Verified October 8, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What OTs miss in Florida
- Since 2024 (HB 975), applicants must complete electronic fingerprinting before a license can be approved.
- An applicant out of practice for five years must document 50 CE hours from the year before licensure.
- OTs need four hours of training and five supervised treatments before using prescription electrical stimulation devices.
Can I practice in Florida on an OT Compact privilege?
Florida is not an OT Compact member, so practicing here takes a Florida license.
- Not a compact member
Can an OT licensed in another state get a Florida license by endorsement?
Licensure by endorsement runs under Florida's MOBILE law: an active, unencumbered license in another state, current NBCOT certification or a passing score, active practice for two of the last four years, no NPDB report, and no discipline in the last five years. Applicants who do not qualify apply by examination with their NBCOT certification number.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: Fla. Stat. §§ 468.213, 456.0145
Which exams does Florida require for a license?
Licensure requires the NBCOT exam. There is no jurisprudence exam at application, but every renewal requires a two-hour board-approved course on Florida laws and rules.
- NBCOT exam
- No state jurisprudence exam
Does Florida require fingerprints?
- Fingerprint background check
Does Florida offer a temporary or limited OT license?
An applicant the board finds qualified for endorsement may get one nonrenewable temporary permit valid until the next board meeting that considers applications. Graduates registered for the next exam may get a supervised temporary permit until results arrive.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: Fla. Stat. § 468.209(3)-(4)
What OTAs need to know in Florida
The OT gives initial direction on the plan of treatment and periodically inspects its implementation. The OT need not be on the premises, but must be available for consultation, and the OTA may not alter the plan without the OT's prior approval.
Dry needling in Florida
OTs may perform dry needling only after two years of licensed practice, 50 hours of face-to-face board-approved training, and 25 supervised patient sessions, and must apply to the board to perform it.
Citation: Fla. Stat. § 468.227
How often does a Florida OT license renew?
OTs and OTAs complete 26 hours per two-year cycle, at least 14 live or interactive and no more than 12 home study. The total must include two hours on preventing medical errors and two hours on Florida laws and rules, plus one hour of HIV/AIDS by the first renewal.
- Renews every 2 years
- 26 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Florida?
For a license, we send your NBCOT score and verifications, file the application and carry the board correspondence. License by endorsement is $599 for an OT and $499 for an OTA.