Florida Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
30 days
From complete application
Application Fee
$105
Renewal: $95
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
CE Required
24 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Florida does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Florida license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Florida uses an online via mqa services portal (https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal/). 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). endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $105 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Florida board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (electronic fingerprinting/background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through 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.. Florida requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
An 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. is required as part of the endorsement process. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Florida Respiratory Therapy Board website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $105 |
| Renewal | $95 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | Electronic fingerprinting required per HB 975 (2024 legislative session). $43.25 FDLE fingerprint-retention fee under s. 456.0135(6)(1), F.S., collected at renewal when retention is expiring; otherwise paid separately through the Clearinghouse Applicant Initiated (CHAI) System. |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Florida does not issue temporary respiratory therapy licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Florida respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 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). to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as not separately advertised. Statutory review window is 30 days from application receipt. E-license issuance is 2 business days post-approval. The '7 days' figure is not supported by any board statement..
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
Florida does not offer an expedited processing track. 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.
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)
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Florida may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- 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)
- Traveler tip: Track your Florida license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Florida Respiratory Therapy Board
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (850) 488-0595
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Last verified: April 15, 2026. Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Florida Respiratory Therapy Board's official website.
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Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
