Frequently Asked Questions

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 for new graduates to focus first on studying and applying for licensure after successfully completing the exam   Temporary permits are not renewable, cannot be re-issued, and often, leave employers with the absence of a therapist or assistant, and applicants without employment, when unsuccessful exam results are received.
Our online application is a streamlined process, reviewed daily, and often licensing is completed the same day with an average of 1-3 days.
To apply for a temporary permit, you must download a paper application found on the Board’s website under the Resources Tab https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/resources/ select the Examination method and mail to the Department with the required application fee payment. A temporary permit may be requested 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 eligibility requirements and time deadlines are met.

Before a Temporary Permit may be issued you must submit:
1.    A completed paper application for the Examination Method with the $180 application/licensure fee. (https://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 proof 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 paper application.
3.    Proof that NBCOT Exam results (a Score Transfer) have been requested to be sent to Florida. An email confirmation receipt is sufficient.
4.    Employer and a Florida licensed OT Supervisor information. (Employer name, address, phone, Supervisor name, FL 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 prior to the scheduled exam date.

Again, it is the Board’s strong encouragement to waive a temporary permit, successfully complete the examination and then apply for licensure.  A completed application must include the $180 fee, and a social security number. Applications without a fee are not processed.  Applications received without a social security number are deficient. NOTE: Applications with an email address listed on the application receive more streamlined correspondence regarding application and licensure status.

No. Applicants must demonstrate passing the NBCOT certification examination for initial licensure, but maintenance of certification is not necessary for renewal.

Yes.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.