Licensing Path
There is no active interstate compact route for speech-language pathologist licensing in Florida. Plan on endorsement through Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
- Endorsement fee
- $180
- Processing time
- 4 to 8 weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Available
- Compact
- No active compact path
- Board
- Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
From the board
Endorsement Steps
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Step 1
Earn a Master's Degree in SLP
Complete a master's or doctoral degree with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program. Must include at least 300 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum (200+ hours in SLP).
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Step 2
Pass the Praxis Examination
Achieve a passing score on the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331). The current passing score is 162. Proof of passing must be dated within three years of application.
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Step 3
Complete Supervised Professional Employment
Complete nine months of supervised professional employment experience. If the Praxis has not been passed, a provisional license must be obtained first to begin supervised practice in Florida.
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Step 4
Submit Application via MQA Portal
Apply online through the Florida MQA Services Portal. Pay the $100 application fee and $80 initial license fee. Submit official transcripts, Praxis scores, and complete electronic fingerprinting/background screening.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $180
- Processing time
- 4 to 8 weeks
- Renewal fee
- $80
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years (December 31, odd years)
- Application
- $100
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $180
License Types
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist: The full credential to independently practice speech-language pathology in Florida. Requires a master's degree, nine months of supervised professional employment, and a passing Praxis score.
Provisional SLP License: Issued to SLP graduates who have not yet passed the Praxis exam. Allows supervised practice for up to one year while completing remaining requirements.
Required Documents
- Official graduate transcripts: Sent directly from the degree-granting institution to the Board office.
- Praxis exam score report: Score of 162 or higher on test 5331. Must be dated within three years of application.
- Supervised employment verification: Documentation of nine months of supervised professional employment experience.
- Electronic fingerprinting/background screening: Required as of July 1, 2025 (HB 975). Both initial applicants and renewals must comply.
Board Contact
- Board
- Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- Department
- Florida Department of Health (DOH)
- Phone
- (850) 245-4444
- MQA.SpeechLanguagePathology@flhealth.gov
- Board site
- https://floridasspeechaudiology.gov/
- Compact source
- https://aslpcompact.com/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $80. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years (December 31, odd years).
Florida Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing FAQ
How much does a Florida SLP license cost?
The total initial licensure cost is approximately $180, which includes a $100 nonrefundable application fee and an $80 initial license fee. Biennial renewal is $80 if renewed before expiration.
What are the new fingerprinting requirements for Florida SLPs?
Effective July 1, 2025, all healthcare professionals in Florida, including SLPs, must complete electronic fingerprinting and background screening for both initial licensure and renewal. This applies to HB 975 passed during the 2024 legislative session.
Can I practice SLP in Florida with a provisional license?
Yes. Florida issues a Provisional SLP License for graduates who have not yet passed the Praxis exam. This allows supervised practice for up to one year while you complete remaining licensure requirements.
Does Florida have reciprocity for speech-language pathologists?
No interstate compact currently covers speech-language pathologist practice in Florida. To work in Florida, apply for licensure by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my speech-language pathologist license to Florida?
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 8 weeks. If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.
Can I start working in Florida while my endorsement application is processing?
A temporary or provisional credential is available while the full endorsement application is pending.