Florida Teacher Recertification 2026: The 6-Credit Path (Including the 1 Required SWD Credit)
FLDOE requires 6 semester hours every 5 years — and at least 1 of those credits must be in Teaching Students with Disabilities (SWD). We’ve packaged the exact path so you finish all 6, with the SWD credit baked in.
The Florida Renewal Math — And the One Rule That Trips Everyone Up
FLDOE’s rule for renewing a Professional Certificate is straightforward on paper, ruthless in practice. Here’s exactly what you owe:
- 6 semester hours of college credit total, earned during your validity period
- At least 1 semester hour must be in Teaching Students with Disabilities (SWD) — this is the rule most teachers miss until renewal week
- If your certificate includes a Reading endorsement, you also need 2 additional credits in evidence-based reading instruction (on top of the SWD credit)
Standard path: 1 credit SWD + one 5-credit (or 3+2) general coursework = 6 credits, requirement closed.
The SWD credit isn’t optional, and it’s not interchangeable with general coursework. If you submit 6 credits with no SWD course in there, FLDOE will reject the renewal and you’ll be scrambling.
Pricing — The Florida 6-Credit Bundle
| Credits | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Credit | $225 | The required SWD credit — start here if nothing else |
| 2 Credits | $325 | SWD + a starter general credit |
| 3 Credits | $425 | Stack two 3-credit courses (one SWD-eligible) = full 6 credits = $850 done |
Florida Courses (Including SWD-Eligible)
Florida-Specific FAQ
What is the SWD credit and how do I make sure I get it?
SWD = Teaching Students with Disabilities. FLDOE requires at least 1 semester hour of coursework specifically focused on instructional strategies for students with disabilities. To make sure your course counts: check that the syllabus explicitly references inclusive instruction, IEP-aligned strategies, or SWD-specific methods. Every course in our catalog that qualifies is clearly tagged “SWD-eligible.”
I have a Reading endorsement. Do I need MORE credits beyond the 6?
Yes. If your Professional Certificate includes Reading as a coverage area, you need 2 additional semester hours in evidence-based reading instruction on top of the 1 SWD credit and the rest of your 6.
Does CSUP accreditation satisfy FLDOE’s “college credit” requirement?
Yes. FLDOE accepts semester credit hours from accredited institutions for renewal. CSUP-accredited graduate-level credits are issued on an official transcript that FLDOE’s renewal portal accepts.