Florida

Board

of

Occupational Therapy

Although the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice does not specify that OT’s or OTA’s must obtain a certain “set” of modality certifications; appropriate training/certification should be sought for the modalities that an OT or OTA intends to use in practice. The Board’s regulations specifically address the type of training required for an OT or OTA to use (1) Electrical Stimulation, (2) Ultrasound Devices or (3) Neurofeedback Device in practice. Those requirements are found in Rule 64B11-4.001, F.A.C., Use of Prescription Devices.

It is important to note that many courses may be Board approved courses for “continuing education credit” purposes, and given by approved providers found in the course search features in www.CEBroker.com.  However, for purpose of fulfilling the “modalities certification” requirements, paragraphs (1)(c), (2)(c) and (3)(c) of this Rule indicate that online courses are NOT approved for either didactic or performance training for these specific modalities.

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.

The Board has not made any changes regarding CE requirements at this time, as licensees may currently take all 26 continuing education hours as “live” interactive (in real time) courses online, as opposed to physically attending live courses.  To find providers offering interactive courses you may go to CE Broker and search for “live” courses.  Such courses may be listed on providers’ sites as live, interactive, broadcasted interactive event, web-based in real-time program, etc.  Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host in real time.  See Rule 64B11-5.001(3), F.A.C.

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.

Failure to renew by the expiration date will cause a license to become delinquent. To renew a delinquent license, you must complete the required continuing education hours online in CE Broker at www.cebroker.com and submit the renewal fee of $60, plus a delinquency fee of $55, totaling $115 and complete your renewal online at: www.flhealthsource.gov It is unlawful to practice your profession in Florida on a delinquent license.

Yes, according to the Board CE Rule you may claim the following:

(11) Fieldwork or Doctoral Capstone Experience – A licensee may earn up to twelve (12) continuing education hours per biennium for supervision of Level II Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant fieldwork students, or entry level doctoral capstone students, at the rate of no more than six (6) hours per student. Continuing education credit may be earned at 0.5 continuing education hours per week of student supervision.  To be eligible for the credit, the licensee must participate as the fieldwork supervisor or site mentor for the student for at least one full week.  No more that two (2) licensees may supervise a student for continuing education hours for each of the experiences. Documentation shall include verification provided by the school to the fieldwork supervisor or site mentor with the name of the student, school, and dates of fieldwork or doctoral capstone experience or the signature page of the completed student evaluation form. Evaluation scores and comments shall be deleted or blocked out. The doctoral capstone is an in-depth exposure to one or more of the following: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.

A current, renewed NBCOT Certification is not required for Florida licensure renewal.

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

You may send in a written request to Voluntarily Relinquish your license to the Board email address at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov or by mail, stating your request is not due to any disciplinary reasons. Be sure to include your name as listed on your license, license number, date of birth, or last for digits of social security number for security confirmation. Should you wish to work again in Florida you would need to re-apply for licensure.

IF you were licensed in the first half of the biennium (Visit the Renewals, CE TAB for specific dates information at this link: https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/renewals/#tab-ce)

OR

This is a second or subsequent renewal, you are required to complete and confirm in CE Broker, 26 contact hours of approved continuing education to renew. The 26 hours must include:
• Two (2) hours of Prevention of Medical Errors education required by section 456.013(7), Florida Statutes, given by an FL OT board approved provider
• Two (2) hours of a Laws and Rules education course as required in Rule Chapter 64B11-5.001, Florida Administrative Code, given by an FL OT board approved provider
• A minimum of 14 “live” CE hours.

NOTE: A minimum of 14 “live” CE hours are required if you take 12 hours of Home Study CE. Home Study hours are not required, only “limited” to 12 hours. You can take all 26 CE hours as “live” hours, if you wish, or as online “live interactive” courses (in real-time). Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host.

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST RENEWAL and you were licensed in the second half of the biennium you are exempt the 26 hours requirement and must only complete three (3) contact hours of approved continuing education as stated: (Visit the Renewals, CE TAB for specific dates information at this link: https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/renewals/#tab-ce)

• Two (2) hours of Prevention of Medical Errors education required by section 456.013(7), Florida Statutes, given by an FL OT board approved provider, and
• One (1) hour of HIV/AIDS education as required by section 456.033, Florida Statutes.

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.

Licensees may take all 26 continuing education hours as “live” interactive (in real time) courses online, as opposed to physically attending live courses.  To find providers offering interactive courses you may go to CE Broker www.CEBroker.com and search for “live” courses.   Such courses may be listed on providers’ sites as live, interactive, broadcasted interactive event, web-based in real-time program, etc.  Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host in real time.  See Rule 64B11-5.001(3), F.A.C.  Of the 26 required hours, licensees are limited to taking only 12 hours of home study hours which leaves 14 required “live” hours, however, this does not mean home study hours must be taken. The mandatory hours are for OT Board approved 2 hours of Prevention of Medical Errors, 2 hours as Laws and Rules and 1 hour of HIV/Aids course for first renewal. The mandatory courses are most often found as home study courses. However, again, all 26 continuing education hours may be acquired as “live” interactive (in real time) courses online.

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.

The Prescription Devices identified in the Florida Practice Act are: (1) Electrical Stimulation Device,  (2) Ultrasound Device and (3) Neurofeedback Device.

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.

CE Rule 64B11-5.001(10) Allows a maximum of 8 hours per biennium as either the lecturer, or as the author of course materials for the presentation of a CE course or program, academic course, peer-reviewed or non peer-reviewed workshop, seminar, in-service, electronic or web-based course that is directly related to the practice of occupational therapy. Credit may be awarded for the initial presentation of each course or program only; except in the case of the medical errors and laws and rules courses, repeat presentations of the same continuing education course or program shall not be granted credit. Continuing education credit for presentations of either medical errors or laws and rules courses is limited to four (4) credits per biennium. Additionally, continuing education credit for the development and teaching of postsecondary academic courses shall be one (1) continuing education credit per academic course credit.

Many courses may be Board approved courses for “continuing education” credit purposes and found in the course search features in www.CEBroker.com. However, for purpose of “modalities certification” paragraphs (1)(c), (2)(c) and (3)(c) of Rule 64B11-4.001 Use of Prescription Devices indicates Online courses are NOT approved for either didactic or performance training for these specific modalities.

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.

Rule 64B11-4.001 Use of Prescription Devices explains the training required for students, postgraduates, and licensees to qualify for the use of an electrical stimulation or an ultrasonic stimulation devices must include didactic training of at least four (4) hours for each modality and performance of at least five (5) treatments under supervision for each modality. The required training may be obtained through educational programs, workshops, or seminars offered at a college or university approved for training of occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association or of physical therapists by the American Physical Therapy Association or at clinical facilities affiliated with such accredited colleges or universities or through educational programs offered by the American Society of Hand Therapists or Florida Occupational Therapy Association. Online courses are not approved for the didactic or performance training.

Supervised treatment sessions to be conducted under the personal supervision of licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who have completed four (4) hours of coursework in the use of an electrical stimulation or an ultrasonic stimulation device and five (5) supervised treatments or licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants trained in the use of electrical stimulation devices. Treatment supervisors must have a minimum of 24 months prior experience in the use of electrical stimulation devices. Personal supervision means that the supervisor is in the room with the trainees and actively provides guidance and supervision of the performance treatments.

You may claim credit for any courses that are “relevant to the practice of occupational therapy”. See continuing education Rule 64B11-6.001 (b) “Shall be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined in Section 468.203(4), Florida Statutes, must be offered for the purpose of keeping the licensee apprised of advancements and new development in occupational therapy, and shall be designed to enhance learning and skills consistent with contemporary standards for occupational therapy practice.”

Continuing Education is for the purpose of enhancing knowledge and skills as an OT or OTA (therapist or therapy assistant), and not necessarily as a “healthcare provider or employee”. Although a course may have “job relevance” does not always qualify it to be “occupational therapy practice relevant”. If you are in doubt, it may be best to take a course you are certain is occupational therapy relevant.

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.

If a course allows “interaction” with the provider/host/instructor during the course or program, in “real time”, it may be counted as a “Live” course. The questions you may consider in this determination would be as… Will the Live webinar allow/provide interaction for signing in? attendance recognition? the possibility of asking questions, commenting, etc., i.e. interaction back and forth? If it is only a recording of a previous, in the past live program, and there is not the ability to interact with the presenter/host, it is not a “Live” course. Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction (communication back and forth) with presenter/host/instructor during the presentation of the program.

To find Board approved providers offering such “live” courses, you may search in CE Broker at: www.CEBroker.com. Select the “Live Courses” Tab, and one of the following categories: “Broadcasted Interactive Event” or “Web Based Program”. Interactive courses must be in “real time” and allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host.

For purposes of this rule, a “neurofeedback device” is any device that provides immediate feedback from a computer-based program that measures brainwave activity with the use of sound, visual and/or tactile input to cue the brain to reorganize and retrain itself.

Rule 64B11-4.001 Use of Prescription Devices in paragraph (3) explains the training required for students, postgraduates, and licensees to qualify for the use of an electrical stimulation or an ultrasonic stimulation devices must include didactic training of at least sixteen (16) hours and performance of at least five (5) treatments under supervision. The required training may be obtained through educational programs, workshops, or seminars offered at a college or university approved for training of occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association or of physical therapists by the American Physical Therapy Association or at clinical facilities affiliated with such accredited colleges or universities or educational programs offered through the American Society of Hand Therapists or Florida Occupational Therapy Association. Online courses are not approved for the didactic or performance training.

