Physical Therapist Assistant

2025 Dates & Deadlines

2025 Dates & Deadlines for PTAs:
All deadlines are 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Test Date	Registration & Payment Deadline	Jurisdiction Approval Deadline⁽¹⁾	Seats are reserved for candidates until:	Scores Reported to Jurisdictions	Free Candidate Report Avalilable Online⁽²⁾
January 8-9	December 4	December 11	December 25	January 16	January 24
April 1-2	February 25	March 4	March 18	April 9	April 16
July 8-9	Jun 3	June 10	June 24	July 16	July 23
October 8-9	September 3	September 10	September 24	October 17	October 24

⁽¹⁾ This is the latest date that your state board can notify FSBPT that you are eligible for the examination. It is your responsibility to ensure your jurisdiction has what it needs to approve you to sit for the NPTE by this date. NOTE – Some states may have earlier application deadlines.

License by Examination

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a U.S. Trained Physical Therapist by Examination.

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Requirements

General Requirements

Application by Exam is for:

Applicants who have never passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), or;
Applicants who passed the NPTE within the five years immediately prior to the filing of the application or;
Applicants who passed the NPTE more than five years ago but do not hold an active license in another state.
Applicants who have had discipline on their license within the past 5 years, applicants who have not actively practiced the profession for at least three years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application or is the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the United States Department of Defense for reason related to the practice of the profession for which the applicant is applying.

If you have passed the NPTE, you must have your score report transferred from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), https://www.fsbpt.org/.

Applicants must have received a degree as a physical therapist from an institution that has been approved for the training of physical therapists by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

The requirements for licensure can be found in Section 486.031, F.S. and Rule 64B17-3.001, F.A.C.

For exam dates and deadlines, visit https://www.fsbpt.org/. The board office must receive the completed application and all supporting documents by the FSBPT’s registration deadline of the desired exam date.

Applicants who have failed the NPTE three times must complete remediation training. Applicants who have completed these additional requirements may take the examination on two more occasions.

Effective 5/14/2020 the Board authorized receipt of a letter of completion (LOC) for licensure in lieu of transcripts.
The LOC must contain the following information:

a. Be sent to the Board directly from the educational institution,
b. Be presented on official school letterhead,
c. Confirm that the individual completed all clinical an didactic requirements of their specified degree,
d. State the date the individual earned their degree, and
e. Be signed and dated by the program director or the school registrar

Applicants with Health History

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A letter from a Licensed Health Care Practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.

A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.

Applicants with Disciplinary History

Applicants who have ever been denied licensure, had disciplinary action taken against their license, or have action pending against their license to practice any health care related profession by a licensing authority are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed disciplinary action on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the action.

Agency Records – All relevant documentation regarding the action should be sent to the board office by the licensing agency. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on agency letterhead sent from the licensing agency attesting to their unavailability.

Applicants with Criminal History

Any applicant who has ever been found guilty of or pled guilty or no contest/nolo contendre to any charge other than a minor traffic offense must list each offense on the application. Failure to disclose criminal history may result in denial of your application. Each application is reviewed on its own merits.

The Board of Physical Therapy has created guidelines for specific offenses to be cleared in the board office; however, staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. Violent crimes and repeat offenders are required to be presented to the Board of Physical Therapy for review. Evidence of rehabilitation is important to the board members when making licensure decisions.

Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the offense.

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions – Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Letters of Recommendation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit 3-5 professional letters of recommendation from people you have worked for or with.

Health Care Fraud, Disqualification of Licensure, Certificate, or Registration

Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:

Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
1. For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
2. For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
3. For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities.

Process

Applicants must contact the school’s registrar and request official transcripts or letter of completion be mailed to our board office. Exam eligibility will not be submitted until our office has this documentation. Letter of completion must state that all clinical and didactic training has been completed and the student is pending graduation. There must be a completion date on the letter of completion. Receipt of a letter of completion will allow for testing only. Transcripts are required prior to issuance of the license.

Complete the online Florida licensure application.

Applicants must register with the FSBPT for the NPTE and the Florida laws and rules exam at https://www.fsbpt.org/OurServices/LicenseeServices/ScoreTransferService.aspx.

If applicants have any affirmative answers in the Criminal, Personal, or Disciplinary sections of the application, submission of the personal statement and supporting documentation can be emailed or faxed to our board office.

Applications are reviewed within 15 days of receipt. Applicants will receive status updates by email and mail and can also check the application status on our website.

