DeSantis Signs Teacher Pay, Vertiport Bills as Legislation Pace Accelerates

Gov. Ron DeSantis continued his legislative signing spree this spring, approving multiple bills that reshape education policy, transportation infrastructure, and local governance across Florida. Among the most recent signings are measures that take effect July 1: House Bill 1279, which allows school districts to offer immediate pay incentives to high-performing teachers willing to work in lower-performing schools, and Senate Bill 1296, which requires 50% participation thresholds for union recertification elections, fast-tracking salary increases that some unions have previously stalled. The teacher incentive law also extends bonus eligibility to educators offering Florida Advanced Courses (FACTs), bringing them in line with compensation for advanced programs like AP, AICE, and IB courses. Education advocates argue the measure addresses teacher recruitment challenges in struggling schools, though union representatives have raised concerns about circumventing collective bargaining agreements. Beyond education, DeSantis also signed House Bill 1093, which opens funding opportunities for vertiport construction and charging infrastructure through public-private partnerships with the Florida Department of Transportation. The law allows FDOT to fully fund public vertiport projects when federal money is unavailable, positioning Florida as a potential hub for emerging urban air mobility. Additionally, House Bill 1103 grants local governments expanded authority to regulate vessel anchoring and speed near water confluences presenting navigation hazards—a measure aimed at addressing derelict boat problems in coastal communities. The legislative pace reflects a broader state focus on structural reform, though timing raises questions about resource allocation. As Florida faces an unprecedented foreclosure surge—the third-worst in the nation—and confronts soaring homeowner insurance costs, policymakers are simultaneously investing in education incentives and transportation innovation. State officials have also activated $50 million in emergency hurricane preparedness funds and authorized major highway expansion projects. Government records show DeSantis has now signed nearly 60 bills into law during the 2026 legislative session, according to reporting from WKMG ClickOrlando. Two additional bills, SB 182 and SB 686, remained under review as of late April, suggesting the signing pace will likely continue through May. The education bills particularly affect Florida's 67 school districts, which have struggled with teacher retention despite state investments in base salary increases over recent years. Human Resources directors in districts like Orange County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools will need to develop policies implementing the new incentive structures before July 1 implementation.