Supervised treatment sessions to be conducted under the personal supervision of licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who have completed sixteen (16) hours of coursework in the use of neurofeedback devices and five (5) supervised treatments, licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who have completed sixteen(16) hours of coursework in the use of neurofeedback devices and five (5) supervised treatments, medical doctors trained in the use of neurofeedback devices, psychologists trained in the use of neurofeedback devices, or other licensed healthcare professionals trained in the use of neurofeedback devices. Treatment supervisors must have a minimum of 24 months prior experience in the use of neurofeedback devices. Personal supervision means that the supervisor is in the room with the trainees and actively provides guidance and supervision of the performance treatments.

Yes.

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.

In many jurisdictions, the practice of occupational therapy is contingent upon the prescription or referral of a physician, however, the Florida Occupational Therapy Practice Laws and Rules are silent on this issue, not stating that a physician’s prescription is required to provide OT services. The regulations only state a licensed Florida OT and OTA with an active unencumbered license can provide occupational therapy services in the state.  See Chapter 468.203, (4) Definitions, Florida Statutes

NOTE: However, there may be, and often are, facilities, company policies, insurances, HMO’s, and/or billing requirements that may mandate a physician’s prescription for occupational therapy services, including other regulatory entities such as the Agency for HealthCare Administration (Facility Regulations), Medicare, Medicaid, etc.  You may wish to inquire and visit these entities websites:

Florida’s Agency for HealthCare Administration’s Facility Regulations page: https://ahca.myflorida.com/MCHQ/Health_Facility_Regulation/index.shtml;
Medicare: https://www.mymedicare.gov/
Medicaid: https://www.medicaid.gov/

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.

No. You may not begin accruing required CE hours for renewal of a FL license, until after your FL license has been issued. Additionally, the CE Broker system only credits courses taken between the licensure biennium dates, beginning with 03/01/of each odd year – 02/28/of each odd year). When you renew prior to the deadline renewal date, wait until after the deadline date, beginning on and after March 1st to begin taking CE for the next/current renewal period.

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

The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, will now review your continuing education records in the electronic tracking system at the time of renewal. It will happen automatically when you renew your license, but it is important that you understand how this simple change will affect the way you renew your license in the future. If the practitioner’s continuing education records are complete, they will be able to renew their license without interruption. If the practitioner’s continuing education records are not complete, they will be prompted to enter their remaining continuing education hours before proceeding with their license renewal. Please click on the following link to Become Renewal Ready.

• 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, according to the Board CE Rule you may claim the following:

64B11-5.001 (11) A licensee may earn up to six (6) continuing education hours per biennium for supervision of a Level II Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant fieldwork student at the rate of no more than three (3) hours per student. To be eligible for the credit, the licensee must participate as the primary clinical fieldwork educator for the student.

To self-submit these hours, login to CE Broker, select “Report CE Hours” and “Supervision Level II” and follow the instructions.

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)

This commonly occurs when a user has already created an account. Please use the Forgot User ID link on the MQA Online Service log-in page. If you cannot remember your password, you can select the Reset Password button to have a new password emailed to you.

No more than 12 hours of home study courses are allowed per biennium. Home study education does not include a web-based, satellite transmitted or on-line instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact or communicate back and forth with the instructor during the presentation of the program. Home study education is independent study and requires a certificate of completion. One may take up to 12 hours of Home Study, but, you are not required to take Home Study Continuing Education hours. You may take all 26 hours of CE’s as live or as online interactive (live) courses. To find Board approved providers offering such courses, you may search in CE Broker at: www.CEBroker.com. Select the “Live Courses” Tab, and one of the following categories: “Broadcasted Interactive Event” or “Web Based Program”). Interactive courses must be in “real time” and allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host.

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.

We have updated our MQA Online Services Portal to be more user-friendly. Registration is a one-time process and you can use your email address or a user ID that you will easily remember to set up your account.

A minimum of 14 “live” CE hours are required, if you take 12 hours of Home Study CE. NOTE: Home Study hours are not required, only “limited” to 12 hours. You are allowed to take all 26 CE hours as “live” hours, if you wish, or as online live interactive courses (in real-time). Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host. Rule 64B11-5.001(3), F.A.C.

To find Board approved providers offering such courses, you may search in CE Broker at: www.CEBroker.com.  Select “Live Courses”, and one of the following categories listed: “Broadcasted Interactive Event” or “Web Based Program”, etc.

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

You will need access to a desktop or laptop computer with a compatible web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome) installed, your social security number, date of birth, and your mailing address zip code currently on file with the Department of Health.

*Note: MQA Online Services is not fully compatible with all mobile devices or Apple Safari at this time.

If you are renewing a license for the first time and were licensed in the second half of the biennium (on or after 03/01/2024) you are only required to complete

3 hours of continuing education to include:

• 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Prevention of Medical Errors and
• 1 hour of a HIV/AIDS education course.

If you are renewing a license for the first time, and were licensed in the first half of the biennium (on or after 03/01/2023 through to 02/28/2024 you are required to complete 26 hours of continuing education, to include:

• 1 hour HIV/AIDS education course (for first time renewal only),
• 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Prevention of Medical Errors and
• 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Florida OT Laws and Rules.

If you are renewing as a subsequent renewal (repeatrenewal), you are required to complete 26 hours of continuing education, to include:

• 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Prevention of Medical Errors and
• 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Florida OT Laws and Rules.
• Including 14 “live” hours See Rule 64B11-5.001(3)and
• no more than 12 Home Study hours. See Rule 64B11-5.001(4)

Note CE: Broker identifies Home Study hours as “Anytime hours”. See Rule 64B11-5.001.

Mail your application and fees to:

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

Check your email account’s junk mail folder. If the temporary password email is not in your junk mail folder, make sure you entered your valid email address correctly. If your email was entered correctly, please wait at least one hour to receive the email (NOTE: Some email systems take longer to receive emails than others. Even though we send the email immediately, it make take some time for you to receive it.)

Accounts are locked after 5 failed login attempts. You must close your browser and wait one hour before attempting to login again.

Online courses may be “Live” or Home Study.  “Live” courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host. A minimum of 14 “live” CE hours are required, however, all 26 CE hours may be completed as “live” online hours when meeting the interactive in real-time definition. See Rule 64B11-5.001(3), F.A.C.

Home Study education defined by Board Rule does not include a web-based, satellite transmitted or on-line instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact or communicate back and forth with the instructor during the presentation of the program. Home Study education is independent study and requires a certificate of completion. No more than 12 hours of home study courses are allowed.  NOTE: Home Study hours are not required, only “limited” to 12 hours. See Rule 64B11-5.001(4).

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 can update your email address by selecting the Update Account link within the MQA Online Services Portal. If you do not remember your password, please contact the MQA Call Center at (850) 488-0595 for assistance in changing your email address.

The OT Board does not offer hardship extensions or exemptions. You are required to complete all of your profession’s renewal requirements, including CE’s, in order to renew. NOTE: Continuing education requirements may be completed by Florida OT Board approved providers, AOTA or FOTA providers, or any courses that are “relevant to the practice of occupational therapy”. Additionally, all CE may be completed online, if all your CE’s are interactive online (real time) courses. You may search in CE Broker at www.CEBroker.com. Select the “Live Courses” Tab, and one of the following categories: Broadcasted Interactive Event or Web Based Program. See the FAQ’s at this link for further information: http://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/continuing-education-faqs/

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.

Your email address is initially used to create your user account. We ask for your email address a second time when you renew as part of your renewal application’s contact information; however, providing your email address on an application is optional.

1. Visit the Board Website at this link at the bottom of the page: http://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/licensing/ and click on Board Approved Continuing Education Provider to view the Instructions for Requirements and the link to Apply Online. The link will take you to: www.cebroker.com.
2. Select Organizations and then Providers in the drop-down list.
3. Next, select Florida Department of Health in the drop-down list on the Provider Suite page.
4. Select the button titled Apply to Provide CE.
5. Next, select Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice from the drop-down selections.
6. On the bottom-left of the screen, the applicant will click on View Application Requirements, which will provide the list of items to be submitted with the application.
7. Next, to begin the application process, select the button titled Apply to Become a CE Provider.
8. The next screen will start the application process by allowing for establishment of a login, or, if already approved for another Board, may enter previously established login. (NOTE: Deficiencies, course approvals, etc., will only be sent by email to the contact person listed in the application.
9. From there, the system will provide prompts on completing the application, paying the $250 application fee and submitting the application.
10. For additional questions or assistance when submitting your application, contact CE Broker at: 1-877-434-6323, by LIVE Chat on their site or by email at: support@cebroker.com

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.

With a free Basic Account you can view your basic course history, which will list the course name, educational provider name, date of completion and hours reported. It would then be up to you to determine whether all of the courses that have been reported will complete all of your specific continuing education requirements. You can also self-report any continuing education that may be missing. The Basic Account provides all the necessary tools for you to comply with the departments reporting requirements.

A Professional Account (paid subscription) provides you with all of the tracking tools that  CEBroker offers. Your transcript will display what your specific CE requirements are and will calculate what requirements have been met and what may still be outstanding. A Professional Account is a subscription service and is not a requirement but it can be a useful tool in managing your Florida continuing education requirements should you chose to subscribe.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The paramount difference from the Basic Account is the Professional Account (paid subscription) transcript calculates submitted and outstanding continuing education hours within the current licensure biennium dates so you can know what hours are still outstanding. The Basic Account provides only a list of your reported and self-submitted continuing education. It would then be up to you to determine whether all of the courses that have been reported and/or self-submitted will complete all of your specific continuing education requirements within the correct renewal biennium dates.

The email address provided at the time of registration is private and will not be provided to the public. If you provide an email address within an application’s contact information (i.e. when renewing), the address will be saved in our licensing database and becomes public information.

