FL S0296

Creates the "Florida Teacher Fair Pay Act" establishing a statewide minimum annual starting salary of $50,000 for instructional personnel in fiscal year 2016-2017.

Requires the Department of Education to annually adjust the statewide minimum salary by November 1 each year using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the South Region.

Directs district school boards to apply district cost differentials to the state minimum salary, but prohibits reductions below the statewide minimum.

Mandates the Legislature fund the Florida Education Finance Program to ensure the minimum starting salary is maintained while preserving adequate funding for other education programs.

Effective July 1, 2016.