Once approved for testing, applicants will be emailed the Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from the FSBPT. This letter provides scheduling instructions.

Applicants who do not successfully pass their examination will have to submit a re-examination application and re-register with the FSBPT at https://www.fsbpt.org/. The board office must receive the completed application by the FSBPT’s registration deadline of the desired exam date.

NPTE scores are received 7 days after administration and are processed within four days.

*Any affirmative answers on the initial application to the criminal, disciplinary or personal history sections will require a personal written statement and supporting documentation. This documentation is reviewed to determine of a personal appearance at a board meeting is required.

Fees

$180.00 Application and Licensing Fee to Board of Physical Therapy

$485.00 NPTE fee and $65.00 Florida Laws and Rules Exam fee to FSBPT

Applicable fees to Prometric, testing vendor

$100.00 NPTE Retake Application

No fee for Laws and Rules Retake Application; this application can be faxed or emailed

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 486: Physical Therapy

Florida Administrative Codes

Rules: Chapter 64B17, Board of Physical Therapy Practice

Foreign Trained

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Foreign Trained Physical Therapist & Assistant by Examination.

Apply Online

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Requirements

General Requirements for Foreign Trained

Application by Exam is for:

Applicants who hold a license in another country, and;
Applicants who passed the national exam for Physical Therapy in another country, and;
Applicants who have never passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and;
Applicants who do not hold a license in another U.S state.

Applicants must have graduated from a school giving a course for physical therapists or physical therapist assistants in a foreign country and have educational credentials deemed equivalent to those required for the educational preparation of physical therapists or assistants in this country, as recognized by the appropriate agency as identified by the board.

Approved credentialing agencies are:

International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF) – www.ierf.org
Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) – www.fccpt.org
International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (ICD) – www.icdeval.com

Applicants who have failed the NPTE three times must complete remediation training. Applicants who have completed these additional requirements may take the examination on two more occasions.

Applicants with Criminal History

Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the offense.

Letters of Recommendation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit 3-5 professional letters of recommendation from people you have worked for or with.

Applicants with Disciplinary History

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed disciplinary action on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the action.

Applicants with Health History

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.

Health Care Fraud, Disqualification of Licensure, Certificate, or Registration

Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
1. For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
2. For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
3. For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities.

Process

Applicants must complete the following steps:

Applicants must contact the desired credentialing agency to complete the evaluation process. The credential evaluation must be sent to the board office directly from the credentialing agency.
Contact the other county’s state board(s) in which a license has been held to request License Verification be sent to Florida.
Apply online at flhealthsource.gov, pay applicable fees, and upload any supplemental documentation.
If applicants have any affirmative answers in the Criminal, Personal, or Disciplinary sections of the application, submission of the personal statement and supporting documentation can be uploaded with the online application.
Please allow up to 10 business days for initial review of new applications. All applications and document submissions are reviewed in the order they are received. After your application is reviewed, any deficiencies will be communicated to you in writing by our Board staff. To expedite processing, please submit all required supporting documentation with your application and the requisite fees. If you are having documentation submitted by another entity on your behalf, please verify the Board office’s mailing address to ensure delivery.
Once approved for testing, applicants will be emailed the Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from the FSBPT. This letter provides scheduling instructions.
Applicants who do not successfully pass their examination will have to submit a re-examination applicationand re-register with the FSBPT at https://www.fsbpt.org/. The board office must receive the completed application by the FSBPT’s registration deadline of the desired exam date.
NPTE scores are received seven days after administration and are processed within four days.
When all requirements are met the license will be issued to qualified applicants within 7 days pursuant to Section 456.0145(2)(e), Florida Statutes.

Department of Health
Board of Physical Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-05
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258

Fees

$180.00 Application and Licensing Fee to Board of Physical Therapy

$485.00 NPTE fee and $65.00 Florida Laws and Rules Exam fee to FSBPT

Applicable fees to Prometric, testing vendor

$100.00 NPTE Retake Application

No fee for Laws and Rules Retake Application; this application can be faxed or emailed

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 486: Physical Therapy

Florida Administrative Codes

Rules: Chapter 64B17, Board of Physical Therapy Practice

License by MOBILE Endorsement

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Physical Therapist/ Physical Therapist Assistant by Endorsement.

