Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Help Center – an online tool for applicants, licensees, and the public to search and access our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), contact our office, and learn “how to” do business with the board.

Is my score of 132 in Michigan high enough for Florida?

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) must transfer the scores directly to Florida before a determination can be made about whether or not the scores are high enough. The scores differ for each examination and the results are calculated according to each individual state’s laws.

If the applicant was approved (education) and has taken and passed the exam(s) but has not received a social security number, will they have to reapply again?

The applicant will not have to reapply as they have already met licensure requirements. Staff will keep their files and upon being issued a social security number, will be licensed.

How long do I have to complete my application?

Rule 64B17-2.001(1), F.A.C., provides that an incomplete application shall be administratively closed one year after initial filing with the department. If your application is closed, you will be required to complete another application and application fee.

Is it possible to expedite the criminal history background screening process?

Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite the process.

How long does it take to process the criminal history background screening?

The process takes up to 48 hours.

What information is included in the profile?

The profile contains required and optional information from the practitioner.

Required information includes:

  • The practitioner’s education and training, including other health-related degrees, professional and post graduate training specialty
  • The practitioner’s current practice and mailing addresses
  • The practitioner’s staff privileges and faculty appointments
  • The practitioner’s reported financial responsibility
  • Legal action taken against the practitioner
  • Board final disciplinary action taken against the practitioner
  • Any liability claims filed against Podiatric Physicians which exceed $5000
  • Any liability claims filed against M.D.s and osteopathic physicians which exceed $100,000 Optional information may include committees/memberships, professional or community service awards, and publications the practitioner has authored.
How can I find a profile?

Profiles can be accessed by on our License Verification screen. If the health professional is licensed in one of profiled professions, a “Practitioner Profile” tab will be available.

Are profiles available for other professions?

No; however, Licensure Verification is available for all health care professionals currently or previously licensed in Florida.

What is the difference between a LiveScan and a hard card scanning?

Livescan device is a term used to describe the scanners used to directly capture fingerprints through a scanning function. Persons being screened place their hands directly on the scanner for reading. Fingerprint scanning using a LiveScan device provides faster results and generally costs less than hard card scanning as there is less handling involved.

Livescan capture also produces a better quality print, so there is a lower rejection rate of illegible prints (no ink smudging, etc). Hard card scanning is a method of submitting a traditional fingerprint card where finger prints are “rolled” in ink onto an FBI fingerprint card. Cards may be converted to “electronic” by using a machine that scans the cards. There is typically a fee associated with “rolling the prints” as a high degree of skill is required to achieve the necessary quality.

Can I check the status of my application online?

If this feature is currently available for your profession, you may check the status of your application in real time via our Online Services. You will need your User ID and password in order to log in. If you lose your User ID and password, you can log in alternatively using the ‘Get Login Help?‘ link located below the login fields.

How do I check to see if someone is licensed?

You may use our License Look-Up Search screen.

How do I request a declaratory statement?

Any substantially affected person (i.e. a licensee or applicant) may seek a Declaratory Statement. Declaratory statements regarding an opinion of a board, or the department when there is no board, as to the applicability of a statutory provision, or of any rule or order of the board, or department when there is no board, as it applies to the licensees particular set of circumstances, pursuant to Section 120.565, Florida Statutes.

The petition seeking a declaratory statement must state with particularity the licensees set of circumstances and must specify the statutory provision, rule, or order that the licensee believes may apply to the set of circumstances.

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