Florida

Board

of

Occupational Therapy

Your email address is initially used to create your user account to facilitate prompter correspondence when processing your licensure, for deficiencies, confirmation when your license is issued, and your renewal contact information.

Providing your email address is optional, however, it is strongly encouraged. Emails may be important to you as a licensee for historical records and documentation.

You may send an email to the Board’s email address: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov to request it be added to your records, or you may login to your account at MQA’s Online Services Licensee Resource page at: www.flhealthsource.gov and add it under Change my address.

Applicants cannot correct, add or change an application once submitted. You can login to your account (at MQA’s Online Services Licensee Resource page at: www.flhealthsource.gov) and upload documents, add money (under “Other Options”), and view the status of your application (which does not change until an application processor reviews and updates the file.

To address an application deficiency or error in your application, you may send an email to the Board email address at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov or reply directly to your application processor’s email. PLEASE always include your complete name as entered on your application, your application File# and/or last 4 digits of your social security number with all correspondence. (Note: A license will not be issued without a social security number included in your application). If you did not include your social security number on your application, this will be an application deficiency. Please send your social security number by upload, email or fax to: (850)414-6860 to avoid a delay in your licensure processing.

To pay the required fees online, you may login in to your MQA Online Services Portal account at: www.flhealthsource.gov and follow the steps below:

1). Go to Make Payment under the “Additional Activities” section.
2). Select the application that is pending payment of required fees.
3). Follow the prompts to submit payment by credit card.

If you are choose to pay by cashier’s check or money order please print your application summary; Make payment payable to DOH/Board of Occupational Therapy (include file# on your payment) and mail to:

DOH/Division of Medical Quality Assurance Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
PO Box 6320
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6320

If you have used an “Other Payer Code,” Please contact the institution that provided you the code to arrange payment.

If you have questions or problems while trying to submit your online payment please contact our Customer Care Center at: (850) 488-0595 or Licensure Services Unit at: (850) 245-5773.

A license cannot be issued without a social security number. If you did not include your social security number on your application, this will be an application deficiency.  You must login to your account (at MQA’s Online Services Licensee Resource page at: www.flhealthsource.gov ) and upload a copy of your Social Security card or a written note with your Social security number and name as listed on your application.

NOTE: Applicants cannot correct, add, or change an application once submitted, only upload documents, add money (under “Additional /Other Options”), and view the status of your application. An application status does not change until an application processor reviews and updates the file. After uploading document(s) it is best to send an email to inform staff for prompt review at the Board’s email address: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov

Applications are reviewed in date receipt order. By statute requirement, Board staff has 30 days from the date of submission/receipt, to review an application. However, our reviews are mostly completed within 10 days, at an average of 3-7 days. You will receive an email immediately from the application processor when the initial review is completed, advising the application status, regarding any deficiencies or confirmation of licensure completion. Once a license is issued, the number will be sent to you via email/licensure letter and the actual license should be printed and received within 7- 10 business days.

You may select “Other” or “Out of State” for you school selection and add the name of the school and information in the notes.
You may also send an email to the Board email address: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov or reply to your application processor’s email. PLEASE always include your complete name as entered on your application, your application File# and/or last 4 digits of your social security number with all correspondence. (Note: A license will not be issued without a social security number included in your application). If you did not include your social security number on your application, this will be an application deficiency. Please send your social security number by upload, email or fax to: (850)414-6860 to avoid a delay in your licensure processing.

An OPEN status means an application has not been initially reviewed yet. Applications are reviewed in date receipt order. Staff has 30 days from the date of submission to review applications, however, our reviews are mostly completed within 10 days, at an average of 3-7 days. You will receive an email immediately from the application processor when the initial review is completed, advising the application status, regarding any deficiencies or confirmation of licensure completion. Once a license is issued, the number will be sent to you via email/licensure letter and the actual license should be printed and received within 7- 10 business days.

For Applicants Seeking Reentry into the Profession: Rule 64B11-2.012, F.A.C., requires any applicant seeking licensure, who has not been in active practice within the last five years, to submit documentation of 50 continuing education hours, relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. Twelve (12) of these 50 hours may be completed as home study. At least 38 hours must be completed as “live” interactive (in real time) courses. These may be online or physical attendance courses. Courses must be completed within the year prior to licensure and verification must be submitted before a license can be issued. Submit proof of continuing education hours with a detailed list of courses, hours and dates, taken when submitting an application.

This requirement only applies to applicants who have held an OT or OTA license, had a break in active practice, and are now re-entering the profession.

It is not required, but strongly advised to take a Florida Board approved Laws and Rules course as a part of the 50 re-entry continuing education hours.

Section 456.013(1)(a), Florida Statutes does not allow for an extension. An incomplete application is only valid for one year. After an application expires you must reapply to pursue licensure.

We encourage you to send as much information as possible, as soon as possible to help expedite your licensure process. We prefer that you email supporting documentation to: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov or you may UPLOAD your documents via our Online Services when you login to your account; or you may mail documents to: Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C-05, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255. Please be sure to include your file number and complete name as entered on your application with all correspondence.

All convictions, guilty pleas, and nolo contendere pleas must be reported, except for minor traffic violations not related to the use of drugs or alcohol. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, “driving while intoxicated (DWI)” and “driving under the influence (DUI).” Crimes must be reported even if they are a suspended imposition of sentence. All prior disciplinary action against any other professional licenses must be reported, whether it occurred in Florida or another state or territory.

Each application is evaluated individually. The board considers the nature, severity, and how recent the offenses, as well as rehabilitation and other factors. The board cannot make a determination for approval or denial of licensure without evaluating the entire application and supporting documentation. Please refer to the Licensing Requirements section regarding OT applicants with “Yes” answers to previous Personal, Criminal or Disciplinary History.
“Yes” answers to previous Personal, Criminal or Disciplinary History.

