Florida Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Florida Respiratory Therapist License Overview

We have not found an interstate compact that covers Respiratory Therapists in Florida. Plan on meeting Florida's own requirements before you practice there.

How to Get a Florida Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Florida: Online via MQA Services Portal. Initial application mailings (if paper supplements required) go to: Department of Health, P.O. Box 6330, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330. Note: this is the INITIAL APPLICATION mailing address; renewal mail goes to P.O. Box 6320 (different box). You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $105 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Florida board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (electronic fingerprinting/background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Two separate verifications required: (1) Official letter of verification from NBRC sent directly to the FL board office (copies of scores, credential, or wallet card are NOT accepted); (2) License verification from ALL other states in which the applicant currently holds or has ever held a license (any status), with applicant paying any fees those states charge. NBRC contact: (913) 895-4900 or toll-free (888) 341-4811, www.NBRC.org. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Electronic fingerprinting required per HB 975 (2024). Application cannot be approved until fingerprinting and all other licensure criteria are met. Process via FL Background Screening portal (flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/). $43.25 FDLE retention fee applies for fingerprint retention during the licensure cycle. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Florida Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.

Florida Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Endorsement application, renewal, and fingerprinting: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Florida Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Florida Respiratory Therapy Board's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Florida Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Processing time (statutory standard): initial application must be reviewed within 30 days (Florida law). Documents submitted after initial review are updated within 14 business days of receipt. E-license issued within 2 business days after approval. Current processing days by profession posted on Processing Times page (varies).

Fastest case:Not separately advertised. Statutory review window is 30 days from application receipt. E-license issuance is 2 business days post-approval.

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications on a rolling basis with no expedited pathway; applications submitted late in the month may experience 4-week delays while early-month submissions process in 1-2 weeks
• Verification delays occur when requesting license confirmation from out-of-state boards; NBRC verification is faster but direct board verification can add 1-2 weeks
• Missing or incomplete NBRC credential verification delays board review; ensure the NBRC has sent verification directly to the board before applying

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Florida Respiratory Therapy Board'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 Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

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

• Mandatory topics: first renewal after initial licensure: one-time 3-hour HIV/AIDS course. For those licensed on or after 06/01/2024, the first-renewal requirement is 7 hours total (2 medical errors + 2 laws and rules + 3 HIV/AIDS)

Florida Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $95
• Renewal timing: Licenses expire at midnight Eastern Time on May 31 of odd-numbered years (current cycle expires May 31, 2025; next cycle expires May 31, 2027). License goes Delinquent after expiration and Null & Void 2 years after expiration date (e.g., June 1, 2027 for the May 31, 2025 cycle).
• CE topics: first renewal after initial licensure: one-time 3-hour HIV/AIDS course. For those licensed on or after 06/01/2024, the first-renewal requirement is 7 hours total (2 medical errors + 2 laws and rules + 3 HIV/AIDS)

Florida Licensing Board and Resources

Florida Respiratory Therapy Board

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (850) 488-0595

Email: [email protected]