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.

You will be able to view your course history free of charge. Your course history will show all the courses that have been reported.

Yes, a licensee who is the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States is exempt from all licensure renewal provisions for any period of time in which the licensee is absent from the State of Florida due to the spouse’s duties with the Armed Forces. The licensee must document the absence and submit copies of the spouse’s military orders/status to the Board, per Board Rule 64B11-5.0065, F.A.C.

• Must submit a request to be placed in Military/ Active status with official military orders. If orders do not include spouse in written content, a marriage certificate must also be submitted with the request.

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.

No, subscriptions remain optional. There are a number of services you can receive by subscribing, however, it is optional. You can always search for courses, report your hours, and view your course history free of charge by creating a Basic Account.

– Renew Clear/Active. Complete and confirm 26 continuing education hours in CE Broker (www.CEBroker.com) and submit a $60 renewal fee. Note: Continuing education hours must include 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved Laws and Rules course, 2 hours Florida OT Board approved Medical Errors course, and a minimum of 14 “live” interactive hours (in real-time). Hours may be completed with interactive online courses. Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host during the completion of the program or course. Visit: www.flhealthsource.gov or go directly to the Licensee Online Services Portal:  https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal to complete this transaction online and receive licensure renewal confirmation.

– Renew Clear/Inactive. To Renew your license into the same Inactive status, you may submit a $60 renewal fee online and selecting Clear/ Inactive status. NOTE: This status will “hold” a license for later reactivation, however, is not intended for a long-term status. Because you choose not to work in Florida, does not mean your license must be in an Inactive status. This is not the purpose for this status. Continuing education requirements and renewal fees continue to accrue for the biennial period you renewed Inactive and for each licensure biennial period in which the license remains in an Inactive status. Visit: www.flhealthsource.gov or go directly to the Licensee Online Services Portal:  https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal to complete this transaction online and receive licensure renewal confirmation.

– Reactivate from the Inactive status, to a Clear/Active status.  This transaction cannot be completed online.  Requirements are 1) Submit the Reactivation Application form (download from the Board’s website, “Resources” tab or send a request to the Board office at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov), 2) submit online in CE Broker, the required 26 hours of continuing education for the renewal biennium you changed your status to Inactive and 26 hours for each licensure biennium, in which the license remained in an Inactive status. 3) a $100 reactivation fee, along with any delinquent renewal fees, and if you choose to reactivate outside of a renewal window, an additional $50 change of status fee is required.  These fees and changes must be completed by mail. See Rule 64B11-5.006 Inactive and Delinquent Status Fees.

– Renew Retired. This transaction cannot be completed online. Submit a written request to change license to Retired status by mail and submit a $50 fee.

–  Reactivate a Retired license. You may Reactivate a Retired license by mail (transaction cannot be completed online) by submitting the Reactivation Application form (download from the Board’s website, “Resources” tab or send a request to the Board office at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov,  You must submit a written request to convert your retired license to an active status. To reactivate the license you must pay the same amount as the renewal fee $60 for an active status licensee for each biennial licensure period in which the licensee was in retired status. You must also submit proof of completing 26 hours of CE, in CE Broker (www.CEBroker.com) including the statutory mandated courses (2 hours laws and rules and 2 hours medical errors) for each biennium the license was in a retired status.  This is not a status valid to work in Florida. It is unlawful to practice your profession in Florida on a Retired status license. You may email the Board office for your specific requirements at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov See 64B11-5.0041 Retired Status and Reactivation of Retired Status License; Fees.

– Not Renew or change licensure status. You may choose to not do anything at this time, and your license will go into a Delinquent Status after the renewal deadline. (NOTE: this is not a derogatory status, only indicates your license has not been renewed). This is not a status valid to work in Florida. It is unlawful to practice your profession in Florida with a delinquent license status. To renew a delinquent license, you will be required to complete the CE requirements in CE Broker and submit a $55 delinquent fee, along with the past renewal fee $60 ($115), if submitted prior to the next renewal deadline. After a second non-renewed biennium period, the license will go into a Null and Void status. A Null and Void license cannot be renewed or reactivated. Should you ever desire to work in Florida you would be required to re-apply for licensure and meet the current licensure eligibility requirements.

– Voluntarily Relinquish. You may choose to send a written request to voluntarily relinquish your license to the Board email address at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov stating your request is not due to any disciplinary reasons. Should you ever desire to work in Florida you would be required to re-apply for licensure and meet the current licensure eligibility requirements.

No, you can report your hours free of charge anytime during the biennium. For more information please visit www.CEBroker.com. Please note, if you take a course from a Florida Board approved Provider they are required to report on your behalf. If you take a course from a non OT Board approved provider it is your responsibility to report completion. There may be other ways for you to obtain credit towards continuing education required for license renewal. For specific approved methods of obtaining continuing education for your profession please review your Board rules.

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.

Continuing Education is a requirement to renew a professional license. Section 456.025(7), F.S. requires the Department to implement an electronic continuing education tracking system for each biennial renewal cycle and to integrate such system into the licensure and renewal system. The Department has selected CE Broker as the electronic continuing education tracking system.

You may claim credit for any courses that are “relevant to the practice of occupational therapy”. Continuing Education Rule 64B11-6.001 (b) states that CE credit will be awarded for completion of courses that… “Shall be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined in Section 468.203(4), Florida Statutes, must be offered for the purpose of keeping the licensee apprised of advancements and new development in occupational therapy, and shall be designed to enhance learning and skills consistent with contemporary standards for occupational therapy practice.”    Continuing Education is for the purpose of making one a better OT or OTA “therapist or therapy assistant”, and not necessarily  a better “healthcare provider” or “healthcare employee”.

Yes, but only up to 6 hours per biennium are allowed, and approval must be requested prior to services being rendered.  See the Board’s CE Rule 64B11-5.001 (15) Performance of Pro Bono Services – A licensee may receive up to six (6) hours per biennium of continuing education credit through the performance of pro bono services to the indigent as provided in Section 456.013(9), F.S., or to underserved populations, or in areas of critical need within the state where the licensee practices. In order to receive credit under this rule, licensees must make a written request to the Board and receive approval in advance. One (1) hour credit shall be given for each two (2) hours worked. In the written request, licensees shall disclose the type, nature and extent of services to be rendered, the facility where the services will be rendered, the number of patients expected to be serviced, and a statement indicating that the patients to be served are indigent. If the licensee intends to provide services in underserved or critical need areas, the written request shall provide a brief explanation as to those facts.

To find approved Continuing Education courses, follow these instructions:

1. Go to www.cebroker.com
2. Select “Course Search”.
3. Select “Florida Department of Health” and enter your preferred selections.
4. Once you have entered your criteria, click on the search button and the system will produce a list of approved courses.

Yes. Any hours not reported by a provider, for which a licensee has proof of attendance, can be easily self-reported.

First, verify whether the course provider is a Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice approved provider by visiting the CE Providers Search option for approved providers on CE Broker, at: www.CEBroker.com. If they are a Board approved provider their courses are acceptable for continuing education credit.  Secondly, verify whether they are an approved CE Provider for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or a Florida Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) provider, which by Board Rule would also be acceptable continuing education.

If the provider does not have specific approval by the Board, AOTA or FOTA, you would need to consider whether the certification you are seeking meets the Board’s CE acceptance criteria for other courses relevant to the practice as defined in Board Rule 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code.  Please compare the information from the course you are considering to the outlined criteria in this rule to determine whether it meets the stated requirements.  If you determine it is relevant to the practice of occupational therapy and to take the course, you will need to self-report the course to your personal CEBroker account according to the instructions below.  You are not required to have a paid account to self-report in Ce Broker.  You would need to login to your CEBroker dashboard, where you will see the option to self-report CE.  You would report under the category “Course/Program Relevant To The Practice Of Occupational Therapy”.

How to Self-Report non-Board approved, relevant to the practice of occupational therapy practice continuing education hours. ↓

Questions

1. 1. 1. What is the name of the continuing education provider?
         A:/ Short Answer
      2. What is the name of the course as indicated on your course completion certificate?
         A:/ Short Answer
      3. Was the course presented by an instructor possessing education and/or experience relevant to the subject matter of the course?
         A:/ Short Answer
      4. Please indicate, from the selections below, how this course was most relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined by Florida law?
         A:/ Multiple Choice:
         1. Most relevant to achieving functional outcomes by maximizing the independence and maintenance of an individual limited by a physical injury or illness.
         2. Most relevant to achieving functional outcomes by maximizing the independence and maintenance of an individual limited by a cognitive impairment, a psychosocial dysfunction, a mental illness, a developmental or a learning disability, or an adverse environmental condition.
         3. Most relevant to occupational therapy skills related to the observation or the administration and interpretation of standardized or non-standardized tests and measurements to identify areas for occupational therapy services.
         4. Most relevant to occupational therapy services involving treatment, education, consultation or interventions directed toward developing daily living skills, work readiness or work performance, play skills or leisure capacities, or enhancing educational performance skills.
         5. Most relevant to occupational therapy services providing for the development of sensory-motor, perceptual, or neuromuscular functioning; range of motion; or emotional, motivational, cognitive, or psychosocial components of performance.

   Attachments: If submitting documentation, be prepared to attach your certificate of completion.

   Attestation: I hereby certify that the answers on this application are true and correct.

   Pursuant to Section 456.072(1), F.S., making misleading or fraudulent representations shall constitute grounds for which disciplinary actions specified in Section 456.072(2)(3), F.S., may be taken.

