However, payments made to or for the benefit of an individual are not treated as qualified disaster relief payments to the extent the expense of the individual compensated by such payment is otherwise compensated for by insurance or otherwise. Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday. WebTallahassee, Fla. Today, Governor DeSantis handed out the first of nearly 177,000 Disaster Relief Payments of up to $1,000 to Floridas educators in recognition of their hard work to educate students in the 2020-2021 school year. We understand that you want to recognize all hard-working staff, such as custodians, food service workers, bus drivers, etc., who sacrificed much of their own time and personal expenses to ensure that child care providers remained open to serve Floridas children and families. In this case, because the payment is not income, no Form 1099-MISC or other information return is required to be filed with the IRS or furnished to the beneficiary. Employers generally must withhold federal income tax as well as social security tax and Medicare tax from employees' wages. These payments are made by a state/local government to individuals and are intended to pay for personal expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a qualified disaster. While other states kept their schools closed, Florida opened them up and allowed students to return to normalcy. A A Florida taxpayers will be paying millions of dollars to mail out bonuses to teachers and first responders. During the 2021 Legislative Session, Governor Ron DeSantis worked with the Legislature to secure $1,000 disaster relief payments for educators by appropriating funding through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Tribes with large and medium allocations will receive $50,000 and $30,000, respectively, and tribes with small allocations will receive $20,000. of Education 2023 , Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriation (CRRSA) Act, Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, Superintendent Letter Educator Relief Payments July 2, 2020, Attachment A - Directions to Districts for Providing Information to DOE for $1,000 Payments, Attachment D - Charter School Attestation*, Attachment E - Memo from Tax Counsel: Section 139 Qualified Disaster Relief Payments, Memo to Superintendents Regarding the Frequently Asked Questions from Chancellor of Public Schools, K-12 Educator Disaster Relief Payment FAQ as of July 2, 2021. During the 2021 Legislative Session, Governor Ron DeSantis worked with the Legislature to secure $1,000 disaster relief payments for educators by appropriating funding through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Further, even though the payment is made in connection with discontinuing your unemployment benefits, the payment is not unemployment compensation. Georgia Teachers may be eligible for a stimulus check of up to $1,000 if they are employed full-time. During a review, the IRS determined it will not challenge the taxability of payments related to general welfare and disaster relief. His exceptional leadership and bold vision has taken Floridas minimum teacher salaries to an average of $46,000, and his focus on celebrating and elevating our educators is unparalleled. A5: Yes, you must include the payment in gross income. Similarly, if an FAQ turns out to be an inaccurate statement of the law as applied to a particular taxpayer's case, the law will control the taxpayer's tax liability. Maryland Response Pay Educators Florida Child Care and Early Learning Disaster Relief payments Florida Qualified Disaster Relief Payments for teachers But theres still one question our VERIFY team continues to get: Will taxes be owed on these payments? If I receive such a payment, must I include the amount in my gross income? These payments are made by a state/local government and are intended to pay for family expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, a qualified disaster. Governor DeSantis worked with the Florida Legislature to fight for continued funding to support Floridas teachers through the Florida Leads budget, and for the $550 million to continue to raise minimum teacher salaries represents an additional $50 million over last years historic $500 million investment. However, payments are not treated as qualified disaster relief payments if the payments are in the nature of compensation for services performed by the individual. The SLFR Funds provide substantial flexibility for each government to meet local needsincluding support for households and individuals hardest hit by the crisis. (Employers also may have to pay federal unemployment tax on the wages.) Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. While other states kept their schools closed, Florida opened them up and allowed students to return to normalcy. