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Florida teachers would be mandated to take an oath of loyalty to the state and promise to be “a positive role model in both conduct and character,” under a new law. The bill, H.B. 147, would go into effect July 2026 and mean the oath would become required before any teacher can enter a classroom. Why It Matters Florida legislators are filing various bills that would change education in the Sunshine State. Other bills would require K-12 students to learn how to write in cursive and protect against discrimination on natural hairstyles. If H.B. 147 is passed, it could impact how easily local school boards identify teacher talent and are effectively able to hire them. English teacher Radka Tomasek speaks to the class at the English Center June 16, 2006 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) What To Know The law calls for teachers to take the following oath before they start teaching children in the state of Florida. “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified for employment as a classroom teacher in this state; that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of a classroom teacher in a professional, independent, objective, and nonpartisan manner; that I will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics; that I will foster a respectful learning environment for all students, which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and lifelong learning; and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and character, so help me God.” The bill was introduced by Republican Representative Tom Fabricio, who argues that over 30 other states require some sort of oath of commitment from schoolteachers before entering a classroom. “They’re holding our children and they’re teaching our children,” Fabricio said previously. “And just like I have to keep my clients’ secrets and I have to keep my clients’ money and not steal it, I think they should teach our children with that same type of oath, that same putting their hand up.” Legal experts have sounded some alarms on the bill, mainly concerning its potential violation into free speech and off-work behavior. “So the first half it, I don’t have a problem with. It gets into the second half …” constitutional attorney John Phillips told local station FOX 29. “Government cannot intervene into the subjective determination of somebody being a role model, or of professional ethics outside the classroom.” What People Are Saying Fabricio said previously: “This bill didn’t come to me from the governor. It didn’t come to me from the Department of Education. It came to me from being a parent, from doing my own independent reading, and from believing that we absolutely should treat teachers like professionals, which they are.” Constitutional attorney John Phillips told local station FOX 29: “Teachers generally are paid less than law enforcement, and we seem to be expecting more from them. When they’re off duty and going after political speech, you can’t have it both ways.” What Happens Next It remains to be seen if the bill will gather enough support to make it through the next legislative session. If passed, however, it could undergo legal challenges over its constitutionality.
