Florida CNA Information - Requirements, Salary, Training, Renewal and Reciprocity

Florida medical industry has a strong need for CNA workers for Long Term Care facilities. To assure the quality of care, the State Board of Nursing in accordance to Florida Statute 456, regulates all health care practitioners including CNAs for their certification, training and discipline.

Requirements to work as a CNA in Florida

Pass both written and skill CNA State Exam
A good standing employment record
Has an active CNA certification
Physically equipped

Salary Average for Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida


Between $20,800 to $26,000


$10.69 per hour typically (Hourly rate will increase by experience)

Training program criteria in Florida

Florida CNA programs must be at least one hundred twenty (120) hours of classroom and clinical training. Some state - approved training programs may differ when it comes to number of hours in classroom and practical training.

Renewing Certification in the State of Florida

To renew CNA Certification in Florida:
(1) A pre-printed recertification form will be mailed out to the CNA 2-3 months prior to your expiration date. If you still do not receive any notice, you may obtain renewal form by contacting Florida Nurse Aide Registry


Click the Renew My License button


Login in user ID and password.


If you do not know your user ID and password, you can log in by answering a set of security questions.


Once it is done, you may print your renewal notice using the left navigation menu

(2) Requirements to be met:

You have worked atleast 24 in-service hours during the two-year renewal period. If you do not work any nursing-related duties for the last two (2) years, you cannot renew your certification, your certification will lapse, and you will be required to re-take the State exam to be re-certified.
You do not need to send any documentation of employment with your renewal form and fee.

(3) Completed form with required documents and fees must be mailed to the address indicated in the form.

To renew Expired CNA Certification in Florida:
(1) Contact Florida Nurse Aide Registry.
(2) If the registry provide form, complete the form with required documents and fees. Mail the form to the address indicated in the form.

Applying for Reciprocity in Florida
If an approved CNA moves to Florida from their home state, applicant must contact the Florida Nurse Aide Registry to obtain a transfer/reciprocity form. An applicant must have an active status and must undergo Level II backgroung check and all desired documents and fee must be submitted to be eligible in State of Florida.

State Contact Information for CNA Certifications
For more detailed information contact them at:

Department of Health

MQA/CNA Program

Tallahassee, Florida

List of State-Approved Training Programs:
One of the most important requirements to become CNA is to be trained in state - approved training programs. Below are a few training programs in the state of Florida.

Brewster Technical Center

Tampa, FL

Cost is $611.12
Consist of 165 hours for classroom and clinical training

Chipola College

Marianna, FL

Cost is $613
Four (4) course credit with 120 hours both classroom and clinical training

Daytona State College
Daytona Beach Campus
Daytona Beach, FL

Cost is $747.15 includes:

DSC Assessment Fee
DSC Access Fee
Liability Lab Fee
Graduation Fee
Ceil Blue Uniform
White Uniform Shoes
Watch with Seconds Hand
Skills Lab Kit
FDLE Backgroung Check
NACEP Exam Fee

5.5 credit and 164 hours both classroom and clinical training

Gulf Coast Community College

Panama City, Florida

Cost is $418.88 (other fees not included)
5.5 credit hours per semester

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, Florida

Cost is $1050 (room and board, transporation and miscellaneous fee is not included)
Consist of 165 hours of classroom and clinical training per semester

Lake City Community College

Lake City, Florida

Cost is $1137.90 includes:
Additional Fee
Liability Insurance
Textbook
CPR Class
CPR Book
Health Insurance
Certification Exam
Background and Drug Screen
Uniform
Watch
Shoes
School Supplies
Admission Fee
4.16 credit hour with 125 hours of classroom and clinical training

Beachfront Living in Florida

There are few places more associated with beachfront living than is Florida. This state has some of the most beautiful waterways and shores in the nation and, if one wants a bit of a change, the Everglades are one of the most stunning natural wonders in the country. Being on the beach in locations such as Miami Beach, South Beach and Sunny Isles Beach has some unique characteristics compared to that same experience in other parts of the nation. The communities here offer a feel and a vibrancy that is seldom the case in other areas of the US.