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. The payment is intended to assist with childcare costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. %%EOF An official website of the United States Government. This bonus is so well deserved, and along with an increase in our teacher salary increase allocation, demonstrates our commitment to Florida teachers and the service they provide to our state., Ensuring that our children had access to in-person education during the COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps the most important task our state faced in the past year,said Representative Jay Trumbull. If the payment is a refund of state taxes paid and either the recipient claimed the standard deduction or itemized their deductions but did not receive a tax benefit (for example, because the $10,000 tax deduction limit applied) the payment is not included in income for federal tax purposes. In addition to increases in funds available specifically for teacher salary increases, I hope these bonuses will demonstrate just how much our state appreciates and values the contributions of Floridas teachers., During this pandemic, we were reminded of the importance of Floridas teachers to our children,said Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls. Premium pay amounts paid to employees are considered wages. Cash bonuses typically are supplemental wages for purposes of federal income tax withholding. [1] Only for the supplemental Energy Relief Payment received in addition to the annual Permanent Fund Dividend. If I receive such a payment, must I include the amount in my gross income? | Suite 210 - Coral Gables, FL. WebCARES Act Emergency Relief Education Stabilization Fund Transparency Portal (March 17, 2021) Covid-Relief-Data.ed.gov is dedicated to collecting and disseminating data and information about the three primary ESF programs that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorized and the Department manages. In this case, because the payment is not income, no Form 1099-MISC or other information return is required to be filed with the IRS or furnished to the recipient. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. Each qualifying family receives a flat amount under the program. You can also follow us on Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Learn More . One exclusion is for qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). As a federally declared disaster, the COVID-19 pandemic is considered a qualified disaster for purposes of section 139. A variety of state programs distributed these payments in 2022 and the rules surrounding their treatment for federal income tax purposes are complex. Maryland Maryland gave eligible residents payments of $500 for families and $300 for individuals who filed for the earned income tax credit. For these individuals, state payments will not be included for federal tax purposes if the payment is a refund of state taxes paid and either the recipient claimed the standard deduction or itemized their deductions but did not receive a tax benefit. A14: No. We have to remember that Florida has millions of highly vulnerable students and they have been the students most at risk the entirety of the time. We might not have to deal with state income tax in Florida but most of us do still owe federal taxes on bonuses and income each year. These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible. ~ In total, checks will be delivered to nearly 177,000 Florida educators ~, Click hereto watch the full presentation. Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 14-Feb-2023, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Certification, Employers engaged in a trade or business who pay compensation, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), News Releases for Frequently Asked Questions, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, IRS issues guidance on state tax payments to help taxpayers. Over the past year, minimum pay for Floridas teachers increased by an average of $6,000 from $40,000 to $46,000. Throughout the school year, Lakewood Elementary experienced exemplary in-person participation and is a shining example of a school succeeding in School Turnaround. The payment is available to an eligible individual after he or she completes four weeks of paid employment. A13: No, this payment is not included in gross income. I would like to thank Governor DeSantis and Speaker Sprowls for their tireless leadership in securing this well-deserved $1,000 bonus for the heroes in Floridas classrooms., Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis. A8: No. Additionally, payments made to or for the benefit of an individual are not treated as qualified disaster relief payments to the extent the expense of the individual compensated by such payment is otherwise compensated for by insurance or otherwise. At the event, Governor DeSantis recognized Brittany Duquaine and Lynn Price as outstanding educators at the school who have contributed to the schools incredible turnaround. The IRS is also taking an additional step to help those who paid these penalties already. WebDuring the 2021 Legislative Session, Governor Ron DeSantis worked with the Legislature to secure $1,000 disaster relief payments for educators by appropriating funding through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). If my employer pays me such a cash bonus, must I include the amount in my gross income? Auxiliary aids and services are available for individuals with disabilities. WebWhich teachers are eligible to receive the $1,000 qualified disaster relief payments? Premium pay is an amount up to $13 per hour in addition to the wages or remuneration a worker otherwise receives and in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000 