FL H0403

Establishes the STEM Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program administered by the Department of Education to encourage qualified graduates to teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics courses at Florida public schools.

Requires candidates to graduate from a Florida public postsecondary institution offering 4-year degrees or teacher certifications, hold a valid Florida educator certificate, and be employed by a school district teaching STEM courses at a public school.

Authorizes the department to make loan payments of up to $16,000 on behalf of eligible candidates after they complete 8 consecutive years of employment as a STEM teacher, with payments made directly to the loan holder.

Limits program coverage to loans used for tuition, books, and living expenses, and allows the department to recover administrative costs from appropriated program funds.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.