These communities have always drawn people from around the world. These are not mere tourists, these are people moving to Florida to live the American Dream; to purchase their own homes in an area of incredible natural beauty and unparalleled cultural diversity. Florida is something of a microcosm of the nation at large and these three beachfront cities are concentrated versions of that microcosm. One will not find the typical upscale communities in these areas. One is as likely to meet a successful Russian entrepreneur as they are a member of a famous East Coast family on these beaches. The difference is that both of those individuals are likely permanent residents.

The communities in South Beach, Miami Beach and Sunny Isles Beach are remarkable for the socialization that goes on at the beach. These are not huge tracts of land owned by just a few people but, instead, are community treasures that are available to one and all and which often serve as the nexus of community interaction. One is as likely to meet their friends sunning themselves on the sands as they are to meet them in the fashionable restaurants and shops along Sunny Isle Beach's Collins Avenue or in the local city hall.

Investing in properties in these locations has proved to be a good move for many individuals. Not all real estate investment is done for money. Some real estate investment has to do with finding a home that one can come to love and call their own. These communities foster that kind of attachment to where one lives. Once one has awoken to the sun rising over Biscayne Bay, there are few things that could pry them from the sight, much less from the home that affords them such a beautiful view of the world.

Form a Florida LLC - a report of Insider

Every aspiring business owner wants to begin their new venture with the proper foundation. Without an appropriate structure, a new business owner will have difficulty focusing on the entity's real business of generating revenue and profits. In addition, the failure to properly structure the business entity can easily cause a series of chronic problems that affect the entity's bottom line for years to come.

In recent years, the Florida limited liability company (LLC or company) has emerged as an ideal investment vehicle and business entity for both business owners and real estate investors. As you can expect, there are numerous business and legal issues to consider when forming a new Florida LLC.

The purpose of this article is three-fold. First, it explains why the Florida LLC has become a popular investment vehicle. Second, this article provides an explanation of the most important business and legal issues that must be addressed when forming a Florida limited liability company. Finally, this article explains why it is important to have the counsel of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney when forming your Florida entity so that you can avoid costly mistakes that could cripple your new business from the outset.

WHY THE FLORIDA LLC HAS BECOME AN IDEAL INVESTMENT VEHICLE AND BUSINESS ENTITY

Florida has become a haven for both investors and entrepreneurs. One of the major factors that have contributed to the Sunshine State's popularity is the favorable laws that govern limited liability companies. A LLC is a hybrid business entity having characteristics of both a traditional corporation and partnership. The primary corporate characteristic is limited liability. The primary partnership characteristic is the availability of pass-through taxation (i.e., no double-taxation).

In recent years, Florida has become the undisputed king of the LLC. The Florida Secretary of State registered 135,851 new limited liability companies in 2007. This entity offers an attractive combination to savvy investors - some protection from creditors and lawsuits and freedom from federal and state taxation.

PREFERRED INVESTMENT VEHICLE FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS

The limited liability company is the preferred investment vehicle for foreign nationals who want to invest in Florida real estate or establish a business presence in Florida. It's also the preferred investment vehicle for passive investors who want the benefits of limited liability along with the tax advantages of partnership taxation.

One or more persons may form a limited liability company in Florida. "Person" means either an individual or an entity. There are no restrictions or prohibitions in relation to the nationality of an individual. Therefore, a foreign individual or entity can be the sole member of a Florida LLC. As will be explained later, a foreign national can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service for the purpose of paying United States Federal income tax.

The company's business activities can be extremely broad. Florida law defines a limited liability company's business as every trade, occupation, or profession and other lawful business, purpose, or activity, whether or not carried on for profit.

Unless its articles of organization or operating agreement provide otherwise, each Florida LLC has the same powers as an individual to do all things necessary to carry out its business and affairs. These powers include the power to acquire, own, hold, improve, use and otherwise deal with real or personal property wherever located, enter into contracts, borrow money, invest or reinvest its funds, and otherwise conduct its business.

PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES

Florida law allows licensed professionals to organize a special class of LLC. A professional limited liability company is organized for the sole and specific purpose of providing professional service and has its only other members of professional limited liability companies, professional firms or individuals who, being duly authorized, licensed or otherwise legally, the same professional service as a limited liability company to afford. Sun doctors, lawyers, architects, brokers andother licensed professional can obtain the same protection afforded by the LLC form.