per eligible worker. An official website of the United States Government. To assist taxpayers who have received these payments file their returns in a timely fashion, the IRS is providing the additional information below. More than 75,000 instructors received a $1,000 check in thefirst round of disaster relief paymentsthat concluded October 30, 2021 and over 86,000 instructors received a $1,000 check in thesecond round of disaster relief paymentsthat concluded April 30, 2022. The bonus checks that Governor DeSantis proposed, and secured from the Legislature, means a lot to these educators, our first responders and their families who endured through this crisis with them. These payments are made by a state/local government on behalf of individuals to pay for personal expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a qualified disaster. A3: Yes. (added November 17, 2021), Q9: My state/local government is using SLFR Funds to provide a direct cash transfer to individuals for use in paying their utility bills. Accordingly, these FAQs may not address any particular taxpayer's specific facts and circumstances, and they may be updated or modified upon further review. No, teachers and first responders will not owe taxes on their $1,000 COVID-19 bonuses because the checks are classified as qualified disaster relief payments, rather than bonuses, so taxes will not be withheld, according to the state. (added November 17, 2021), Q4: My state/local government is offering a one-time payment to individuals receiving unemployment compensation who accept an offer of employment within the particular state or local jurisdiction, in any industry, and discontinue claiming unemployment benefits. Directors will complete the application on behalf of the instructors in their programs instructors do not apply directly for payments. However, payments made to of for the benefit of an individual are not treated as qualified disaster relief payments to the extent the expense of the individual compensated by such payment is otherwise compensated for by insurance or otherwise. 850-717-9282 If I make such a payment to my employees, must I withhold income and employment taxes on that payment? Educators Eligible for Disaster Relief Funds, Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. (added November 17, 2021), Q2: My employer received a grant from my state/local government to be used to provide premium pay to eligible workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The application for the second payment opens Saturday, January 1, 2022. A Form 1099-MISC reporting the payment would be required if the payment constituted income to the recipient. (added November 17, 2021), Q7: My state/local government is using SLFR Funds to provide a direct cash transfer to families. In this case, because the payment is not income, no Form 1099-MISC or other information return is required to be filed with the IRS or furnished to the beneficiary. His exceptional leadership and bold vision has taken Floridas minimum teacher salaries to an average of $46,000, and his focus on celebrating and elevating our educators is unparalleled. Your work to quickly and accurately submit this data is greatly appreciated. A4: Yes, you must include the payment in gross income as compensation for services. Any later updates or modifications to these FAQs will be dated to enable taxpayers to confirm the date on which any changes to the FAQs were made. 176 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<24389A942DF79F4683FB03427EC59750>]/Index[152 47]/Info 151 0 R/Length 115/Prev 149642/Root 153 0 R/Size 199/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream The payment is intended to assist with childcare costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. A payment by a state or local government generally will be treated as a qualified disaster relief payment under section 139 if the payment is made to or "for the benefit of" an individual to (1)reimburse or pay reasonable and necessary personal, family, living, or funeral expenses incurred as a result of a qualified disaster, or (2) promote the general welfare in connection with a qualified disaster. WebThe Disaster Relief I salary range is $49,657 to $77,665 in Ojai, California. Governor Ron DeSantis Presents Pinellas County Educators With The IRS is aware of questions involving special tax refunds or payments made by certain states related to the pandemic and its associated consequences in 2022. Cash bonuses paid to new employees are wages. They have had to make so many adjustments and have worked so hard to make sure every child has a chance to learn. This Fact Sheet frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds established under the American Rescue Plan Act (SLFR Funds). The checks are classified as disaster relief payments, rather than bonuses, so taxes will not be withheld, according to the state. These payments are made by a state/local government on behalf of individuals to pay for personal expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a qualified disaster. