License Requirements
Florida Law
Florida law requires continuing education as a part of license renewal for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the state of Florida. These requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are defined in the state practice act and in the rules of the Florida Board of Physical Therapy.
In accordance with Florida Statute 486.109, the Florida Physical Therapy Association approves courses that are required under this statute to be completed by Florida licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. For more information on Continuing Education requirements refer to rule 64B17-9.
Within this statute, the APTA and the FPTA have been given general jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the approval of Continuing Education courses offered by entities other than CAPTE approved PT and PTA educational programs.
The Florida Board of Physical Therapy is responsible for PT and PTA license renewal in Florida. Visit their website to learn about obtaining and renewing a license as well as other practice-related questions or you can reach them by phone at 850-245-4373.
Role of the FPTA
The FPTA approves continuing education courses for course providers and individuals seeking approval of courses not already approved.
The Board of Physical Therapy has defined, by rule, specific areas that the FPTA Continuing Education Accreditation Policies and Procedures Committee looks for when accrediting courses, they are: professional ethics, clinical education, clinical management, clinical science, Florida Law related to physical therapy, basic sciences, risk management, HIV/AIDS.
The FPTA’s only role in the license renewal process is approving courses for individuals and/or providers in accordance with Florida Statute 486.109, so that they may receive or give Continuing Education credit towards their Florida License requirements.
License Requirements
- 24 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED PER BIENNIUM
*A biennium runs from 12/1/odd year-11/30/next odd year. For example, 12/1/2023 – 11/30/2025 is a licensure biennium. - BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT *Beginning July 1, 2025, section 456.0135(1), F.S., will require applicants for licensure to submit fingerprints and undergo a Level 2 (state and federal) background screening prior to initial licensure. Additionally, current licensees must complete background screening starting with their first renewal following July 1, 2025. Learn More
The following is a general overview of CEH requirements for license renewal. For complete information, visit the Florida Board of Physical Therapy.
| REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA | REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS* | IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| General Hours | 22 | The Florida Board of PT will accept up to twelve (12) contact hours for “home study” during a biennium. This may include online courses in which there is no interaction with a presenter. At least (12) contact hours must be “live” hours, which may include online webinars. “Live” webinars are date and time specific (happening in “real time”), and the participant must be able to interact with the presenter during the session. No more than 5 hours may be received in the area of risk management, no more than 3 hours in HIV/AIDS. |
| Medical Errors | 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. |
Important Deadline
The current licensure period ends November 30, 2025.
This means that the 24 required continuing education hours per biennium of licensure must be met by November 30, 2025. If you are licensed in the second half of the biennium you are only required to complete a two (2) hour medical errors course and one (1) hour of HIV.