Under Florida law, a professional company is organized and operated in the same manner as a traditional LLC with the caveat that a professional limited liability company must comply with several specific requirements designed to restrict membership to licensed professionals and maintain the integrity of the licensed profession. For example, a professional limited liability company is prohibited from issuing any of its capital stock to anyone other than a professional corporation, a professional limited liability company, or an individual who is duly licensed or otherwise legally authorized to render the same specific professional services as those for which the corporation was incorporated. In addition, no shareholder of a professional LLC may enter into a voting trust agreement or any other type agreement vesting another person with the authority to exercise the voting power of any or has any such person.

There is also a prohibition against a person as a member of a professional LLC be approved if that person is a professional company, a professional limited liability company, or an individual, each of which must be licensed or otherwise authorized by law, do the same as those for special professional services which is organized limited liability company. Finally, no member of a professional company with limited liability in forceinto any type of agreement vesting another person with the authority to exercise any of that member's voting power in the professional limited liability company.

ADVANTAGES OF LLC

The key advantages of a Florida limited liability company are the following:

1. Taxation. For United States Federal income tax purposes, a LLC is treated as a partnership unless the members elect to have the limited liability company taxed as a sole proprietor, corporation, or C corporation. Taxation as a partnership results in the pass-through of income and deductions attributed to each member which are then reported to the Internal Revenue Service on that owner's tax return. Thus, the LLC itself is not taxed. Unlike a corporation, there is no double taxation (taxation on the entity's income prior to any dividends or distributions to the shareholders and then taxation of the dividends or distributions once received as income by the shareholders).

2. Limited liability. A Florida limited liability company's members are protected from some liability for the acts and debts of the company in the same manner than a corporation's shareholders are shielded from personal liability for the corporation's acts and debts.

3. The LLC has far fewer formalities than a corporation. There is much less administrative paperwork and record maintenance requirements than a traditional corporation.

4. The entity is an ideal investment for passive investment owners who want to maintain flexibility and convenience, shield themselves from personal liability, and avoid double taxation.

5. Attractive investment vehicle for foreign investors. A LLC has a distinct advantage over a S-corporation since a S-corporation can only have 100 shareholders and those shareholders must be United States citizens and not corporations.

DISADVANTAGES OF LLC

You should be aware of the following potential disadvantages of forming a Florida limited liability company:

1. The structure of the entity and the roles of its principals may be unfamiliar. For example, a limited liability company is owned by its members and managed by a manager or managing member. A corporation is owned by its shareholders and is governed by a board of directors and officers.

2. Since Florida law allows a LLC to operate with either a written or oral operating agreement, members who conduct business without a written operating agreement will will face many problems.

3. May be more difficult access to investment capital for a new society, as some investors more comfortable with more traditional structures increase business.

4. Lenders often require members of the new units to guarantee personal loan with limited liability. Thus, the members personally liable for the obligations of the loan of a limited liability company.

5. The Directors of Florida LLC to use many differenttitles - member, manager, or managing member. For this reason, it may be difficult to determine who actually has the requisite legal authority to contractually bind the limited liability company.

FLORIDA LLC NAME REQUIREMENTS

Florida law sets specific requirements for the name of a limited liability company. These basic requirements are that a LLC name:

1. Must contain the words "limited liability company," the abbreviation "L.L.C.," or the designation "LLC" as the last words of the name of every limited liability company formed under the provisions of this chapter. The word "limited" may be abbreviated as "Ltd.," and the word "company" may be abbreviated as "Co." Omission of the words "limited liability company," the abbreviation "L.L.C.," or the designation "LLC" in the use of the name of the limited liability company shall render any person who knowingly participates in the omission, or knowingly acquiesces in the omission, liable for any Debt, liability or damage caused by the loss.

2. May not contain language or suggests that it is stated that the company is the organization organized for a purpose other than that permitted items of Chapter 608, Florida Statutes, and his.

3. May not contain language stating or implying that the company is chartered to hold a state or federal government agency or a corporation or other entity under the laws of the United States.