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Requirements

To be licensed as a Physical Therapist/ Physical Therapist Assistant in Florida through the MOBILE Endorsement pathway you must meet the following requirements in section 456.0145, Florida Statutes:

Must hold an active, unencumbered license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States in a profession with a similar scope of practice, determined by the board or the department, as applicable.
Must have obtained a passing score on a national licensure examination or hold a national certification recognized by the board;
Must have actively practiced the profession for at least three years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application.
Must not have ever been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant successfully appealed to have the report removed.
Must not be the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the United States Department of Defense for reason related to the practice of the profession for which the applicant is applying.
Must not have had disciplinary action taken in the five years immediately preceding the date of submission of the application.
Refer to section 456.0145(2)(c), Florida Statutes, for licensure ineligibility criteria.

Process

Applicants must complete the following steps:

Contact the state board(s) in which a license has been held to request License Verification be sent to Florida. If the state has an online verification including disciplinary actions, we will accept the online verification.
Transfer National Examination scores- NPTE score report transferred from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), https://www.fsbpt.org/ .
Apply online at flhealthsource.gov, pay applicable fees, and upload any supplemental documentation.
If applicants have any affirmative answers in the Criminal, Personal, or Disciplinary sections of the application, submission of the personal statement and supporting documentation can be uploaded with the online application.
Please allow up to 10 business days for initial review of new applications. All applications and document submissions are reviewed in the order they are received. After your application is reviewed, any deficiencies will be communicated to you in writing by our Board staff. To expedite processing, please submit all required supporting documentation with your application and the requisite fees. If you are having documentation submitted by another entity on your behalf, please verify the Board office’s mailing address to ensure delivery.
When all requirements are met the license will be issued to qualified applicants within 7 days pursuant to Section 456.0145(2)(e), Florida Statutes.Department of Health
Board of Physical Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-05
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258

Fees

$180.00 Application and Licensing Fee to Board of Physical Therapy

$90.00 Score Transfer fee to FSBPT

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 486: Physical Therapy

Florida Administrative Codes

Rules: Chapter 64B17, Board of Physical Therapy Practice

Temporary Permit

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a U.S. Trained Physical Therapist & U.S. Trained Physical Therapist Assistant by Examination with Temporary Permit.

Apply Online

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Requirements

General Temporary Permit Requirements

The requirements to obtain a temporary permit can be found in Section 486.0715, F.S., and include:

Graduate from an approved United States physical therapy educational program as applicable and meet all the eligibility requirements for licensure under Chapter 456 and Section 486.031(1)-(3)(a) F.S., and related rules, except passage of the national examination. Official transcripts required to demonstrate graduation
Passage of the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
Proof of medical malpractice insurance; and
Proof that the applicant will practice under direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. A supervising physical therapist shall supervise only one permittee at any given time. The supervising physical therapist must be licensed for a minimum of six months before the supervision period begins

Temporary permits are valid for six months from the date of graduation.

Applicants who have failed the NPTE three times must complete remediation training. Applicants who have completed these additional requirements may take the examination on two more occasions.

Applicants must have received a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant from an institution that has been approved for the training of Physical Therapy Assistants by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or have been enrolled between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2016, in a physical therapist assistant school in Florida which was accredited at the time of enrollment; and have been graduated or be eligible to graduate from such school no later than July 1, 2018.

Applicants with Criminal History

Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the offense.

Letters of Recommendation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit 3-5 professional letters of recommendation from people you have worked for or with.

Applicants with Disciplinary History

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed disciplinary action on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the action.

Applicants with Health History

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.

Health Care Fraud, Disqualification of Licensure, Certificate, or Registration

Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
1. For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
2. For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
3. For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities.

Process

Applicants must contact the school’s registrar and request official transcripts or letter of completion be mailed to our board office. Exam eligibility will not be submitted until our office has this documentation. Receipt of a letter of completion will allow for testing only. Transcripts are required prior to issuance of the temporary permit and final licensure.

Applicants must obtain medical malpractice insurance and locate a qualified physical therapist to act as the supervising physical therapist. This information can be provided on the application.

Complete the online Florida licensure application.

Applicants must register with the FSBPT for the NPTE and the Florida laws and rules exam at https://www.fsbpt.org/.

Applications are reviewed within 15 days of receipt. Applicants will receive status updates by email and mail and can also check the application status on our website.

Once approved for testing, applicants will be emailed the Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from the FSBPT. This letter provides scheduling instructions.

NPTE scores are received seven days after administration and are processed within four days.

Fees

$180.00 Application and Licensing Fee to Board of Physical Therapy

$485.00 NPTE fee and $65.00 Florida Laws and Rules Exam fee to FSBPT

Applicable fees to Prometric, testing vendor

$100.00 NPTE Retake Application

No fee for Laws and Rules Retake Application; this application can be faxed or emailed

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 486: Physical Therapy

Florida Administrative Codes

Rules: Chapter 64B17, Board of Physical Therapy Practice

Processing Times

Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Below is the average number of days at which we are currently processing.