“Yes” answers to previous Personal, Criminal or Disciplinary History.

Yes. Offenses must be reported to the board even if you received a suspended imposition of sentence and the record is now considered closed.

• If you have a criminal record, you must submit official court documents related to your criminal record, showing the date(s) and circumstance(s) surrounding your arrest(s)/conviction(s), sections of the law violated, and disposition of the case(s). Documents would normally consist of a complaint or indictment, a judgment, a docket sheet, or other documents showing disposition of your case. Some courts refer to these documents as an order of probation.
• If you have received discipline against any license that you have held, you must submit copies of the documents related to the disciplinary action taken.
• You must submit a detailed description of circumstances surrounding your criminal record or disciplinary action.

Yes, please visit our website at: http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/latest-laws/index.html NOTE: The information on this page is about felony convictions that prohibit licensure, including controlled substances offenses, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid fraud, etc.
For more information on offenses that may prevent you from obtaining a medical license, see statutes and rules below:
– s. 456, F.S. (health professions and occupations)
– s. 458, F.S. (medical practice)
– s. 766.301 through 766.316, F.S. (medical malpractice and related matters)

Our deadline to complete an initial review and send you notification about the status of your application is within 30 days after we receive it. Processing times of applications vary dependent upon current work loads. However, most initial reviews are completed within 1- 10 days and status notifications are sent.

By visiting your board’s licensing page. Select your profession then click on Requirements.

Mail your application and fees to:

Department of Health
Post office Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330

The division’s call center at (850) 488-0595. We are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. We’re closed on weekends and state holidays. You may email us at MedicalQualityAssurance@flhealth.gov.

You may check the status of your application via our Online Services at: www.flhealthsource.gov. PLEASE NOTE: Applicants cannot correct, add or change an application once submitted. You may upload documents, send an email with corrections or additional documentation, add money (under “Other Options”), and view the status of your application. NOTE: The status of an application does not change until an application processor reviews, and updates the application file in the Board office. The application processor will send an email update when the initial application review is completed, when new documentation is received and an application is updated. If you have uploaded documents it is best to notify your application processor by email or send an email to the Board address at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov. PLEASE always include your complete name as entered on your application, your application File# and/or last 4 digits of your social security number with all correspondence.

Staff has 30 days to process an application, however most applications are reviewed and a notice is sent by email to the applicant within 1-5 days.

Yes. You may call (850) 488-0595, the Call Center, designed for this purpose and ask an operator to give you the status of your application. Status information regarding your file will be mailed periodically.

Yes. If you do not pay NBCOT to send your scores each time you apply, we will not receive them. If you pay NBCOT to send your scores we will receive them electronically, and complete licensure usually the day scores are released. Please note, you may wait until after you receive your successful exam results and send us your NBCOT Certification number. We will attempt to verify your certification online on NBCOT’s “Verify My credentials” site. If we are able to verify we can process your licensure. Note: Receipt of the scores electronically, is usually a faster process. It is your responsibility to make sure we receive your successful score or your NBCOT Certification number to verify and complete your licensure, prior to your file expiration date.

Yes, you may apply for a temporary permit.  The temporary permit is granted as a courtesy of the Board to eligible applicants for licensure that are scheduled to take the exam for the first time, is only a one-time opportunity, and is immediately invalid upon receipt of unsuccessful examination results.

It is the Board’s strong encouragement that new graduates focus first on successfully completing the exam and apply by the Endorsement method. Temporary permits are not renewable, cannot be re-issued, so often, employers are left with the absence of a therapist or assistant, and applicants without employment, when unsuccessful exam results are received.

Our online applications are for licensure by Endorsement or Exam with Waiver and applications are streamlined; reviewed daily with licensing completed the same day to an average of 3 days.

To apply for a temporary permit you must download a paper application found on the Board’s website under the Resources Tab (http://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/resources/) and select the Examination method. You may request a temporary permit on page 11 of the application.

NOTE: the application is for the issuance of a permanent license with a temporary permit opportunity. Issuance of a temporary permit is a courtesy of the Board and may be granted if eligible, and requirements and time deadlines are met.

Before a Temporary Permit may be issued you must submit:

1. A completed paper application with $180 application/licensure fee. (http://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/resources/) Must be mailed.
2. Proof of scheduled Exam Date. This is not the NBCOT Authorization or eligibility to Test (ATT) letter. This letter/email must be from the exam vendor. Please note any previously submitted documents prior to the submission of an application, must be re-submitted with the application.
3. Proof of NBCOT Exam results requested to be sent to Florida (a score transfer). An email confirmation receipt is sufficient.
4. Employer and supervisor information. (Employer name, address, phone, Supervisor name, license number, email, and phone)
5. Application must be received and completed at least two weeks prior to the scheduled exam date. We do not issue temporary permits for two weeks or less.

Again, it is the Board’s strong encouragement that one successfully completes the examination first, and then seek permanent licensure in the state, applying by Endorsement. The online application will advise you of requirements once you create a login account and begin completing the application. You MUST submit the $180 fee, a completed application, (leave no blanks) including your social security number. Applications without a fee are not processed.  Applications received without a social security number are deficient.

No, if you successfully pass the next examination it is possible your application is still in pending examination scores status and may be valid to process your licensure. Your application is valid for one year following the Board’s approval.

We prefer that you email supporting documentation to: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov or you may UPLOAD your documents via our Online Services when you login to your account; or you may mail documents to: Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C-05, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255. Please be sure to include your file number and complete name as entered on your application with all correspondence.