LLC FormationPROCESS

In order to form a Florida limited liability company, articles of organization must be filed with the Department of State by one or more members or authorized representatives of the limited liability company. The articles of organization are the initial, amended, and restated articles of organization of a LLC.

The articles of organization are filed with the Florida Secretary of State Division of Corporations and must specify the name of the limited liability address companies, and major mailing, registered agent information manager (s) or Managing Member (s) and a statement about the effective date of a limited liability company.

Unless a delayed effective date is specified, the existence of the company as of the date and time in which the articles of organization are filed, as evidenced by the State Department approval date and time on the original document, or a date of the Statute of the organization, if that daywithin five business days prior to the date of filing.

The articles of organization may specify a delayed effective time and date of commencement of the company's existence, and if so specified, the articles of organization shall become effective, and the limited liability company's existence shall commence, at the time and date specified. If a delayed effective date, but no time, is specified, the articles of organization shall become effective, and the limited liability company's existence shall commence, at the close of business on the delayed effective date. Unless otherwise permitted by Chapter 608, Florida Statutes, a delayed effective date for a document may not be later than the 90th day after the date on which the document is filed.

The Department of State's filing of the articles of organization is conclusive proof that all conditions precedent to organization have been satisfied except in a proceeding by the state to cancel or revoke the organization or to administratively dissolve the organization.

Under Florida law a LLC shall not transact business or incur indebtedness, except that which is incidental to its organization or to obtaining subscriptions for or payment of contributions, until the effective date and time of the commencement of the limited liability.

OPERATING AGREEMENT

The operating agreement of a limited liability company is critically important to its success since it determines, defines and allocates the rights and obligations of the members. Although Florida law allows much flexibility in drafting an operating agreement, the document must be carefully drafted to ensure that the expectations of the prospective members are met. The operating agreement is not filed with the State of Florida Division of Corporations and is typically maintained as a private document governing the relationship between the members, managers, and managing members.

The operating agreement is comprised of written or oral provisions that are adopted for the management and regulation of the affairs of the company and that set forth the relationships of the members, managers, or managing members and the LLC. The members of a company may enter into an operating agreement before, after, or at the time the articles of organization are filed, and the operating agreement takes effect on the date of the formation of the LLC or on any other date provided in the operating agreement.

Florida law provides that certain provisions of a limited liability company's operating agreement cannot be waived. Thus, the operating agreement may not:

1. Unreasonably restrict a right to information or access to records;

2. Eliminate the duty of loyalty;

3. Unreasonably reduce the duty of care;

4. Eliminate the obligation of good faith and fair dealing;

5. Vary the requirement to wind up the company's business; or

6. Restrict the rights of a person, other than a manager, member, or transferee of a member's distributional interest.

AVOIDING LIABILITY

Most people work very hard to acquire and build assets such as real estate and businesses. Due to the litigious nature of our society, it is important to proactively protect these assets. Except as provided in Chapter 608, Florida Statutes, the members, managers and managing members of a Florida limited liability company are not liable, solely by reason of being a member or serving as a manager or managing member, under a judgment, decree, or order of a court, or in any other manner, for a debt, obligation, or liability of the limited liability company. The member's, managing member's, manager's , or other person's duties and liabilities may be expanded or restricted by provisions in the company's articles of organization or operating agreement.

Asset protection is an important objective when forming a LLC. It is crucial that you take specific actions to safeguard your assets and business such as:

1. Purchase as much insurance as you can afford to protect all your real estate and business assets. Maintain written proof of insurance showing that your company is a named insured.  If you transfer real property to your company, but fail to obtain insurance naming the LLC as an insured, you can expect the insurance company to deny coverage.

2. Hold title to your real estate assets in the name of your limited liability company. If a lawsuit occurs which involves a real estate asset titled in the company's name, the LLC will be the defendant rather than you as an individual.  This concept is crucial to real estate asset protection. If real estate is titled in your individual name, all of your personal assets are at risk. To gain the protection provided by your limited liability company, you must actually transfer title to the real estate to the company by conveying the real estate and recording the deed in the county where the real estate is located. It is a complete waste of time, effort and money to form a Florida LLC and then fail to transfer the real estate into the limited liability company's name. Although this problem is quite common, it can easily be corrected.

