Florida state senator seeks $50,000 minimum salary for teachers

State Sen. Darren Soto introduces bill

ORLANDO, Fla. – Teachers in Florida could soon be getting a boost in pay.

State Sen. Darren Soto (D-Orlando) filed legislation Wednesday to increase the starting salary of educators to $50,000 per year.

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"For some time, we've been hearing many promises from the governor and legislative leaders about their commitment to increasing funding for education. This legislation lets them deliver on those promises, starting with the teachers in our children's classrooms," Soto said.

The increase would help boost Florida's rankings for teachers' pay.

In Orange County, the current starting salary is $38,000, which is among the lowest in the country.

Soto said the pay increase would come at the same time Florida is expecting a $65 million budget surplus.

The bill will be considered during the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January.


About the Author:

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.