact: 
The fiscal impact of this bill is indeterminate. The bill may have a significant negative 
fiscal impact on state revenues or expenditures associated with removing the additional 
full-time equivalent membership (FTE) cap on elementary and middle school CAPE 
industry certifications and removing the 4 year maximum eligibility for the Turnaround 
School Supplemental Services Allocation.  
 
There may be an additional fiscal impact to create a professional learning marketplace 
and calendar, as well as approving and reviewing learning systems every 5 years. The bill 
also requires procurement for teachers to purchase materials and supplies. 
 
School districts could receive additional funding associated with removing the additional 
FTE cap on elementary and middle school CAPE industry certifications through the 
Florida Education Finance Program. 
VI. Technical Deficiencies: 
None. 
VII. Related Issues: 
None. 
VIII. Statutes Affected: 
This bill substantially amends the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 1002.42, 1003.4282, 
1004.04, 1004.85, 1008.34, 1011.62, 1012.34, 1012.56, 1012.57, 1012.575, 1012.585, 1012.586, 
1012.71, 1012.98, and 1012.986.  BILL: SB 1430   	Page 21 
 
IX. Additional Information: 
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes: 
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.) 
None. 
B. Amendments: 
None. 
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.