Apply Online / Return to Login

To apply online visit MQA Services Portal to create an account or return to your account by clicking the button below.

Apply Online

Renew Your License

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Renewal Requirements, Process, Fees and Continuing Education (CE) for Physical Therapists & Assistants.

Renew Online

Requirements

General Renewal Requirements

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on November 30, 2025.

The department will renew your license upon receipt of:

All courses successfully submitted to your CEBroker account.
Completed renewal application
Required fees (see fees tab)

By submitting the completed renewal application along with the appropriate renewal fees to the department, a licensee acknowledges compliance with all requirements for renewal, including continuing education.

To ensure you receive your renewal notification from the department, your current mailing address must be on file. Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status. Failure by a delinquent licensee to renew before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license Null and Void without any further action by the board or the department..

Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status are required to pay additional fees and comply with specific continuing education requirements. Please contact the board office at MQA.PhysicalTherapy@flhealth.gov to request your reactivation requirements..

If you are reactivating your license, please refer to the Laws & Rules governing your practice for additional requirements.

Military Exemption

To receive an exemption from the renewal requirements, please provide a copy of your orders which provides the beginning and end date of your current enlistment or a copy of your spouse’s orders. If you are a Commissioned Officer, you may provide a letter from your commanding officer that reflects the length of your contract with a beginning and end date to fulfill this requirement.

Public School Health Volunteer Exemption

If you volunteer your services in public schools for a minimum of 80 hours a year or if retired, at least 400 hours a year, you may be eligible for a waiver of your biennial renewal fee and some of the continuing education hours (no more than 25%) required for license renewal; however, the continuing education requirements for domestic violence, HIV and AIDS, and medical errors cannot be waived.

Process

Renewal Process

Renewal Instructions:

Go to www.flhealthsource.gov and click the “Renew A License” button.
Enter your Personal Identifying Information (PII), then click the Login button.
Confirm or update your MQA Services Account email address, then click the “Continue” button.
You are now in the Dashboard. During renewals, a “Renew My License” option will populate no later than 90 days prior to your license expiration date. (Note: If you do not see the “Renew My License” option, please check back at a later time.)

*** If the “PII Failed” screen displays, click the “Other Login Option” button and enter your existing User ID and password to access your account.***

Additional Information:

You may renew online if you have a credit or debit card to complete the transaction. Please note that you can now renew online, print a copy of your application summary and mail it with your cashier’s check or money order to:
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
P.O. Box 6320
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6320
Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status are required to pay additional fees and comply with specific continuing education requirements. Please contact the board office at MQA.physicaltherapy@flhealth.gov to request your reactivation requirements.
If you are renewing your license after the expiration date and your status still indicates Clear/Active, you will be assessed a delinquency fee. The delinquency fee will be in addition to your renewal fees.
If your license is Delinquent/Active or Delinquent/Inactive you may still renew prior to the renewal deadline. The following actions must be taken prior to renewing your license:
- Prior to renewing your license, you must report your continuing education (CE) hours to the Department of Health’s tracking system.
- To renew a delinquent license, you will need to report your CE hours for your current cycle, as well as your previous cycle.
- If you did not complete CE courses in your last renewal cycle, you may complete them now and report them to the CE tracking system.
- To report course completion, log onto your MQA Online Account. From your dashboard, go to “Additional Activities” and select Report CE/CME.
Please note, when renewing your license, a delinquent fee will be assessed in addition to all applicable renewal fees.
If your license was Delinquent/Active before the renewal deadline, it will be moved to Null and Void status after the renewal deadline. You should contact your board office for further instruction.
The process of renewing a license and receiving a printed license in the mail may take 7-10 business days. Initiating contact to confirm the receipt of fees or the status of your license prior to this time will not expedite the renewal process.
Note: Do not submit certificates of completion of in-service hours to the Florida Board of Physical Therapy. All continuing education hours must be submitted to www.CEBroker.com.

Name Change

If you are renewing online and need to change your name, please follow these instructions prior to renewing your license:

Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. Please log into your MQA Online Services Portal account to submit your request and enter your full name as it appears on your legal documentation. If you are submitting your request online, please attach/upload supporting documents, which must be one of the following:

A copy of a state issued marriage license that includes the original signature and seal from the clerk of the court
A divorce decree showing the name change
A court order showing the name change (Adoption, legal name change, federal identity change)
A copy of a certificate of naturalization or H1B Employment Visa (Note: Foreign applicants and/or licensees may not have state issued documents)

Any one of these will be accepted unless the department has a question about the authenticity of the document.

