Frequently Asked Questions

No, however you can apply by endorsement. Florida does not have reciprocity with any state; we endorse the National Physical Therapy Examination given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Rule 64B17-9.001(7) states: The board shall make exceptions for licensees from the continuing education requirements including waiver of all or a portion of these requirements or the granting of an extension of time in which to complete these requirements upon a finding of good cause by majority vote of the board at a public meeting following receipt of a written request for exception based upon emergency or hardship. Emergency or hardship cases are those:

1. Involving long term personal illness or illness involving a close relative or person for whom the licensee has care-giving responsibilities;
2. Where the licensee can demonstrate that the required course(s) are not reasonably available; and
3. Other demonstrated economic, technological or legal hardships that substantially relate to the ability to perform or complete the continuing education requirements.

If you wish to request an exception and you have a hardship listed above, you must submit your request in writing to info@floridasphysicaltherapy.gov, or mail to:

Florida Board of Physical Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way, C-05
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255

Your request will be placed on the next available board meeting agenda for consideration.

No. However, your education must be deemed equivalent to a US degree based on your time of graduation.

To be eligible for licensure as a PTA, an applicant must have earned a PTA degree from a two year PTA program. If the PTA program was outside of the United States, the applicant must also have a credentials evaluation that deems the education equivalent.

No, you are not eligible for licensure.

Yes, transitional DPT programs are not entry level and are not accredited, therefore, you must obtain a credential evaluation.

No. Transitional degrees will not be accepted for initial licensure.

Yes. Per Section 486.102, F.S, you must have graduated from a school giving a course for physical therapist assistants in a foreign country and have educational credentials deemed equivalent to those required for the educational preparation of physical therapist assistants in this country.

We suggest you contact a Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited university that has an approved physical therapy program. They may allow you to enroll and take the courses through their program. You may visit the American Physical Therapy Associations website for a list of approved schools.

Yes, in some cases. You can use CLEP examinations to fulfill deficiencies for any of the required general education credits. You cannot use CLEP examinations to substitute for any of the required professional education credits.

No, you can apply for licensure and take the exam prior to getting a social security number. However, you will need a social security number prior to receiving your license.

No.