FPTA Advocacy: Protecting & Advancing the PT Profession
FPTA is your voice among policymakers and regulators, giving you a voice to make change happen.
State Advocacy
FPTA represents the interests of PTs and PTAs among Florida’s legislators and regulators — protecting your profession and driving it forward. We meet directly with policymakers, and we give you opportunities to meet with them as well. We also assist APTA in advocating for federal policy to advance the practice of physical therapy.
The one-on-one conversations between FPTA leaders and decision-makers assure the voice of the profession is heard. Our organization educates the public and policymakers about the power of PT.
Federal Advocacy
FPTA supports APTA in its federal policy efforts with members of Congress, regulatory agencies, and commercial payers.
Click here to learn more about current federal PT advocacy goals and how you can take action through APTA.
FPTA Advocacy Accomplishments
2024
Successfully passed legislation to add the PT Compact to the State Practice Act.
Increased the Medicaid reimbursement by 10 percent.
2024
2022
Defeated attempts to remove PT as an authorized provider of care for PIP auto-insured covered patients.
Created PT For Me Campaign to elevate value & range of PT.
2021
2020
Modernized the PT Practice Act updating all practice definitions and adding authorization to practice Dry Needling.
Secured Governor and Fl Dept of Health designation that physical therapist and physical therapist assistants are Essential Health Care Providers during the COVID Pandemic.
2020
2019
Secured legislative authorization for Physical Therapists to practice Telehealth.
Created PT for Pain Campaign to decrease use of pain medications.
2018
2016
Codified and protected the titles of PT, DPT. Protected CAPTE Accreditation for PT and PTAs.
Increased Direct Access from 21 to 30 Days.
2016
2013
Restored authorization for PTs to continue to treat patients injured in automobile accidents covered by PIP insurance.
Gained authorization for temporary licensure for PT and PTA grads awaiting national exam – so they can begin career work.
2012
FPTA State Advocacy Days
FPTA members meet for a full day and/or a half of advocacy training, lobbying, preparation and meeting with Florida legislators and their staff in Tallahassee. Members receive in-depth training on advocacy and the issues of the day, then meet with legislators to discuss issues affecting the practice of physical therapy in Florida. There is no charge to register for the State Advocacy Days, and FPTA members who attend will be eligible for travel reimbursement up to $275.
Contact Your Florida Legislators
Use these links to identify legislators — and how to contact them.
Join the FPTA Key Contact Network
The only way our legislators will learn about the value of PT is to have members of the FPTA meet with them, invite them to their practices, talk with them about the challenges PT faces in Florida and give them solutions to these challenges. We need members to talk with legislators and show them that PT is an integral part of the health care continuum.
A Key Contact doesn’t have to be savvy about legislative strategies, wealthy, or well-connected in the community. All we ask is that a Key Contact be willing to make a commitment to reach out to legislators in their area who will be voting on matters that impact the practice of PT in Florida.
Capitol Update Archives
Already a member? Click for updates on the Florida Legislature.