If the provider does not have specific approval by the Board, AOTA or FOTA, you would need to consider whether the certification you are seeking meets the Board’s CE acceptance criteria for other courses relevant to the practice as defined in Board Rule 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code.  Please compare the information from the course you are considering to the outlined criteria in this rule to determine whether it meets the stated requirements.  If you determine it is relevant to the practice of occupational therapy and to take the course, you will need to self-report the course to your personal CEBroker account according to the instructions below.  You are not required to have a paid account to self-report in Ce Broker.  You would need to login to your CEBroker dashboard, where you will see the option to self-report CE.  You would report under the category “Course/Program Relevant To The Practice Of Occupational Therapy”.

Questions

1. What is the name of the continuing education provider?
   A:/ Short Answer
2. What is the name of the course as indicated on your course completion certificate?
   A:/ Short Answer
3. Was the course presented by an instructor possessing education and/or experience relevant to the subject matter of the course?
   A:/ Short Answer
4. Please indicate, from the selections below, how this course was most relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined by Florida law?
   A:/ Multiple Choice:
   1. Most relevant to achieving functional outcomes by maximizing the independence and maintenance of an individual limited by a physical injury or illness.
   2. Most relevant to achieving functional outcomes by maximizing the independence and maintenance of an individual limited by a cognitive impairment, a psychosocial dysfunction, a mental illness, a developmental or a learning disability, or an adverse environmental condition.
   3. Most relevant to occupational therapy skills related to the observation or the administration and interpretation of standardized or non-standardized tests and measurements to identify areas for occupational therapy services.
   4. Most relevant to occupational therapy services involving treatment, education, consultation or interventions directed toward developing daily living skills, work readiness or work performance, play skills or leisure capacities, or enhancing educational performance skills.
   5. Most relevant to occupational therapy services providing for the development of sensory-motor, perceptual, or neuromuscular functioning; range of motion; or emotional, motivational, cognitive, or psychosocial components of performance.

Attachments: If submitting documentation, be prepared to attach your certificate of completion.

Attestation: I hereby certify that the answers on this application are true and correct.

Pursuant to Section 456.072(1), F.S., making misleading or fraudulent representations shall constitute grounds for which disciplinary actions specified in Section 456.072(2)(3), F.S., may be taken.

A PDU is a Professional Development Unit. Most often, it is equal to one contact hour. One AOTA CEU is equal to ten contact hours, or ten PDUs. For more clarification on the conversion from contact hours to PDUs when it is not an AOTA CEU course, please go to www.nbcot.org, click on "Certificants" in the left-hand menu, then on "Renewal Guidelines Handbook" in the left-hand menu. The handbook should give you all the information you need for NBCOT’s requirements and how to convert hours.

Yes, if all your CE’s are interactive online courses. To find Board approved providers offering such courses, you may search in CE Broker at: www.CEBroker.com. Select the “Live Courses” Tab, and one of the following categories: “Broadcasted Interactive Event” or “Web Based Program”. Interactive courses must be in “real time” and allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host.

To obtain an electronic listing of active and inactive licensee’s mailing addresses and license status, there is not a fee. Data may be downloaded at the Department’s Health Care Practitioner Data Portal at this link: https://mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us/downloadnet/Licensure.aspx You may wish to review the FAQ’s on this page also.

You may go to CE Broker to search for Board approved CE Providers at www.CEBroker.com

You will need to log in to your MQA online account and link both of your licenses to the same account. Before submitting a renewal you will need to go to CE Broker and report all continuing education and then go back to the MQA Portal to complete the renewal process.

You as a licensed professional can make the determination if a course is acceptable for OT continuing education. Subsection (5) of rule 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code, states that courses and programs not approved shall be approved as appropriate continuing education if said course or program meets the criteria as specified in rule 64B11-6.001. The course shall be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy and must be offered for the purpose of keeping the licensee apprised of advancements and new development in occupational therapy, and shall be designed to enhance learning and skills consistent with contemporary standards for occupational therapy practice. The Board of Occupational Therapy Practice and the staff do not approve individual courses.

Yes. The normal 02/28/2019 OT and OTA License Renewal deadline has been Extended until midnight June 30, 2019. Current Clear/Active OT and OTA Licenses are valid until June 30, 2019, regardless of the 02/28/2019 expiry date printed on paper licensees.  The normal expiry date for occupational therapist and assistant licenses is February 28^th of every odd-numbered year. However, due to the impacts of Hurricane Michael, the Florida OT Board has recently approved an extension in which all licensees will have additional time to complete required continuing education and submit required renewal fees no later than June 30, 2019. You may verify this extension on our website at: https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/latest-news/executive-orders-issued-by-governor-scott/

ATTENTION:  EXECUTIVE ORDERS ISSUED BY GOVERNOR SCOTT – On October 7, 2018, Governor Rick Scott issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Florida, for Hurricane Michael.  The Florida Department of Health, in accordance with Executive Order number 18-276 and Executive Order number 18-277, has therefore extended license expiration deadlines for Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants (February 28, 2019) to midnight on June 30, 2019. Unless another extension is granted, any active license not renewed before this time will go into a delinquent status. 

As posted in Latest News on December 20, 2018, Florida DEPT of Health, Board of Occupational Therapy website: https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/

• If a licensee renews by the original 02/28/2019 renewal deadline, continuing education hours accrued on or after 03/01/2019, will count towards the 02/28/2021 renewal.
• If a licensee renews after the original 02/28/2019 renewal deadline, continuing education hours taken after their processed renewal date will count for the 2021 renewal.
• Please allow up to 7 days for receipt of your printed license after you complete your individual renewal. To ensure proper processing, a duplicate license should not be requested until at least 10 days after you complete your individual renewal.
• Renew your license at: flhealthsource.gov.

Two hours for renewal. Course must be given by a Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice approved provider. Even though you may have been required to complete a 2 hour course in prevention of medical errors for initial licensure purposes (prior to July 1, 2016), you must complete an additional 2 hours of prevention of medical errors for each renewal. Course must include: A study of root-cause analysis; Error reduction and prevention; Patient safety; and Contraindications and indications specific to occupational therapy management including medication and side effects.

The Board’s measurement for Continuing Education hours is by contact hours. One (1) contact hour  equals a minimum of fifty (50) minutes.  One half (1/2 or .5) contact hours equals a minimum of twenty-five (25) minutes.

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.

Yes. Board Rule 64B11-6.001 (4)(b), Florida Administrative Code, states courses sponsored by an approved accredited (American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) www.aota.org) college or university when providing a program/curriculum for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants shall be awarded 10 hours of continuing education credit per semester hour and shall be verified by official transcripts.

Any questions about billing or insurance coverage is not included in the Board’s Practice Act, falls outside of our department and should be directed to the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) or Office of Insurance Regulation.

• Information related to Medicaid may be found on AHCA’s website at https://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid
• Rules applicable to billing, reimbursement, and Medicaid may be found on AHCA’s website at https://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/rules

Continuing education hours can only be credited within the current biennium dates in which they are taken. A licensure biennium is the twenty-four month period between expiration dates. All occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy continuing education provider licenses expire on February 28 of every odd year. New hours may be accrued on or after March 1, odd year. It is during this time period that the continuing education requirements must be met for each renewal cycle. You may visit the Boards Renewal page to see the CURRENT RENEWAL DATES.

Yes. Courses and programs not approved by the Board nor sponsored by an approved provider shall be approved as appropriate continuing education if said course or program meets the same criteria for provider approval. In summary, course must be “relevant to the practice occupational therapy”; given by appropriate educators, with experience and credentials relevant to the course or program’s subject matter; documentation obtained regarding the course educational goals, objectives and teaching methods; and receipts, vouchers, certificates, or other papers documenting proof of completion and proof of the number of the contact hours awarded. See 64B11-6.001(5), F.A.C.

There is no time limitation between graduation date and exam date.

Yes, as long as you completed an approved accredited program, (by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) www.aota.org) you may receive continuing education credit. Board Rule 64B11-6.001(4)(b), Florida Administrative Code, states, courses sponsored by a college or university when providing a curriculum for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants shall be awarded 10 hours of continuing education credit per semester hour and shall be verified by official transcripts.

Florida does not have a state exam, and does not honor other states or country exams for licensure. Licensure in Florida as an OT or an OTA requires the successful passage of the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) Examination. (www.nbcot.org or 301-990-7979)

For assistance with managing your CE transcript, CE status, self-submitting courses, etc. Contact CE Broker at: 1-877-434-6323 (M-F, 8-6pm) www.CEBroker.com

Yes. Courses offered by the Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and occupational therapy courses, meeting the rule criteria, and provided by an education program approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy are approved for continuing education credit by the Board, Per 64B11-6.001(4)(a), F.A.C. Continuing Education Program Approval.

If you have a current licensure application by examination on file with the Board, your application and fees are valid for one year after the date the Board approved your application. You must re-apply with NBCOT to take the exam, request (and pay) for your scores to be sent to Florida, again. We will process your licensure when we receive your successful scores, if received before your application expires. 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.

If you were issued a Temporary Permit you must STOP working immediately and notify the Board, as the Temporary Permit is invalid upon knowledge of your unsuccessful score. The temporary permit will be revoked by the Board upon receipt of your score.

If you do not have a current application on file for licensure in Florida, after you successfully complete the exam and receive your NBCOT certification number, you may apply for licensure, by the Endorsement application method. https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/licensing/ Please visit NBCOT’s website for more information on the exam re-take requirements and procedures, at: www.nbcot.org.

Twelve (12) hours of home study per biennium are allowed. Home study education is independent study and requires a certificate of completion. Home study education does not include a web-based, satellite transmitted or online instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact or communicate back and forth with the instructor during the presentation of the program.