3. Manage your assets in a professional and reasonable manner. Although a LLC can reduce your exposure to risk, it cannot eliminate it entirely. For example, assume that you properly form a Florida limited liability company and hold a real estate asset in the name of your limited liability company. If you negligently install a gas barbecue grill and the grill explodes injuring or killing one of your tenants, you will likely be a defendant in a lawsuit. To minimize your exposure to these types of lawsuits, manage your assets in a professional and reasonable manner by reducing or eliminating those situations that place you at risk. For example, instead of personally building a multi-level deck and stairs, hire a licensed contractor to perform this task on your behalf.

COSTS OF FORMING A FLORIDA LLC

Compared to other states, the filing and maintenance fees for Florida LLCs are relatively inexpensive. The filing fee for a new Florida LLC is $100.00 and the Registered Agent fee is $25.00. Maintenance of the limited liability company requires filing an Annual Report (& Supplemental Fee) of $138.75 each year. By contrast, the initial filing fees for a limited liability company in Illinois and Massachusetts are $675 and $512 respectively.

OBTAINING AN EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Once your Florida company has been formed, you must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number. The EIN application can be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) via toll-free telephone, fax, regular mail or the internet.

The Internet EIN application is the preferred method for Customers who apply for and obtain an EIN. Once the application is completed, the information is validated during the online session is an EIN immediately released. The online application is for all companies whose main business, office or agency, or legal residence is located (in the case of an individual) is located in the U.S. or U.S. territories. The principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner, trustor etc. must have a valid social security number(Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in order to use the online application.

OBTAINING AN INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

A foreign individual who is not authorized to work in the United States is ineligible to obtain a Social Security Number. Instead, the foreign individual can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

What is an ITIN?

An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a nine-digit number that always begins with the number 9 and has a 7 or 8 in the fourth digit, example 9XX-7X-XXXX. IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have U.S. tax return and payment responsibilities under the Internal Revenue Code The individual must request an application and file a valid federal income tax return will receive an ITIN, unless they meet an exception.

What use is an ITIN?

ITIN is for federal tax reporting and are not intended to serve a different purpose. An ITIN does not work approved in the U.S. or provide the right to benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit. ITIN is not validIdentification with the tax system.

IRS issues ITIN to help people comply with U.S. tax laws and a means to efficiently process and changes for tax returns and payments for those not entitled to social security numbers.

Who needs an ITIN?

IRS issues ITIN for foreigners and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for social security numbers. An individual non-resident alien is not entitled to an SSN that is needed to fileU.S. tax return only to claim a refund of tax under the provisions of a U.S. tax treaty, needs an ITIN.

Examples of individuals who need ITINs include:

1. Non-resident alien filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for a SSN

2. U.S. resident alien (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for a SSN

3. Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien

4. Dependent or spouse of a non-resident alien visa holder

How do I know if I need an ITIN?

If you do not have a SSN and are not eligible to obtain a SSN, but you have a requirement to furnish a federal tax identification number or file a federal income tax return, you must apply for an ITIN.

CONCLUSION

The Florida limited liability company is a versatile choice for both real estate investment and business entities.

The Florida Gators Football Team

The Florida Gators football team, of the Southeastern Conference, was the 2008 national champion. The Florida Gators are well-known to all sports fanatics and the stadium they play in, the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is known as one of the hardest places for the competition to play. With Urban Meyer as the head coach and with Tim Tebow, a Heisman Winner, the team can definitely fight its way to the top next year and another championship win wouldn't be far out of reach. In 2008, the University of Florida Gators beat the Oklahoma Sooners at the Orange Bowl to capture their second championship in three years.

With the great leadership shown by Urban Meyer I believe that a win is in the cards for the school, especially if they start the season strong. They have an excellent coach and they have a lot of returning players as well as some guys who have signed up with the team that were specifically recruited. This coming fall, the Gators have the Potential to win it all again with Tim Tebow throws for them again.

Together with the stars return to Florida, the number 10 on the national recruiting class to protect his chances of another championship run. Percy Harvin will Underclassman with star NFL Draft, Coach Meyer landed five-star receiver Andre Debose from Sanford, FL. Debose will have an immediate impact and the loss of Harvin will not be so painful. "He is as good as it is," said Meyer. "I think he is thebest player in America. You watch him on film, for what we do, for our style of offense, for what we need right now with the departure of Percy Harvin... that's a crucial element. We're not going to change our offense."