NOTE: Please allow 5-7 business days for your request to be processed. If you are requesting a name change outside of renewal and wish to receive a new license reflecting the name change, you must request a duplicate license and pay the $25.00 fee.

Fees

Certified check or money order should be made payable to the Florida Department of Health.

If renewing BEFORE your license expires, your fees will be:

Active to Active	$80.00
Inactive to Inactive	$55.00
Active to Inactive	$55.00
Inactive to Active	$130.00
Active to Retired	$55.00
Inactive to Retired	$55.00

If renewing AFTER your license expires, your fees will be:

Active to Active	$135.00
Inactive to Inactive	$110.00
Active to Inactive	$150.00
Inactive to Active	$225.00
Active to Retired	$150.00
Inactive to Retired	$150.00

If renewing 120 day Notified Delinquent, your fees will be:

Active to Active	$215.00
Inactive to Inactive	$165.00
Active to Inactive	$165.00
Inactive to Active	$265.00
Active to Retired	$190.00
Inactive to Retired	$165.00

Licenses become Null & Void¹ on December 1, 2025.

By submitting the appropriate renewal fees to the department, a licensee acknowledges compliance with all requirements for renewal, including continuing education.

A licensee who remains on inactive status for more than two consecutive biennial licensure cycles and who wishes to reactivate the license may be required to demonstrate competency to resume active practice by sitting for a special purpose examination or by completing other reactivation requirements.

Inactive license requesting Active status: please call the board office at 850-245-4373

*After renewal closes, a $55 “Delinquent” fee will be added to all transactions. A “Change of Status” fee will also be added for licensees wishing to change from Active-Inactive in the amount of $40.

¹Null & Void -The licensed practitioner failed to renew their licensure status for two renewal cycles, resulting in their license expiring.

Continuing Education

To locate board approved CE Courses for this profession, please click here

REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA	REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS	IMPORTANT INFORMATION
General Hours	22
Medical Error	2	Medical Error courses approved by any Board within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance are approved by the Board of Physical Therapy
HIV/AIDS	1	HIV/AIDS course required for first renewal only and are accepted if approved by any Board within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance

Twenty-four (24) contact hours of continuing education (CE/CEU*) must be completed within the current biennium for which the license is being renewed. (Bienniums run from 12/1/odd year-11/30/next odd year. For example, 12/1/2013 – 11/30/2015 is a licensure biennium).

Continuing Education Unit (CEU): One continuing educational unit shall be considered equivalent to 10 contact hours. You must complete 24 contact hours of approval continuing education per biennium.

No more than 12 hours may come from home study courses. All licensees must complete 2 hours on the Prevention of Medical Errors for each licensure renewal cycle.

Licenses issued in the second half of the biennium are exempt from the renewal requirements with the exception of 2 hours of Prevention of Medical Errors and 1 hour of HIV/AIDS

Licenses Issued in Second Half of the Biennium

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

To locate board approved CE Courses for this profession, please click here

REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA	REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS	IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Prevention of Medical Errors	2
HIV/AIDS	1	HIV/AIDS courses required for first renewals are accepted if approved by any Board within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance

CE Reporting Information

Board Rule Approved Providers

Courses sponsored or approved by the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) https://www.fpta.org/page/ContinuingEducationApproval
Courses sponsored or approved by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This includes other state APTA chapters and APTA sections.
Courses sponsored by a program in physical therapy at a college or university which provides a curriculum for training physical therapists or physical therapist assistants, when approved by the physical therapy or physical therapist assistants program, which is accredited by, or has status with an accrediting agency approved by the United States Department of Education. One credit hour of a college course is equivalent to 15 contact hours.

Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Education per Biennium

Attendance at a Florida Board of Physical Therapy meeting (this does not apply if the licensee is on the agenda or appears for another purpose)
Past Board members serving on a Probable Cause Panel
Passing the Florida Laws and Rules exam within the biennium. This does not apply if taking the exam due to a disciplinary order of the Board, initial licensure, reactivation or reinstatement
Course Instructors providing continuing education can receive up to six contact hours.
Clinical Instructors shall receive 1 contact hour for every 120 hours of clinical internship limited to a maximum of 8 contact hours per instructor per biennium. Clinical instructors must be credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to receive clinical continuing education credits.