Yes. A maximum of eight contact hours may be awarded per biennium for attendance at board meetings where disciplinary cases are being heard, if the licensee is not on the agenda or appearing for another purpose. You must sign in and out on the Board’s Meeting Roster in the back of the room at the meetings, and request CE credit. The Board meetings last approximately 1-3 hours and are scheduled quarterly. You may check the Board’s Meetings schedule on the Meetings page. See Rule 64B11-5.001(10)(b).

No. If a course is an interactive course, it is not limited to being counted as home study hours. Home study education does not include a web-based, satellite transmitted or online instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact or communicate back and forth with the instructor during the presentation of the program. You may search in CE Broker for “Web-based Program (opportunity for interaction with presenter/host)”.

No. Always keep proof of continuing education requirements in a personal file. If you take a course not given by a Florida OT Board approved CE provider, you may self-submit your hours and a copy of certificate in CE Broker. If you take a course by a Florida OT Board approved CE provider, the provider is required to report your CE course completion credits to CE Broker within 90 days of course completion. If at that time you do not see credits posted to your records, please contact the CE provider.

Yes. A licensee may earn up to 6 continuing education hours per biennium for supervision of a Level II Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant fieldwork student at the rate of no more than 3 hours per student. The licensee must be the primary clinical fieldwork educator for the student. Documentation shall include verification provided by the school to the fieldwork educator with the name of the student, school, and dates of fieldwork or the signature page of the completed student evaluation form. Evaluation scores and comments must be deleted or blocked out.

Applicants with an Exam application on file having taken the exam 3 times without success must complete additional education as prescribed by the Board, pursuant to 468.211(6), F.S. The Florida OT Board recommends that one takes advantage of the following tools from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy in preparing to re-take the examination, as their “prescribed additional education” for those who have failed the exam three times:

Available at: https://www.nbcot.org/get-certified

• NBCOT Entry-Level Self-Assessment Tools
  NBCOT Aspire study tools allows you to identify your readiness for the exam and identify areas where more study might be helpful. Available on the NBCOT website at: https://www.nbcot.org/study-tools
• Review of Examination Content
  Provides a breakdown of the 3 major areas to be covered on the exam and provides the percentage of each domain to assist in determining which areas on which to place the most focus in preparing for the exam. Available at:  https://www.nbcot.org/exam-info
• Study Guides, Practice Tests, Mini Tests, Flashcards, Study Plans, etc.,
  are available to order on the NBCOT website. The NBCOT Exam Study pack is available 24 hours a day. Available on the NBCOT website https://www.nbcot.org/Products/studypack

No. Florida approved CE providers are required to report your CE course completion credits to CE Broker and are requested to do so within 90 days of course completion. If at that time you do not see credits posted to your records, please contact the CE provider.

There are two exemptions allowed for continuing education requirements. One is for the person licensed in the second half of the biennium. They are exempt from continuing education requirements for that biennium, except for the 2 hours prevention of medical errors course and the 1 hour HIV/AIDS education until the beginning of the next renewal, at which time they must begin collecting their continuing education requirements for the next renewal. See 64B11-5.001, F.A.C. for further information. Two, a licensee who is the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States is exempt from all licensure renewal provisions for any period of time in which the licensee is absent from the State of Florida due to the spouse’s duties with the Armed Forces. The licensee must document the absence and submit copies of the spouse’s military orders/status to the Board. See 64B11-5.0065, F.A.C..

No. A temporary permit shall not be issued to an applicant for licensure who has previously failed the national board examination and has not subsequently passed the examination. (www.nbcot.org)

No, subscriptions remain optional. There are a number of services you can receive by subscribing, however, it is optional. You can always search for courses, report your hours, and view your course history free of charge by creating a Basic Account

If you were issued a Temporary Permit and received unsuccessful exam scores, you must STOP working immediately, notify your employer and the Board, as the Temporary Permit is invalid upon knowledge of your unsuccessful score. Please review the language in your temporary permit letter. An applicant can have only one temporary permit and it cannot be extended. The temporary permit will be revoked by the Board upon receipt of your score.

Pursuant to 468.211(6), Florida Statutes, Applicants having taken the exam 3 times without success must complete additional education as prescribed by the Board. See the Florida OT Board’s recommendation under FAQ: “I FAILED the NBCOT Exam 3 times, What kind of education is prescribed by the Florida OT Board?” Also, pursuant to Pursuant to 468.211(6), Florida Statutes, after 5 unsuccessful examination attempts an applicant is no longer eligible to take the examination. However, the exam is not a Florida OT Board/state owned nor administered exam, it is a national Board exam, owned and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Please visit NBCOT’s website for more information on its exam re-take procedures and requirements at: www.nbcot.org.

NOTE: Individuals in these circumstances may apply for licensure, by the Endorsement application method, After successfully completing the NBCOT exam and receiving NBCOT certification, to be eligible for licensure in Florida. Please visit NBCOT’s website for more information on its exam re-take requirements and procedures, at: www.nbcot.org.

Once approved by the Board, the applicant has twelve months from the date of approval to take the NBCOT examination and submit proof of scores to the Board office. If you re-schedule your exam date with NBCOT, you must notify the Board office in writing. Scores must be requested and received directly from NBCOT. If one does not sit for the examination, or, if scores are not timely submitted, the temporary permit, and application will expire at the end of the twelve-month timeframe and one must immediately cease practice. No extensions are allowed.

If a PDF file fails to download, shows up blank, or freezes your internet browser, the file was most likely corrupted during the download process. To correct the problem, you will need to first clear your browser’s cache, then close and restart the browser, which entails logging back into MQA Services to continue downloading the document. If the cache is not cleared the cached version of the document, which is likely damaged, will still appear.

No. Please visit the Agency for Health Care Administrations (AHCA) Background Screening website to learn more about its background screening requirements. You may also contact the agency at (850) 412-4503 for additional information.

No. There is no additional cost for making a credit card payment online.

No, you must apply for licensure and receive a Florida OT or OTA license to work legally. OTR or COTA Certification alone is not sufficient; it is only a requirement for Florida licensure. Anyone working with only a certification in the state is subject to Unlicensed Practice charges/discipline.

Verify that you are using the email address: MedicalQualityAssurance@flhealth.gov Also, If you have SPAM blocker on your computer, you will not be able to receive emails from Licensure Services without updating your SPAM blocker to allow emails from the Department. Please update your SPAM blocker to receive emails from @doh.state.fl.us or contact our Licensure Support Services at (850)-488-0595, for Account ID and Password renewal information.

To find a list of all accredited OT and OTA programs you may visit the American Occupational Therapy Association website: at www.AOTA.org. “Find a School” under Education & Careers”. For a list of only Florida OT and OTA programs you may visit the Florida Occupational Therapy Association website at: www.FLOTA.org . and click on “Find a Florida OT School”.

The Florida Occupational Therapy Practice Act does not specifically address “COTA supervision” only the definition of “supervision” is defined by statute Chapter 468, Part III, 468.203(8). See copied below the Florida Statute excerpt with the definition of supervision as defined in the Florida OT licensure Practice Act. The statute allows and requires the licensed OTR the authority to determine what level of supervision is needed for each individual they agree to supervise, based on the individual’s skills, education, training, practice setting and management/administrative requirements, etc. An OTA must be under the supervision of a licensed OT that provides initial direction and follow-up on the implementation of a plan of treatment to provide occupational therapy services. NOTE: Some facilities, companies, etc., may have requirements based on billing purposes, facilities regulations, etc. It is advisable to review the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) who has set forth practice Guidelines for COTA Supervision, roles, and responsibilities for the profession. You may contact AOTA directly at 301-652-2682 or at: www.aota.org.

• CHAPTER 468, PART III, 468.203 (8) “Supervision” means responsible supervision and control, with the licensed occupational therapist providing both initial direction in developing a plan of treatment and periodic inspection of the actual implementation of the plan. Such plan of treatment shall not be altered by the supervised individual without prior consultation with, and the approval of, the supervising occupational therapist. The supervising occupational therapist need not always be physically present or on the premises when the assistant is performing services; however, except in cases of emergency, supervision shall require the availability of the supervising occupational therapist for consultation with and direction of the supervised individual.

This website is secured using a thawte Digital Certificate. This ensures that all information you send to us via the World Wide Web will be encrypted. Please click on the thawte Trusted Site Seal which demonstrates our commitment to your security. In addition to the thawte Trusted Site Seal, you will also see the “lock” emblem displayed in the browser. In Internet Explorer 6, the lock emblem can be found in the lower right-hand corner of the status bar. In Internet Explorer 7.0, the lock emblem can be found next to the address (URL) line. In FireFox and Netscape, the emblem can be found in both locations.

Board Rule 64B11-2.011 Definition of Supervised Fieldwork Experience identifies the supervision regarding students. The Rule does not state an OTA can supervise an OT student, only indicates a licensed OT as the OT student’s supervisor.

64B11-2.011 Definition of Supervised Fieldwork Experience. Supervision, for purposes of this rule, shall mean that the occupational therapist student or occupational therapy assistant student has daily direct contact at the worksite with his or her supervisor. The term “supervised fieldwork experience,” as provided for in Section 468.209(1)(c), F.S., shall mean:

(1) For an occupational therapy student, experience at an occupational therapist level occuring in a clinical setting affiliated with an educational institution in occupational therapy for a minimum of 6 months, with the fieldwork experience supervised by a licensed occupational therapist.