Andre Debose isn't the only attention grabber the Gators roped in this year. They brought in the highest rated outside linebacker and 10th overall prospect with Jelani Jenkins of Olney, Md, who runs a 4.4 40 yard dash and also has a 4.0 grade point average which will help ensure he won't be academically ineligible. Jenkins will more than likely be a captain before long. They also brought in the nationally ranked 2nd best defensive tackle with Gary Brown from Greensboro, Fl, who accrued more than 40 sacks over his final two seasons at West Gadsden High. As if Florida hadn't beefed up their defense enough with these two, they got Jon Bostic from Wellington, Fl, the nationally ranked 5th best inside linebacker and the son of former Detroit Lions defensive back Jon Bostic Sr. However, with the return of star senior middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, Bostic likely won't get much playing time right away.

Despite losing a pair of commitments, receiver Nu'Keese Richardson and cornerback Marsalis Teague, to SEC East rival Tennessee, Florida is looking good. With a retention that shows all 11 starters on defense and seven starters on offense, including quarterback Tim Tebow and linebacker Brandon Spikes returning for their senior seasons, the Gators have the best chance at being National Champions in 2009.

Florida School Grading System

To unify curriculum and learning benchmarks, Florida State created the Sunshine State Standards, or SSS. These regulations outline what each student should learn during their current school year before being promoted to the next grade level. By adopting these standards, schools are better equipped to assign realistic goals to each student and teachers can concentrate on how to teach, rather than what to teach.

When the SSS committee created the criterion for each grade level, they considered the standards of other states, of their functioning school districts as well as the rising worldwide trends toward technology. A consortium of educators and those not in the field was formed to research and develop these standards from the ground up. Understanding that there may be a need for flexibility and future updates to the standards, the consortium made them in a fluid manner. Changes are made to the SSS nearly every year.

In 1998, the State of Florida enacted the FCAT, or Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test to gauge the knowledge of students and the effectiveness of the SSS. With the introduction of the FCAT, schools became accountable for teaching within the standard. Schools are graded annually based on performance of their students in grades 3 through 10. Schools with grades C and below must create and complete a plan of action to bring their average student body scores to a B or above.

Grades are earned by schools much as they are by students. Three factors contribute to the school grade: percentage of students tested, points earned and adequate progress in reading.

To receive a grade of A, a school must test at least 95% of registered students, score 410 or above and must meet the "adequate progress in reading" standard.

To receive a grade of B, a school must test at least 90% of eligible students, score 380 points or higher and meet adequate progress in reading within two years.

To receive a score of C, a school must test at least 90% of eligible students, score 320 points or higher and meet adequate progress in reading within two years.

To receive a score of D, a school must test 90% or more of eligible students and score 280 points or higher. Reading progress is not a factor for this unsatisfactory grade.

Schools receive an F score if they test less than 90% of eligible students or score fewer than 280 points.

Points are awarded for both gains in overall student scores as well as students tested.

One point is awarded for each percentage point of students meeting or exceeding standards in math, reading and writing.

One point is awarded for each percentage point of students making gains in reading or math.

One point is awarded for each percentage point of the lowest scoring readers making gains.

One point is awarded for each percentage point of eligible students tested.

Points are summed up to reveal the school grade based on the scale above.

Assessments By Grade Level

While public school students in Florida are required to take FCAT each year, the test subjects vary. Tests of third grade students consist only of reading and math. Fourth, sixth, seventh and ninth graders take tests on reading, math and writing. Fifth graders are tested on reading, math and science. Eighth grade FCAT tests include reading, writing, math and science. Tenth graders are testing in reading, writing, math and science. Eleventh graders take a reading and math test.

Testing in the tenth grade is of particular interest. Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, a student's graduation from high school in Florida is dependant on their successful completion of FCAT testing in the tenth grade. Success is based on the Level system, below. Students scoring in Level 2 or below are given retake opportunities throughout eleventh and twelfth grades.

