The Associated Press

BRANDON — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to give nearly 45,000 teachers a bonus of more than $9,000 in the coming year.

DeSantis Thursday visited a Hillsborough County high school where he announced plans to help the state recruit and retain teachers. He wants the Florida Legislature to set aside $422 million for the program that would also offer bonuses to principals as well.

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Florida currently gives bonuses to highly effective teachers who also scored well on their college entrance exams. DeSantis wants to eliminate the college entrance exam requirement from the "Best and Brightest" program.

DeSantis's proposal would cost the state more than double the current bonus program.

The Republican governor also wants $10 million to pay the college tuition of teachers who agree to teach in Florida for five years.