(2) For an occupational therapy assistant student, experience at an occupational therapy assistant level occuring in a clinical setting affiliated with an educational institution in occupational therapy for a minimum of 2 months, with the fieldwork experience supervised by a licensed occupational therapist or by a licensed occupational therapy assistant under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

Additionally: A licensee may earn up to 6 continuing education hours per biennium for supervision of a Level II Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant fieldwork student at the rate of no more than 3 hours per student. The licensee must be the primary clinical fieldwork educator for the student. Documentation shall include verification provided by the school to the fieldwork educator with the name of the student, school, and dates of fieldwork or the signature page of the completed student evaluation form. Evaluation scores and comments must be deleted or blocked out. Per Board Rule: 64B11-5.001 (11), F.A.C.

Users of later versions of AOL may experience problems accessing links within the Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) Services page when inside AOL and using the AOL browser. This is caused by pop-up security features within newer versions of AOL. Try to avoid accessing MQA Services from within AOL. The way around the problem, once you have started AOL, is to minimize the AOL window and, from your computer’s desktop, open up an Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator browser. Type the url directly on the address line of the browser and press Enter. You will be able to access all the features within the MQA Services page without experiencing problems.

To view a list of actively licensed practitioners, use the License Verification Search and select the county and profession from the drop-down list.

Five business days.

You can request a practitioner’s disciplinary history from our Public Records  website under Disciplinary Records.

All board meetings are open to the public.

Board members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. You may apply by contacting the Governor’s Appointment Office.

Governor’s Appointment Office
LL10 The Capitol
Tallahassee FL 32399-0001
(850) 488-2183

By visiting the board’s meetings page. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on either past or upcoming meetings. Review the meeting dates to locate the agenda you need, and the board’s agenda should be posted on the right under Materials.

License Verification – Information regarding the licensure status of a practitioner. This is for use by persons or organizations that do not require a document certifying this information under seal.

Licensure Certification – Specific document certifying licensure status and disciplinary history, prepared by a representative of the Division of Medical Quality Assurance and bearing a seal. This document is generally required for applicants seeking licensure in other states and for use in court proceedings. There is a $25 fee for this service in accordance with Rule 64B-4.001, F.A.C.

If you submit a written request for a refund, the Board Office will send you a refund form to sign and return, to refund your initial license fee and unlicensed activity fee of $80. The application fee of $100 is non-refundable fee and will not be refunded to you.

There is a three year statute of limitation for refunds so if the overpayment was made less than three years ago you are eligible for a refund.

You must submit your request in writing. We prefer all supporting documentation and correspondence be sent by email to: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov. However, you may Fax or mail to the Board Office. For your Board’s mailing address, Please visit our Contact Information page for the mailing address and fax number.

Only the initial license fee and the unlicensed activity fee of $80 can be applied to the new application.

You are required to report all criminal activities after you receive your license. You may report the criminal offense(s) online via Online Services, by e-mail MQAOnlineservice@flhealth.gov, or by mail:

Florida Department of Health
Licensure Support Services Unit, Bin #C-10
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3267

If reporting by e-mail or mail, provide the date of the offense, a description of the crime, and the county and state of jurisdiction.

Yes, Florida health care professionals can seek assistance for impairment through the Department’s Impaired Practitioner Programs – the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) or the Professionals Resource Network (PRN). Impairment may be as a result of misuse or abuse of alcohol or drugs, or both, or due to a mental or physical condition which could affect the licensee’s ability to practice with skill and safety.

Intervention Project for Nurses, Inc. (IPN)
Linda L. Smith, ARNP, M.Div, CAP
Chief Executive Officer
P.O. Box 49130
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-9130
Toll Free: (800) 840-2720
Telephone Number: (904) 270-1620
FAX: (904) 270-1633
E-Mail: lsmith@ipnfl.org

Professionals Resource Network, Inc. (PRN)
P.O. Box 1020
Fernandina Beach
Florida 32035-1020
Toll Free: (800) 888-8PRN (8776)
Telephone Number: 904-277-8004
Fax: 904-261-3996
E-Mail: admin@flprn.org

Online renewal does not change your renewal expiration date. You are still required to submit a renewal no later than midnight on the date the license is scheduled to expire

You will receive a confirmation message following a successful renewal. You are encouraged to print this message for your records.

If you have any questions about renewing your license, call (850) 488-0595. Our customer service staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time. (Excluding state holidays)

No. The e-Renewal web site is a secure site and does not retain complete credit card information after the data is processed.

For Internet Explorer users, the security setting must be set to medium and cookies must be enabled. To set Internet Explorer to medium security follow the instructions below:

• Open Internet Explorer and select ‘Tools’ from the top menu bar.
• Select ‘Internet Options’ from the drop down list.
• Once the ‘Internet Options’ window appears, select the ‘Security’ tab.
• From the ‘Security’ tab window click on/select ‘Medium’.
• To enable cookies, use the same ‘Internet Options’ window and select the ‘Advanced’ tab.
• From the ‘Advanced’ tab window, press the down arrow on your keyboard until the words ‘Always Accept Cookies’ are highlighted and use the scroll bar and click on/select ‘Always Accept Cookies’. Click ‘Apply’ and retry using the e-Renewal system.

No. If you receive confirmation of a successful renewal, submission of the renewal application is not necessary.

If you have any questions about renewing your license, call (850) 488-0595. Our customer service staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time. (Excluding state holidays)

The Renew License link is only activated for practitioners who are in renewal. Renewal windows are opened approximately 90 days prior to the renewal deadline. If you believe your license is in renewal and you do not have access to the online renewal system, please email the Department at MQALicensureServices@flhealth.gov or call (850) 488-0595. Our Licensure Support Services staff is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

When you renew your license online, you will receive immediate confirmation that your renewal was received and processed successfully. In addition, online renewal allows you to use American Express, VISA, MasterCard or Discover to pay.

The e-Renewal system will not allow you to change your status online. If you need to change your license status, you will be required to mail your renewal application and fee to the department for processing.  You may download the the Reactivation Application form  from the Board’s website, “Resources” Tab or send a request to the Board office at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov

The department will mail a renewal notification to your last known address at least 90 days prior to the expiration of your license. Your license also indicates the date it will expire. All OT and OTA licenses expire on February 28, of each odd year.

There are many reasons why credit card information may not be accepted. Some suggestions for checking credit card data input are listed below. If you find that all data is complete and correct, but the card is still not accepted, try a different card.

• Be sure that you do not use any hyphens, “-“, underlines, “_”, or spaces when you type your credit card number.
• Do not type text in the space provided for your credit card type, be sure that you click on/select your credit card type from the drop down list of acceptable credit cards.
• Be sure to state the credit card expiration date correctly, with the slash and without spaces. An example of a month, year expiration would be: 09/03
• There is no comparison between the name on your license and the credit card name. When typing the name on the credit card, be sure that you type it just as it appears on the card that was used to complete the other credit card information.
• Be sure that all credit card data fields are completed.

Yes. After you have successfully logged in, you can modify your account id by selecting Update Login located on the side navigational menu.

Once you are logged into Online Services, select Update Address link from the side navigational menu.

Please note that Account Id and Password are case-sensitive. You must enter the values exactly as they were provided. Use the “Shift” key to capitalize letters, not the “Caps Lock” key.

Yes. After you have successfully logged in, you can modify your password by selecting Update Login located on the side navigational menu.

At the following address:

Department of Health
MQA Agency Clerk’s Office
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin CO1
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3251

UPDATE ADDRESS ONLINE:

• Login to Online Services by selecting your profession from the dropdown menu and entering your User ID and Password
• Your User ID and Password were mailed with your initial license. Please look at the center section and refer to the Online Services Instructions, item #5.
• If you do not have your User ID and Password, click on “Get Login Help“.
• Select “Update Addresses” on the left side of the page
• Enter the new address information
• Once you have entered your new address, click on “Process”. You will receive a confirmation page that displays the updated address.

About Your Practice Location Address
The practice location address will display on the Internet and your license. Your practice location must be a physical location address and must not include a Post Office box. The mailing address will only display on the Internet if you have not provided a practice location address to us. Establishment/Facility Name or Address If the name or address change is for a facility that has changed location, a licensure application must be submitted. See your profession’s web page for additional information.

UPDATE ADDRESS BY MAIL: If you prefer to change your address by mail, please complete the Change of Address. Written requests for address changes must include your name, profession, license number, old address, new address, date of birth, last four digits of your social security number, and your signature.

PROCESSING TIME: If you are submitting an address change request by mail, please allow 5-7 business days for processing. Online requests will be processed within 48 hours. Please Note: An updated license will not be automatically sent.

The Division of Medical Quality Assurance is now issuing electronic licenses, which enables you to download a PDF copy of your license within two business days. The license can be retrieved in the License Documents menu of your MQA Online Services Portal, https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal account. To learn more, please visit the electronic licensing webpage at https://flhealthsource.gov/electronic-licensing/.”

All medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, chiropractic physicians, podiatrists, and advanced registered nurse practitioners have profiles that list this information.

If you apply online, there is a form that you must print out that will have your ORI number pre-populated. In the paper application, you can locate your ORI number in the instructions.

1. If applicant has been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession.
2. If applicant has had a health care provider license revoked or suspended from another state, the District of Colombia, or a United States Territory.
3. If applicant has been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant has successfully appealed to have his or her name removed from the data bank.
4. If applicant has previously failed the Florida examination required to receive a license to practice the profession for which the applicant is seeking a license.
5. The board or department if there is no board may revoke a temporary license upon finding that the individual violated the profession’s governing practice act.

No; however, Licensure Verification is available for all health care professionals currently or previously licensed in Florida.

Profiles can be accessed by on our License Verification screen. If the health professional is licensed in one of profiled professions, a “Practitioner Profile” tab will be available.

The process takes up to 48 hours.

