One of the factors that people consider when picking a house to live in is the nearby school system. How do you think we stack up?
Here’s the bad news. Florida ranks 47th in the nation for teacher pay. However, on the other side of the coin, people want to live in Florida, and are moving here in record numbers. That makes us competitive with other states that offer higher compensation. The fact that we have no state income tax helps to tip the scale in our favor also.
Here’s some good news. Governor Ron DeSantis is working to get pay raises for Florida teachers. He announced $800 million in this year’s budget to raise minimum teacher pay and increase veteran teacher salaries in Florida. The $800 million is a $250 million increase over last year’s funding, and brings Florida’s investments in teacher pay to greater than $2 billion since the 2020 Legislative Session.
According to the Florida Department of Education website: “Over the last three years, we have worked hard to increase teacher pay,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We have invested more than $2 billion in teacher pay, and with rising inflation, this could not come at a better time. This will help Florida to recruit and retain great teachers.”
“Governor DeSantis is unquestionably the most pro-teacher governor in the nation. He has challenged us to elevate and celebrate the teaching profession by listening to the needs of teachers,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “We’ve put words into action by replacing Common Core, eliminating the Florida Standards Assessment, and working with our close friends in the Florida Legislature to secure $800 million in state funding to provide teachers a well-deserved pay increase. I’m excited for Florida’s teachers and am grateful for Governor DeSantis’ vision and his relentless pursuit to improve the teaching profession.”
Many teachers are dedicated to their profession, but can have a difficult time purchasing a home, paying student loans, and providing for their families. This situation is getting even more difficult for teachers across the nation with rising inflation. The increases in teacher pay will provide critical help to teachers in Florida during a critical time where inflation is rising rapidly across the country.
We think you’ll find the school systems just fine in this area. And I’m sure you’ll find that your kids want to be here. But if you’re going to buy a house, the first thing you will need is a new mortgage.
If you have questions about a loan, call Ruth. Ruth Schoenherr is a mortgage broker who will help you find home loans in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area, and serving all of Florida. For more information, go to her web site at www.ClearwaterMortgageBroker.net or call at 727 447-2418.