Florida Occupational Therapist License
Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
Total Fee
$217
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
FDLE / Cogent Systems
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited OT program to the Board.
- NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of passing the OTR exam sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Score Transfer
- Livescan Fingerprint Receipt — Retain the Transaction Control Number (TCN) provided by the fingerprint vendor.
- License Verification — If you hold or have held a license in another state, official verification must be sent from that state board.
How to Apply
-
Register for NBCOT Exam ▾Apply to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to schedule the required OTR examination. You must pass this before your Florida license can be issued.
-
Complete Electronic Fingerprinting ▾Schedule a Livescan fingerprinting appointment with an approved vendor using ORI number EDOH4650Z. This is required for a Level 2 background check.
Find Livescan Vendor -
Submit Online Application ▾Create an account on the MQA Online Services Portal and submit the 'Occupational Therapist' application by Examination.
Start Online Application -
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the total fee of $180 ($100 application fee, $75 initial license fee, and $5 unlicensed activity fee) through the online portal.
View Fee Schedule -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Have your educational institution send official transcripts directly to the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy.
-
Transfer NBCOT Scores ▾Request that NBCOT send your official examination scores directly to the Florida Board.
Request Score Transfer
Total Fee
$217
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.
Steps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold a current, active license in another state with requirements substantially equivalent to Florida's.
Check Endorsement Requirements -
Complete Background Screening ▾Perform Livescan fingerprinting using ORI EDOH4650Z.
Background Screening Info -
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply via the MQA Online Services Portal selecting 'Licensure by Endorsement'.
Apply Online -
Request State Verifications ▾Contact every state where you have held a license and request they send official verification directly to the Florida Board.
-
NBCOT Verification ▾Request NBCOT to send verification of your current certification status to the Board.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
Keeping Your License Active
Florida Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $180 |
| Endorsement application | $180 |
| Fingerprint check | $37.25 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Missing or Incorrect ORI Number
▾
Using the wrong ORI number for fingerprinting prevents the Board from receiving your background check results. Always use EDOH4650Z.
Incomplete Application Data
▾
Failure to provide a Social Security Number or answering 'Yes' to background questions without providing required explanatory documentation will stall the process.
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for transcripts or out-of-state verifications is the most common delay. Request these as early as possible.
Unpaid Fees
▾
Applications are not processed until the full $180 fee is received by the Department of Health.
Questions
Can I get a temporary permit while waiting for my exam results?
▾
Yes, eligible applicants scheduled for their first exam may apply for a one-time temporary permit. It becomes invalid immediately if the exam is failed.
Do I need to maintain NBCOT certification to renew my Florida license?
▾
No. While NBCOT certification is required for initial licensure, you do not need to maintain it for subsequent Florida renewals.
How long does the application process take?
▾
Once all documents are received, applications are typically reviewed within 1-3 days, though the law allows up to 30 days for initial review.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
▾
Licensees must complete 26 hours biennially, including 2 hours of Medical Errors and 2 hours of Florida OT Laws and Rules. First-time renewals also require 1 hour of HIV/AIDS.
When does my license expire?
▾
Florida OT licenses expire biennially on February 28th of odd-numbered years.
Board Info
Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
Phone(850) 245-4474