The profile contains required and optional information from the practitioner. Required information includes:

• The practitioner’s education and training, including other health-related degrees, professional and post graduate training specialty.
• The practitioner’s current practice and mailing addresses.
• The practitioner’s staff privileges and faculty appointments.
• The practitioner’s reported financial responsibility.
• Legal action taken against the practitioner.
• Board final disciplinary action taken against the practitioner.
• Any liability claims filed against Podiatric Physicians which exceed $5000.
• Any liability claims filed against M.D.s and osteopathic physicians which exceed $100,000 Optional information may include committees/memberships, professional or community service awards, and publications the practitioner has authored.

Due to the volume of calls we receive, it is more efficient to reach us through email. Please visit The Board page for a complete list of our staff and their email addresses.

You may use our License Look-Up Search Screen. The best results often occur when the system receives the least amount of information. If licensee is one of our profiled professions, there will be a link at the upper right portion of the screen that says Link to Practitioner Profile. This will take you to practitioner reported information about their education, specialty certification, etc.

Those persons certified for licensure in the second half of a biennium, on or after March 1st of even years are exempt from the total 26 hours required continuing education requirements for that biennium, except for the mandatory two (2) hours prevention of medical errors course requirement, and the one (1) hour of HIV/AIDS education given by Board approved providers.

Login to your MQA Online Services Portal account, select Request Address Change from the “Manage My License” pulldown menu, make the necessary changes and click “Submit” to complete your update.   https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal

You must determine whether the certification requirements taken in another state meet the certification requirements as required by Florida’s  Rule 64B11-4.001 Use of Prescription Devices.

There are no formal papers or certificates to be filed with the Board. You must take the 4 hours of didactic (educational) training, complete and document 5 supervised treatments. You must maintain documentation in the event you need to verify you are certified to provide services. Any occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who uses such electrical stimulation or an ultrasonic stimulation device must upon request of the Board, or the Department, present proof that he or she has obtained the training required.

Yes, an examination applicant must practice under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist until notification of the results of the examination.

The $100 application fee is a non-refundable fee. You must submit a written request, including your original signature, to withdraw your application in order to be refunded the $75 licensure fee and the $5 unlicensed activity fee.

How much supervision is required and the co-signature of notes is determined by the supervising occupational therapist. The supervising occupational therapist takes responsibility for the person they supervise and makes judgment calls regarding co-signatures based on their knowledge of the person’s skills, ability and training. Section 468.203(8), F.S., Guidelines to Supervision.

No. You may not work as an occupational therapist/assistant until you have been issued a temporary permit or a permanent license.

If you are working on a temporary permit, you must quit working immediately upon notification of your failing results and return your temporary permit to the board office.

No. A temporary permit shall not be issued to an applicant for licensure who has previously failed the examination and has not subsequently passed the examination.

No. An applicant can have only one temporary permit and it cannot be extended.

Yes. After the Board has made a determination on your application for exemption, its attorney will prepare a notice indicating whether the exemption was approved or denied.The order will be also be emailed to AHCA. Upon receipt of the order, you should retain the order as proof that you were granted an exemption.

If AHCA notifies you that you must obtain an Exemption from Disqualification from the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice, as a result of your background screening report, you will need to download and complete the form provided on its website. The application should then be submitted to the Occupational Therapy Practice Board office, along with all required supporting documentation, at the following address:

Florida Department of Health
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Medical Therapies Unit/OT
4052 Bald Cypress Way
BIN C-05
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255

Upon receipt, Board staff will review the application and documentation to ensure that all required information has been received and will place consideration of the application on the next scheduled Board meeting agenda. The Board meets on a quarterly basis. You will receive a formal meeting notice from the Board office once the application has been agendaed.

A licensure biennium is the twenty-four month period between expiration dates. All occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy continuing education provider licenses expire on February 28 of every odd year.  It is during this time period that the continuing education requirements must be met for each renewal cycle.

Licenses for occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistants expire on February 28th of every odd year. Please note that at the time of initial licensure, and during each biennial licensure renewal thereafter, the licensure expiration date will print on the hard copy of the license issued by the Department of Health. The expiration date may also be viewed on the Department’s licensure verification page at anytime.

All OT and OTA licenses expire on February 28, of each odd year. (02/28/2023, 02/28/2025, 02/28/2027, etc.)

The renewal cycle starts 120 days prior to the expiration date of a license and ends on the expiration date. It is during this time that you receive your renewal notice and when licensees begin sending in their renewal notices and fees to renew the license for the next biennium. It is your responsibility to notify the department of a change of address.

It takes approximately 1-3 weeks to process a renewal. If you wait until the end of the renewal cycle to mail your renewal notice and fee, you will not be current on the licensure computer system until the renewal is processed. There may be a period of time that your license will be in delinquent status. Your place of employment may not allow you to work during this interim period; consequently, it is recommended that you mail your renewal in no later than 30 days from the expiration date.

The department will mail a renewal notification to your last known address at least 90 days prior to the expiration of your license. It is the responsibility of the licensee to make sure he or she renews on time. Your license expiration date is printed on your license. If you do not get a notice, chances are that your address is not current in the licensure system. Address changes can be completed by you online, or submitted to the Department online on the website, by email, or by mailing a request. MQA On-line Services account ID and passwords can be found directly on your renewal notice. If you do not receive a renewal notice, it is best that you go online and register in our new online service system where you can acquire a new account ID and password and change your address in the system, to become familiar prior to the upcoming renewal. However, the Department can provide you with your account ID and password over the telephone, or by email if a request is sent online from the website.Should you need assistance you may contact the Customer Contact Center

Should you need assistance you may contact the Customer Contact Center at: (850) 488-0595 and someone will assist you, Or you may email at: MedicalQualityAssurance@doh.state.fl.us, Blank renewal forms may also be printed from the website. PLEASE NOTE: There is no grace period after the license expiration date. Failure to renew by the expiration date will cause the license to become delinquent. You will not be able to renew your license if your continuing education requirements are not Completed in CE Broker Prior to processing your Renewal. It is unlawful to practice your profession in Florida on a delinquent license.

Failure by a delinquent licensee to become active or inactive before the expiration date of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department. Any subsequent licensure shall be as a result of applying for and meeting all requirements for initial licensure.

Failure to renew by the expiration date will cause the license to become delinquent. It is unlawful to practice your profession in Florida on a delinquent license. To renew a delinquent license, you must submit the renewal fee plus the delinquency fee and complete required continuing education hours online in CE Broker at www.cebroker.com. You may complete your renewal online at: www.flhealthsource.gov

All licensees accrue continuing education requirements, whether active or inactive. You can renew without having the continuing education requirements by requesting to put your license in an Inactive status and pay the $60 renewal fee. You may even continue to renew inactive at subsequent renewals. However, understand the main advantage to placing a license in inactive status is to keep your license from becoming delinquent or null and void for non-renewal because you have not completed the required continuing education hours. When you decide to reactivate to a Clear/Active status you must complete and submit proof of 26 continuing education hours for the licensure biennium you changed your license to an  inactive status, and for each subsequent biennium you renewed inactive. You must also pay a $100 reactivation fee and appropriate $50 change of status fee if outside of a renewal window. Because you choose not to work in Florida, does not mean your license must be in an Inactive status. See FAQ: What are my Renewal options?

According to Chapter 64B11-5.001(5) HIV/AIDS, Licensees must take one hour of HIV/AIDS education no later than their first renewal. HIV/AIDS courses approved by any Board within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance of the Department of Health is acceptable for this requirement. There is no requirement to take repeat HIV/AIDS courses for subsequent renewals.

You must submit a request to place your license in "retired" status and pay a one-time fee of $50.00 plus the $5 unlicensed activity fee, for a total fee of $55. The Board will no longer contact you regarding your license. Retired status does not allow you to continue providing therapy.

You must submit a written request to convert your retired license to an active status. To reactivate the license you must pay the same amount as the renewal fee $60 for an active status licensee for each biennial licensure period in which the licensee was in retired status. You must also submit proof of completing 26 hours of CE, in CE Broker (www.CEBroker.com) including the statutory mandated courses (2 hours laws and rules and 2 hours medical errors) for each biennium the license was in a retired status.

You must renew your license every two years and pay the current renewal fee. The Board will continue to contact you regarding renewals. Inactive status does not allow you to continue providing therapy. However, all licensees accrue continuing education requirements, in an and and inactive status. You may continue to renew inactive without having to submit continuing education requirements, however, when you choose to reactivate to an active status you must complete and submit proof of all continuing education (26 hours), for EACH renewal biennium you have been inactive, and pay the $50 change of status fee and $100 reactivation fee.

During an open renewal period, if your license is in Clear/Inactive status, to reactivate to Clear/Active status you must pay a $160 ($100 reactivation fee + $60 Renewal fee). You must also submit online in CE Broker, the required 26 hours of continuing education for the renewal biennium you changed your status to Inactive and 26 hours for each licensure biennium, in which the license remained in an Inactive status. If you are reactivating your license outside of a renewal period, an additional $50 change of status fee is required.

If your license is in a Delinquent/Active or Delinquent/Inactive status, additional delinquent fees will apply. You will need to contact the Customer Care Center (850) 488-0595 or email the Board office at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov for specific requirements.

These transactions cannot be completed online. These fees and changes must be completed by mail.  You must submit the Reactivation Application form (download from the Board’s website, “Resources” tab or send a request to the Board office at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov). See Rule 64B11-5.006 Inactive and Delinquent Status Fees.

If a PDF file fails to download, shows up blank, or freezes your internet browser, the file was most likely corrupted during the download process. To correct the problem, you will need to first clear your browser’s cache, then close and restart the browser, which entails logging back into MQA Services to continue downloading the document. If the cache is not cleared the cached version of the document, which is likely damaged, will still appear.

