Florida Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Florida PT License Overview

Florida is not a PT Compact member. Licensure available only by endorsement of valid out-of-state PT license. Endorsement applicants must pass Florida's jurisprudence exam and obtain board approval; no temporary license bridge available.

How to Get a Florida PT License by Endorsement

How Physical Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Florida: Online portal. Florida's MOBILE Endorsement pathway (s. 456.0145, F.S.) requires, among other things, that you have actively practiced the profession for at least 2 of the 4 years before you apply. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $180 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application online
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice website for status updates on your application.

Florida PT License Fees

Endorsement application, renewal, and Florida Laws and Rules exam: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Florida Temporary PT License

Florida issues temporary physical therapy licenses, but they are only for graduates of an approved U.S. physical therapy program who meet every licensure requirement except passing the national exam. Otherwise, plan your start date around the full processing time.

Florida PT License Processing Time

Florida Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 1-4 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks (application submission, concurrent exam completion and verification, board approval in same cycle).

Common sources of delay:

• Jurisprudence exam must be completed before board review; exam scheduling delays can add 1-2 weeks if candidate misses first attempt
• Board meets on a defined schedule; applications submitted after monthly cutoff wait until next meeting for final approval
• License verification via FSBPT or direct board contact may take 5-7 business days if current state board is slow to respond
• Self-reported criminal history discrepancies trigger additional investigation, adding 2-4 weeks to processing

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Florida PT Continuing Education

Florida requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics:
  • Florida laws and rules: 2 hours per cycle
  • Prevention of medical errors: 2 hours per cycle
  • Ethics: 2 hours per cycle

Florida PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring February 28 of even years — $80 via Florida Department of Health MQA portal
• CE topics:
  • Florida laws and rules: 2 hours per cycle
  • Prevention of medical errors: 2 hours per cycle
  • Ethics: 2 hours per cycle
• Renewal window: Opens 90 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes delinquent, and must pay late fee and complete additional CE to reinstate

Florida Licensing Board and Resources

Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (850) 245-4373

Email: [email protected]