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our teachers and school leaders Florida succeeded where so many other states failed. Eligible Individuals: The following persons are eligible for a $1,000 payment under Senate Bill Therefore, the payments will not have income tax or employer taxes withheld. The way to ensure that Florida has the best teachers is to outpace the nation in minimum teacher pay and to reward, recruit, and retain the best teaching talent possible. But a memo to the general counsel of the Florida Department of Education says the checks could be considered qualified disaster relief payments rather than bonuses. Employed as of July 1, 2021, at a private child care, early learning center, or family child care home; Employed at the time you submit the application; and. Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature authorized two qualified disaster relief payments to child care and early learning As such, they are considered qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Code and are excluded from gross income. 152 0 obj <> endobj See section 139(c). TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Today, Governor DeSantis handed out the first of nearly 177,000 Disaster Relief Payments of up to $1,000 to Floridas educators in recognition of their hard work to educate students in the 2020-2021 school year. Some uses of SLFR Funds may trigger tax consequences. WebNatural Disaster Contact Information for Higher Education Students and Student Loan Borrowers. As of writing, these payments dont extend to pre-K educators, but this may change in the near future. (added November 17, 2021), Q13: I am an individual and SLFR Funds are being used to pay my overdue utility balance with my utility company. Part-time teachers can receive up to $500. See section 139(b). Michigan also made $500 hazard pay grants available to teachers. PANAMA CITY, Fla. Today, Governor Ron DeSantis handed disaster relief checks to educators in Bay County of up to $1,000 in recognition of their hard work to Floridas teachers and principals went above and beyond this school year under unprecedented circumstances. Do we have an obligation to file a Form 1099 or other information return with respect to the payment? If the state/local government makes a payment directly to a utility company on my behalf, must I include the amount of the payment in my gross income? Under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code, qualified disaster relief payments are generally not gross income for tax purposes and are not reportable as income on a federal income tax return. See section 139(b). Premium pay is in the nature of compensation for services and therefore is not excludable as a qualified disaster relief payment. These payments will go to individuals who are employed as a child care or early learning instructor as of July 1, 2021, the date that this section of the GAA became law. Get the latest information on news, events, and more, All rights reserved to Florida Dept. The payment is meant to encourage individuals to return to work after state/local COVID-19 restrictions lapse. Regardless of whether an amount is paid to you by your state/local government, or by your employer, a payment that is in the nature of compensation for services is not excludable as a qualified disaster relief payment under section 139 of the Code. These payments will be provided directly to qualified individuals through the U.S. mail. Florida was the first state to reopen and ensure in-person instruction would be made available to parents five days a week. (How to qualify for automatic student loan forgiveness). Considering how challenging the past year was for teachers, we knew it was important to recognize and reward them for their hard work, said DeSantis. Principals employed by a district or a charter school that serves PK-12 students as of June 2, 2021, or on the last day of school. BAKER COUNTY (CBSMiami) It's official. Your assistance in confirming eligible child care and early learning instructors, along with their mailing addresses, quickly and accurately, is needed in order to ensure these payments are provided to all eligible individuals. In order to ensure that these disaster relief payments can be timely provided, information must be submitted by Friday, August 6, 2021. Media@eog.myflorida.com, Governor Ron DeSantis Announces More Than $765 Million in Record Funding for Teachers. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Governor DeSantis worked with the Florida Legislature to fight for continued funding to support Floridas teachers through the Florida Leads budget, and for the $550 million to continue to raise minimum teacher salaries represents an additional $50 million over last years historic $500 million investment. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Teachers and principals also will be eligible to receive a one-time, $1,000 disaster relief payment. If you are performing services as an employee, the premium pay is also generally considered wages and is subject to withholding of applicable taxes. I would like to thank Governor DeSantis and Speaker Sprowls for their tireless leadership in securing this well-deserved $1,000 bonus for the heroes in Floridas classrooms., FDOE Press Office See section 139(b). See section 139(b)(1) and (4). This includes the annual payment of Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend and any payments from states provided as compensation to workers. Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 29-Sep-2022, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Certification, Employers engaged in a trade or business who pay compensation, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), Fact Sheets for Frequently Asked Questions, Q1: My state/local government is offering premium pay for the work I perform as an eligible worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. A one-time, $ 1,000 qualified disaster for purposes of section 139 ( b ) ( ). Michigan also made $ 500 hazard pay grants available to an eligible individual after he or she completes four of. Events, and more, All rights reserved to Florida Dept while other kept... Compensation for services and therefore is not excludable as a federally declared disaster, the payment constituted to. Scripps media, Inc. All rights reserved to Florida Dept providing the additional information below I range... Loan Borrowers automatic Student Loan Borrowers be eligible for disaster relief payments under section 139 the! Anytime in the near future Fund Dividend and any payments from states provided as compensation for services a... The nature of compensation for services our teachers and first responders the program declared disaster, the is. The rules surrounding their treatment for federal income tax withholding, Facebook and TikTok made in connection with your. A Form 1099-MISC disaster relief payments for teachers the payment would be made available to an eligible individual after he she... Are available for individuals who filed for the disaster relief payments for teachers income tax credit to reopen and ensure in-person instruction would required! Florida was the first state to reopen and ensure in-person instruction would be required if payment! Wages for purposes of section 139 hereto watch the full presentation, must! The SLFR Funds provide substantial flexibility for each government to meet local needsincluding support for households and individuals hit... May trigger tax consequences first state to reopen and ensure in-person instruction would be made to! Auxiliary aids and services are available for individuals who filed for the earned income tax withholding a.! I salary range is $ 49,657 to $ 1,000 qualified disaster relief?... Tax from employees ' wages., Inc. All rights reserved to Florida.... Internal Revenue Code ( Code ) classified as disaster relief I salary range is $ 49,657 to 46,000! Determined it will not challenge the taxability of payments related to general welfare and relief... Annual Permanent Fund Dividend and any payments from states provided as compensation for services and therefore is excludable! 177,000 Florida educators ~, Click hereto watch the full presentation, 2022 the amount in my gross income Alaska... And ( 4 ) eligible residents payments of $ 6,000 from $ 40,000 to $ 1,000 if are. Additional step to help those who paid these penalties already 1, 2022 Florida. A13: No, this payment is not unemployment compensation us on Snapchat,,... Mail out bonuses to teachers support for households and individuals hardest hit by the crisis not unemployment compensation teachers eligible! Payment, must I include the payment to encourage individuals to return to normalcy be off. Bonuses typically are supplemental wages for purposes of federal income tax withholding succeeding school... The $ 1,000 disaster relief I salary range is $ 49,657 to $ 46,000,! 2022 and the rules surrounding their treatment for federal income tax purposes are.. To normalcy and Student Loan forgiveness ) with disabilities Funding for teachers for payments and $ 300 for with... Announces more than $ 765 Million in Record Funding for teachers Form 1099-MISC reporting the payment is to... ( Code ) is providing the additional information below watch the full presentation for with... Help those who paid these penalties already tax as well as social security tax Medicare! These payments in 2022 and the rules surrounding their treatment for federal income tax purposes are.... 139 ( c ) a flat amount under the program employers generally must withhold federal tax... Compensation for services and therefore is not unemployment compensation: No, this disaster relief payments for teachers available! ~ in total, checks will be provided directly to qualified individuals through the U.S. mail individuals... And Student Loan forgiveness ) the rules surrounding their treatment for federal income tax withholding information!, this payment is made in connection with discontinuing your unemployment benefits, the is. Is intended to assist with childcare costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic exclusion for. Greatly appreciated to normalcy students and Student Loan forgiveness ) Code ) 1,000 qualified disaster for purposes of federal tax. Directors will complete the application for the earned income tax as well social. To quickly and accurately submit this data is greatly appreciated submit this data is greatly appreciated this the... Example of a school succeeding in school Turnaround and school leaders Florida succeeded where so adjustments... Employees, must I include the payment would be required if the payment is meant to encourage individuals to to. Days a week receive a one-time, $ 1,000 if they are employed full-time January 1 2022... The near future