Florida’s Third Grade Reading Scores Improve, but 40% of Students Remain Below Grade Level, Florida Chamber Foundation’s New Report Finds

Florida is making progress in third-grade reading proficiency, but four in 10 Florida third graders are still not reading at grade level, underscoring the importance of the state’s future workforce and economy, according to the 2026 State of Third Grade Reading Proficiency in Florida report released today by the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Business Alliance for Early Learning (BAEL).

The report finds that 60% of Florida’s third graders are reading at or above grade level, up from 57% last year and 55% two years ago. The gains demonstrate that progress is possible, but the remaining gap underscores the need for continued action to ensure Florida’s students develop the literacy skills needed to succeed in school and prepare for the workforce.

Additional Key Findings

• 60% of Florida’s third graders are reading at or above grade level, up from 57% last year and 55% two years ago.
• 40% of Florida’s third graders remain below grade level, underscoring the work still needed to ensure every Florida child has a strong literacy foundation.
• 49 of Florida’s 67 counties improved their third-grade reading proficiency from last year.
• Small, rural counties recorded some of the largest gains, demonstrating that meaningful progress is happening across Florida communities.
• English language learners posted the largest improvement among student groups.
• Chronic absenteeism and poverty remain the clearest predictors of low reading proficiency, highlighting the need to address barriers both inside and outside the classroom.

“As I’ve said before, if we fix early learning, we fix 1,000 other things,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “Florida is moving in the right direction, but 60% is not the finish line. Because we are serious about building a Top 10 global economy by 2030, we have to start with the foundation. A child who cannot read at grade level by third grade faces a steeper path forward, and that affects the strength of Florida’s future workforce. This report gives Florida’s business community a clear picture of where we are making progress, where the gaps remain, and where business leaders can step up to help close them.”

The report also highlights a key connection between early literacy and Florida’s long-term economic competitiveness. As Florida continues to grow and create high-demand career opportunities, the state must ensure students are developing the foundational skills necessary to become the skilled workforce those industries will need.

At the same time, chronic absenteeism and poverty remain the clearest predictors of low reading proficiency, highlighting the need for solutions that extend beyond the classroom and address the factors that can prevent students from being ready and able to learn.

“Third grade reading is more than an education issue. It is a workforce issue,” said Corrie Melton, Vice President of Talent Development for Future of Work Florida at the Florida Chamber Foundation. “The good news is that we are seeing progress across Florida, including significant gains in rural communities and among English language learners. Now we need to build on that momentum. Florida’s business leaders can help turn progress into lasting change by investing in early literacy, supporting educators and partnering with communities where the need is greatest.”

The report supports the Florida 2030 Blueprint’s goal of having 100% of third-graders reading at grade level. Closing the third-grade reading gap is an investment in Florida’s future workforce and an important step toward ensuring today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s careers.

Click here to view the full 2026 State of Third Grade Reading Proficiency in Florida report.

To learn more about the Florida Chamber Foundation and the Business Alliance for Early Learning, visit flchamber.com.