Once your request is received, it can take up to four weeks to receive your refund.

The department will mail a renewal notification to your last known address at least 90 days prior to the expiration of your license. Your license also indicates the date it will expire.

To obtain an electronic listing of active and inactive licensee’€™s mailing addresses and license status for DOH/MQA regulated professions use our Licensee Data Information service. Please note: The department does not maintain email addresses, fax or telephone numbers in the normal course of business.

If you apply online, there is a form that you must print out that will have your ORI number pre-populated. In the paper application, you can locate your ORI number in the instructions.

You can view, confirm, or make changes to the information that will be published in your practitioner profile by logging in to the Practitioner Login page. In carrying our legislative mandate to publish practitioner profiles, we want to ensure the information that we publish is accurate. Accordingly, we ask that you please review your profile for any changes, corrections, and/or omissions. If you see the statement €”The practitioner did not provide this mandatory information”€, please provide that information. We will not accept curriculum vitae or resumes in place of you providing specific information. Changes, excluding education and training, year began practicing, and liability claims, can be made to your profile electronically by following the instructions below. You may also submit changes by mail to:

Department of Health
Licensure Support Services
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-10
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3260

Please note that Section 456.042, Florida Statutes, requires practitioners to update profile information within 15 days after a change of an occurrence in each section of your profile. Attention Newly Licensed Practitioners Chapter 456.041(7), Florida Statutes (link), requires you to submit changes to the department within thirty (30) days from receipt of notice. If you do not make changes within thirty (30) days, your profile will be automatically published. Once you have completed your review and made any necessary corrections, click on “€œConfirm Changes”€. The Practitioner Confirmation Page will display the information that will be published online, at which time you must “€œConfirm”€ the profile again before the changes will be implemented. Note: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

1. Login to Online Services by selecting your profession from the dropdown menu and entering your User ID and Password. The survey must be completed by allopathic and osteopathic physicians only.

a. Your User ID and Password were mailed with your initial license. Please look at the center section and refer to the Online Services Instructions, item #5.
b. If you do not have your User ID and Password, click on “Get Login Help“.

2. Select “Physician Workforce Survey” on the left side of the page

3. Complete Physician Workforce Survey

The applicant can download the regular application to include the supplemental page from the board’€™s webpage.

This bill amends section 456.024, Florida Statutes, (F.S.), creating a temporary license for health care practitioners who are spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces.

The applicant must provide proof that he or she would otherwise be entitled to full licensure under the appropriate practice act, and is eligible to take the respective licensure examination as required in Florida.

The temporary license is valid for 12 months after the date of issuance and is not renewable.

1. If applicant has been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession.
2. If applicant has had a health care provider license revoked or suspended from another state, the District of Colombia, or a United States Territory.
3. If applicant has been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant has successfully appealed to have his or her name removed from the data bank.
4. If applicant has previously failed the Florida examination required to receive a license to practice the profession for which the applicant is seeking a license.
5. The board or department if there is no board may revoke a temporary license upon finding that the individual violated the profession’€™s governing practice act.

An applicant who is issued a temporary license to practice as a dentist must practice under indirect supervision, as defined in Section 466.033, Florida Statutes of a dentist licensed pursuant to Chapter 466, Florida Statutes.

1. Fees
2. Proof of marriage to an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States and that the applicant’€™s spouse is assigned to a duty station in this state based upon the member’€™s official active duty military orders.
3. Proof of a valid license in another state, the District of Columbia, a possession or territory of the United States, or a foreign jurisdiction and eligibility to take the Florida licensure examination.

No; however, Licensure Verification is available for all health care professionals currently or previously licensed in Florida.

Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite the process.

The profile contains required and optional information from the practitioner. Required information includes:

• The practitioner’€™s education and training, including other health-related degrees, professional and post graduate training specialty
• The practitioner’s current practice and mailing addresses.
• The practitioner’€™s staff privileges and faculty appointments.
• The practitioner’€™s reported financial responsibility.
• Legal action taken against the practitioner.
• Board final disciplinary action taken against the practitioner.
• Any liability claims filed against Podiatric Physicians which exceed $5000.
• Any liability claims filed against M.D.s and osteopathic physicians which exceed $100,000 Optional information may include committees/memberships, professional or community service awards, and publications the practitioner has authored.

Profiles can be accessed by on our License Verification screen. If the health professional is licensed in one of profiled professions, a “Practitioner Profile” tab will be available.

You may click on “License Certification” or log in to “Licensee/Provider Services” at the following link on MQA’s Online Services Licensee Resource Login Page: www.flhealthsource.gov  Click on “Request License Certification Online”. There is a $25 license verification fee, for each request, you may submit online. Or you may click on the following link to access the login page: https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal

You may choose to mail your request with required $25 verification fee (for each certification letter requested), by cashier’s check or money order, payable to the Department of Health to: Department of Health, Division of MQA, Licensing Support Services, P.O. Box 6320. Tallahassee, FL 32314-6320

These requests are processed by the Department’s Licensure Services Unit, not the OT Board office. To follow-up on a submitted fee and verification request please contact the Licensure Services Unit through the Customer Care Center at: (850) 488-0595; Fax: (850) 245-4444 x5773; Email: MQAOnlineService@flhealth.gov

The Occupational Therapy Board office does not process licensure verifications requests. Our Licensure Services Unit does. You may contact Licensure Services by e-mail at: MQAOnlineServices@flhealth.gov  Or you may reach them by calling the Customer Care Center at: (850) 488-0595. Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. To change your name, please submit supporting documents, which must be one of the following:

1. A copy of a state issued marriage license that includes the original signature and seal from the clerk of the court.
2. A divorce decree restoring your maiden name.
3. A court order showing the name change (adoption, legal name change, federal identity change).
4. A copy of a certificate of naturalization or H1B Employment Visa (Note: Foreign applicants and/or licensees may not have state issued documents)

Any one of these will be accepted unless the department has a question about the authenticity of the document.

The Division of Medical Quality Assurance is now issuing electronic licenses, which enables you to download a PDF copy of your license within two business days. The license can be retrieved in the License Documents menu of your MQA Online Services Portal, https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal account. To learn more, please visit the electronic licensing webpage at https://flhealthsource.gov/electronic-licensing/.”

Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Licensure Support Services
P.O. Box 6320
Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6320

For requests by mail, please include your full name as it appears on your license, profession, license number, your new name, your date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number, and your signature. Please submit your name change along with supporting document(s) 5-7 business days to allow processing if you need to renew online.

If you do not require a new license to reflect your new name, you may submit your request online or by mail along with legible supporting document(s) to one of the following:

•  Log onto your MQA Online Services Portal account , select “Request Name Change” from the “Manage My License” dropdown menu
• Mailing address – DOH, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, Post Office Box 6320, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6320

The Division of Medical Quality Assurance is now issuing electronic licenses, which enables you to download a PDF copy of your license within two business days. The license can be retrieved in the License Documents menu of your MQA Online Services Portal, https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal account. To learn more, please visit the electronic licensing webpage at https://flhealthsource.gov/electronic-licensing/.”

Visit our Enforcement Website to download and complete our Unlicensed Activity Complaint Form. Before completing your complaint form, please be sure to review all instructions provided on the first page.

You may learn more about the Complaint process and submit the appropriate complaint forms by visiting our online Enforcement website.

You may visit our online License Verification page. You may utilize this service to see the status of your providers license and whether there are any disciplinary cases or public complaints against the licensee.

You can print a confirmation of license through the Practitioner Login feature of MQA Services. The confirmation is available up to 30 days after you submit your online renewal request. After logging into the system with your User ID and password, select Print Confirmation of License from the navigation bar located on the left.

If you need a written statement on a public record attesting to the record’s genuineness or that it is a true and correct copy, you may fill out the Online Request Form. Be sure to indicate you need a certified copy of the request form. A $25 fee will be charged, in addition to the public record Fees and Charges. Visit our Public Records page for information on how to request certified documents by mail.

Any substantially affected person (i.e. a licensee or applicant) may seek a Declaratory Statement. Declaratory statements regarding an opinion of a board, or the department when there is no board, as to the applicability of a statutory provision, or of any rule or order of the board, or department when there is no board, as it applies to the licensees particular set of circumstances, pursuant to Section 120.565, Florida Statutes. The petition seeking a declaratory statement must state with particularity the licensees set of circumstances and must specify the statutory provision, rule, or order that the licensee believes may apply to the set of circumstances.

You may use our License Look-Up Search screen.

You can view, confirm, or make changes to the information that will be published in your Practitioner Profile. In carrying our legislative mandate to publish practitioner profiles, we want to ensure the information that we publish is accurate. Accordingly, we ask that you please review your profile for any changes, corrections, and/or omissions. If you see the statement “The practitioner did not provide this mandatory information”, please provide that information. We will not accept curriculum vitae or resumes in place of you providing specific information. Changes, excluding education and training, year began practicing, and liability claims, can be made to your profile electronically by following the instructions below. You may also submit changes by mail to:

Department of Health
Licensure Support Services
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-10
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3260

Please note that Section 456.042, Florida Statutes, requires practitioners to update profile information within 15 days after a change of an occurrence in each section of your profile. Attention Newly Licensed Practitioners Section 456.041(7), Florida Statutes, requires you to submit changes to the department within thirty (30) days from receipt of notice. If you do not make changes within thirty (30) days, your profile will be automatically published. Once you have completed your review and made any necessary corrections, click on “Confirm Changes”. The Practitioner Confirmation Page will display the information that will be published online, at which time you must “Confirm” the profile again before the changes will be implemented.

Note: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.