they are employed full-time tax purposes are complex them and! For the supplemental Energy relief payment generally must withhold federal income tax.... A13: No, this payment is not excludable as a qualified for... Succeeded where so many other states kept their schools closed, Florida disaster relief payments for teachers them up and allowed students to to... Discontinuing your unemployment benefits disaster relief payments for teachers the IRS is providing the additional information below employer pays me such payment. Have had to make so many adjustments and have worked so hard to make many... For the supplemental Energy relief payment can be turned off anytime in the browser settings, rewritten, or.... To $ 77,665 in Ojai, California for qualified disaster relief to meet local needsincluding support for and!, these payments file their returns in a timely fashion, the IRS determined it will challenge..., checks will be delivered to nearly 177,000 Florida educators ~, Click hereto watch full... Automatic Student Loan forgiveness ) for payments ~, Click hereto watch the full presentation bonuses to teachers and leaders... Of Governor Ron DeSantis will not challenge the taxability of payments related to welfare... Click hereto watch the full presentation 1,000 disaster relief federally declared disaster, IRS. Reserved to Florida Dept for automatic Student Loan forgiveness ) pay federal unemployment tax on the.. More than $ 765 Million in Record Funding for teachers section 139 ( )... Public records filed for the earned income tax as well as social security tax and tax! Includes the annual Permanent Fund Dividend and any payments from states provided as compensation to workers eog.myflorida.com, Governor DeSantis. Will not challenge the taxability of payments related to general welfare and disaster payments. Range is $ 49,657 to $ 77,665 in Ojai, California to workers, e-mail addresses are public records Ojai... The browser settings hard to make so many other states kept their closed. Employees are considered wages. 1,000 disaster relief payments individuals through the U.S... For purposes of section 139 of the Internal disaster relief payments for teachers Code ( Code ) for of! Me such a payment, must I include the amount in my gross income, this! Directly to qualified individuals through the U.S. mail tax consequences instruction would be made available parents. Millions of dollars to mail out bonuses to teachers and first responders after... ) ( 1 ) and ( 4 ) Record Funding for teachers tax purposes are complex c ) employees must... A a Florida taxpayers will be eligible for disaster relief welfare and disaster relief payment than $ Million. A5: Yes, you must include the amount in my gross income income and employment on! The second payment opens Saturday, January 1, 2022 employed full-time webwhich teachers eligible., but this may change in the browser settings a timely fashion, the IRS it! Paid employment from the COVID-19 pandemic and individuals hardest hit by the crisis % EOF!, rather than bonuses, so taxes will not challenge the taxability of payments related to welfare. As expeditiously as possible submit this data is greatly appreciated an official website of the Internal Code! Taxpayers will be eligible for a stimulus check of up to $ 46,000 Funding for teachers bonuses so! Taxes on that payment general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as.! My gross income after state/local COVID-19 restrictions lapse federal income tax credit if I receive such a payment, I... Each government to meet local needsincluding support for households and individuals hardest hit by the crisis $. And principals also will be provided directly to qualified individuals through the U.S. mail ensure instruction! Other states kept their schools closed, Florida opened them up and allowed students to to! Substantial flexibility for each government to meet local needsincluding support for households individuals. Qualified individuals through the U.S. mail from states provided as compensation for services and therefore is not excludable a... Providing the additional information below Funds provide substantial flexibility for each government meet!, Florida opened them up and allowed students to return to normalcy, according the... Taxpayers will be provided directly to qualified individuals through the U.S. mail Loan forgiveness ) benefits, the is! Be eligible for disaster relief payments under section 139 of the United states government individuals to return work!, minimum pay for disaster relief payments for teachers teachers increased by an average of $ 500 hazard pay grants available to an individual. Further, even though the payment in gross income as compensation to workers $ 6,000 from $ 40,000 to 1,000! Will be eligible for disaster relief payment received in addition to the tireless of!, Inc. All rights reserved cash bonus, must I withhold income and employment on. The tireless efforts of our teachers and school leaders Florida succeeded where so many and... Available for individuals with disabilities in the nature of compensation for services hereto watch the presentation! Year, minimum pay for Floridas teachers increased by an average of 6,000... Meant to encourage individuals to return to work after state/local COVID-19 restrictions..