Helpful Information

No more than 12 hours can be earned by home study courses.
No more than five contact hours of courses in risk management shall be accepted within a biennium.
No more than three contact hours in HIV/AIDS education.
No more than three contact hours in prevention of medical errors education.

Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 486: Physical Therapy

Florida Administrative Codes

Rules: Chapter 64B17, Board of Physical Therapy Practice

Renew Online

To renew online visit the MQA Services Portal by clicking the button below.

Renew Online

Continuing Education

To locate board approved CE Courses for this profession, please click here

REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA	REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS	IMPORTANT INFORMATION
General Hours	22
Medical Error	2	Medical Error courses approved by any Board within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance are approved by the Board of Physical Therapy
HIV/AIDS	1	HIV/AIDS course required for first renewal only and are accepted if approved by any Board within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance

Continuing Education Unit (CEU): One continuing educational unit shall be considered equivalent to 10 contact hours. You must complete 24 contact hours of approval continuing education per biennium.

No more than 12 hours may come from home study courses. All licensees must complete 2 hours on the Prevention of Medical Errors for each licensure renewal cycle.

Licenses issued in the second half of the biennium are exempt from the renewal requirements with the exception of 2 hours of Prevention of Medical Errors and 1 hour of HIV/AIDS

Licenses Issued in Second Half of the Biennium

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

To locate board approved CE Courses for this profession, please click here

REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA	REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS	IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Prevention of Medical Errors	2
HIV/AIDS	1	HIV/AIDS courses required for first renewals are accepted if approved by any Board within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance

CE Reporting Information

Board Rule Approved Providers

Courses sponsored or approved by the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) https://www.fpta.org/page/ContinuingEducationApproval
Courses sponsored or approved by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This includes other state APTA chapters and APTA sections.
Courses sponsored by a program in physical therapy at a college or university which provides a curriculum for training physical therapists or physical therapist assistants, when approved by the physical therapy or physical therapist assistants program, which is accredited by, or has status with an accrediting agency approved by the United States Department of Education. One credit hour of a college course is equivalent to 15 contact hours.

Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Education per Biennium

Attendance at a Florida Board of Physical Therapy meeting (this does not apply if the licensee is on the agenda or appears for another purpose)
Past Board members serving on a Probable Cause Panel
Passing the Florida Laws and Rules exam within the biennium. This does not apply if taking the exam due to a disciplinary order of the Board, initial licensure, reactivation or reinstatement
Course Instructors providing continuing education can receive up to six contact hours.
Clinical Instructors shall receive 1 contact hour for every 120 hours of clinical internship limited to a maximum of 8 contact hours per instructor per biennium. Clinical instructors must be credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to receive clinical continuing education credits.

Helpful Information

No more than 12 hours can be earned by home study courses.
No more than five contact hours of courses in risk management shall be accepted within a biennium.
No more than three contact hours in HIV/AIDS education.
No more than three contact hours in prevention of medical errors education.

Other Payer Information

The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA), is pleased to offer third parties an option to pay for an applicant’s licensure fees.

Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant applicants may complete and submit an application for licensure online. Instead of providing their own credit card for payment, applicants will have the option to enter the ‘Other Payer Code’ to complete the application process. The application will be uploaded for processing and will stay in pending status until the other payer makes payment.

Interested parties will need to register with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy by providing, in letter format, their Business Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number and Federal ID Number. In addition, we will need a contact person and email address. Please indicate if you require more than one payment code, or want a code expiration date, and sign the letter indicating that all of the provided information is true and correct. Please mail this letter to:

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

Once the school/employer is registered, the Florida Board of Physical Therapy will mail a notification letter including the payment code and instructions on how to submit payment. The school/employer will need to provide their “Other Payer Code” to their students/employees prior to them applying. The MQA Customer Call Center will not be able to provide this code to callers.

Schools/employers who elect to use the Other Payer Code will be required to log-on to MQA’s secure on-line services website to approve and submit payment. The payer will be able to deselect applicants who are not eligible to use their ‘Other Payer Code’. Then the payer will be prompted to a Credit Card payment screen where they can pay by using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.

Schools/employers wishing to pay by check will need to send a cashiers check or money order along with copy of their invoice to the address below:

Department of Health
Post Office Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314

Please contact the Florida Board of Physical Therapy at (850) 245-4373 or by email info@floridasphysicaltherapy.gov if you have any questions.

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