The progress of each student is traced throughout their educational career in Florida. At each grade level, beginning in third grade, their test scores receive a level of proficiency score.

Level 1 states that "This student has little success with the challenging content of the Sunshine State Standards."

Level 2 states that "This student has limited success with the challenging content of the Sunshine State Standards."

Level 3 states that "This student has partial success with the challenging content of the Sunshine State Standards, but the performance is inconsistent. A student scoring in Level 3 answers many of the test questions correctly, but is generally less successful with question that are the most challenging." Tenth graders are required to score in Level 3 or above to be eligible for a regular high school diploma.

Level 4 states that "This student has success with the challenging content of the Sunshine State Standards. A student scoring in Level 4 answers most of the test questions correctly, but may have only some success with questions that reflect the most challenging content."

Level 5 states that "This student has success with the most challenging content of the Sunshine State Standards. A student scoring in Level 5 answers most of the test questions correctly, including most of the challenging questions."

Parents receive a report of student's Level achievement in each test subject. In addition to easy to read charts and graphs depicting the student's score and the average in that grade, the report shows the student's success over time.

Florida Keys Nightlife

The Florida Keys is a chain of small coral and limestone islands. They are popular tourist resorts and have become a popular vacation destination. The Florida Keys is sometimes referred to as the American Caribbean. It features all the same facilities as most other islands, including world-class sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, sailing, kayaking and eco-tours. Home to many relaxing resorts, the Florida Keys is considered to be an exotic location. The traffic is not too busy and people are easy-going. The Florida Keys include Key West, Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo. Each of these islands has special features to offer to potential tourists.

The downtown area is full of restaurants, bars, boutiques and shops. It is considered a fun place to be in. A number of convenient buses run throughout Florida City. It is considered wise to leave cars within the hotel vicinity, as parking space is very limited. A very efficient way to tour the city is to rent one of the scooters commonly found on the streets.

This tourist spot has an excellent and exciting nightlife. This is the result of the various clubs, bars and lounges. Florida keys is considered to have lot cuisine options. There are approximately 240 restaurants appealing to just about every tourist's appetite. The fresh local seafood is a hit with all the tourists. Many people prefer dinning outside because the restaurants are well-located amidst the flora and fauna. When it comes to drinking, it is recommended that people try out the various bars and lounges. Some bars have the local bands playing live music, day and night. There are others that offer a calm and quiet atmosphere, with the soothing view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Florida Timeshare Promotions - Timeshare Tours in Florida

One of the ways that you can save a little money on your next vacation to Florida is to take part in some of the Florida timeshare promotions. Because there are so many timeshares in Florida, timeshare promotions are quite common and not just in Orlando. You can go on timeshare tours in Florida in just about any part of the state.

While Orlando is certainly one of the most popular areas, you'll also find timeshares near Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, the Gold Coast, and along the Gulf coast of Florida. So whether you prefer the theme park attractions, Atlantic ocean beaches or the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of vacation deals in Florida and the sales folks there are all eager to have you attend their timeshare tours.

Now for Orlando, I think it is pretty safe to say that you can really just wait until you arrive to schedule some resort tours. You'll be practically tripping over the promotional opportunities anywhere near Walt Disney World, particularly along Highway 192 through Kissimmee. Any place that you see offering discounts for theme park tickets is likely promoting a timeshare. Just don't take the first offer. Spend a little time bargaining and they will usually increase the value of the enticements to tour a resort.

But for the rest of Florida, if you're looking for a timeshare promotion to help save some dollars on your vacation, then the first place to start your search will be the internet. Wyndham is one of the largest companies in the timeshare industry, so you'll probably want to start with them. There are many websites that offer discounted accommodations at Wyndham owned properties and generally one of the requirements is that you attend a presentation as well. Play your cards right though and you should be able to entice a few more offers out of them for your time.

Other Florida timeshare promotions might include discount theme park tickets, discounted hotel or resort accommodation, dining certificates, tickets to entertainment events like shows or concerts, or even shopping gift cards. So once you know what part of Florida you are planning to visit, do a quick search for timeshares for that specific location to see what kind of deals you can get before you book your airfare or accommodation. You could easily save hundreds of dollars just for a few hours of your time attending a timeshare tour in Florida.