An official website of the State of Florida 
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for an Occupational Therapist.
License by Examination
Requirements
General Requirements
The basic requirements for licensure may be found in Chapter 468, Part III, Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter 64B11, Florida Administrative Code, and are as follows:
- Be of good moral character.
- Have graduated from an accredited occupational therapy program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
- Have completed 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork experience at a recognized educational institution or a training program approved by the education institution where you met the academic requirements; and
- Have passed an examination approved by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) for occupational therapists. The examination is not offered by the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Applicants must contact the NBCOT, for the exam application and deadline information at (301) 990-7979 or visit the NBCOT website.
Re-Entry Requirements
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, 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. These hours must be completed within the year prior to licensure and verification must be submitted before a license can be issued.
NOTE: If you are a recent graduate from an OT program, you would not be categorized as a re-entry applicant, but as a NEW Graduate. Please select “N/A-New Graduate” for this question on the application.
For additional information please review our Frequently Asked Questions:
Applicants with Health History
If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office at mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov.
A letter from a Licensed Health Care Practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.
A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.
Applicants with Discipline History
Disciplinary History documentation must include: documentation regarding discipline, employment or occupational therapy related charges, Board orders, disciplinary reports, court documents, arrest records, sentencing information, final disposition(s), restitution records, completion of probation, employment records and/or employment verifications, employer and/or colleague recommendation letters, etc.
Applicants with Criminal History
Criminal History documentation must include for each offense: court and arrest records, sentencing information, final disposition(s), and restitution records. Of most importance, must submit proof of completion of all the court’s sanctions including probation status, if applicable. If the records are no longer available, must submit a certification letter of their unavailability from the applicable clerk of courts office.
Health Care Fraud, Disqualification of Licensure, Certificate, or Registration
Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:
- Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
- For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
- For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
- For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
- Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
- Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
- Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
- Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities.
Process
NEW GRADUATES
- BEFORE submitting the State of Florida licensure application, apply to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to schedule the examination required for licensure. Visit www.nbcot.org or call (301) 990-7979.
- AFTER you have passed the examination, you are READY to apply for your State of Florida Occupational Therapist license. See details below regarding the process for submission of your application.
- Once we are in receipt of your application and have determined your application is complete, and ready for licensure according to the Florida Board’s requirements, your license will be issued.
NBCOT CERTIFIED APPLICANTS
The following must apply using the State of Florida’s Application for Licensure as an OT or OTA by Examination.
Applicants who hold a current or lapsed NBCOT certification but do not possess an active, unencumbered OT license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States, OR, have not actively practiced as an OT for at least 3 years during the 4-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of the application.
In either instance, the applicant must enter the NBCOT certification number where requested on the application form. The Board staff will verify the information with the NBCOT during the application review process.
MOBILE Endorsement: Those applicants who hold a current NBCOT certification and an active, unencumbered OT license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States and has actively practiced as a licensed OT within 3 of the 4 years prior to applying for Florida licensure, may be eligible to apply for licensure under the Mobile Opportunity for Licensure by Endorsement (MOBILE) act. Please visit Occupational Therapist- Licensure by Endorsement for additional information.
How to Apply for Licensure
You may submit your State of Florida licensure application and $180 application fee ONLINE -or- mail in your application and fee in the form of a money order or personal check made payable to the Department of Health, as noted below.
| For Applications and Fees (Regular Mail) Department of Health Board of Occupational Therapy P.O. Box 6330 Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330 | Supporting Documents Without Fees (Regular Mail) Department of Health Board of Occupational Therapy 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-05 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255 |
Fees
Licensing Fees
| Licensure Fees | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $100.00 (non-refundable) |
| Initial License Fee | $75.00 |
| Unlicensed Activity Fee | $5.00 |
| Total Fee Due with Application: | $180.00 |
Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.”
Applicants and licensees are responsible for the fees outlined in applicable board or department rule at the time an application is received.
Other Payer Code
Other Payer Information
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA), is pleased to offer employers, recruiters and schools of Occupational Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist Assistant applicants an option to pay for the applicant’s licensure fees.
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants may complete and submit an application for licensure online. Instead of providing their own credit card for payment, applicants will have the option to enter the ‘Other Payer Code’ to complete the application process. The application will be uploaded for processing and will stay in pending status until the other payer makes payment.
Interested parties will need to register with the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice by providing, in letter format, the following information:
- Business Name
- Mailing Address
- Phone Number
- Federal ID Number.
In addition, we will need a contact person and email address. Please indicate if you require more than one payment code, or a code expiration, date and sign the letter indicating that all of the provided information is true and correct. Please mail this letter to:
Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C-05
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3254
Once the third party payer is registered, the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice will mail a notification letter including the payment code and instructions on how to submit payment for applicants who applied for an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant license. The third party payer will need to provide their “Other Payer Code” to applicants prior to them applying.
Third party payers who elect to use the Other Payer Code will be required to log-on to MQA’s secure on-line services website to approve and submit payment. The payer will be able to deselect applicants who are not eligible to use their ‘Other Payer Code’. Then the payer will be prompted to a Credit Card payment screen where they can pay by using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
Third party payers wishing to pay by check will need to send a cashiers check or money order along with a list of applicants and their file number. Applicants are issued a file number as a part of their application confirmation e-mail. The applicant’s file number is required when submitting payments by this method:
Department of Health
Post Office Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are responsible for the fees at the time an application is received. Applications will stay in Pending and Deficient status until the other payer makes payment.
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
Chapter 468, Part III: Occupational Therapy
Chapter 456, Florida Statutes: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120, Florida Statutes: Administrative Procedure Act
Florida Administrative Code
Rules: Chapter 64B11: Board of Occupational Therapy, Florida Administrative Code
License by MOBILE Endorsement
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for an Occupational Therapist.
Requirements
To be licensed as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Florida through the MOBILE Endorsement pathway you must meet the following requirements in section 456.0145, Florida Statutes:
- Must hold an active, unencumbered license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States in a profession with a similar scope of practice, determined by the board or the department, as applicable.
- Must have obtained a passing score on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy’s (NBCOT’s) COTA licensure examination or currently hold the NBCOT’s COTA certification.
- Must have actively practiced the profession for at least three years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application.
- Must not have ever been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant successfully appealed to have the report removed.
- Must not be the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the United States Department of Defense for reason related to the practice of the profession for which the applicant is applying.
- Must not have had disciplinary action taken in the five years immediately preceding the date of submission of the application.
- Refer to section 456.0145(2)(c), Florida Statutes, for licensure ineligibility criteria.
Process
Applicants must complete the following steps:
- Contact the state board(s) in which a license has been held to request License Verification be sent to Florida. If the state has an online verification including disciplinary actions, we will accept the online verification.
- Documenting Current NBCOT Certification or Passage of NBCOT Licensure Examination
- If you currently hold the NBCOT’s COTA certification, please list your certification information, to include your certification number, on the application form where requested and Board staff will verify certification through the NBCOT.
- If you do not currently hold COTA certification through the NBCOT, please list your original NBCOT COTA examination information on the application form and reach out directly to the NBCOT at 301-990-7979 to request your examination score be transferred to the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
- In the event the Board is unable to verify exam passage or current certification, applicants must have official proof provided to the Board Office by the NBCOT.
- Apply online at flhealthsource.gov, pay applicable fees, and upload any supplemental documentation.
- If applicants have any affirmative answers in the Criminal, Personal, or Disciplinary sections of the application, submission of the personal statement and supporting documentation can be uploaded with the online application.
- Please allow up to 5 business days for initial review of new applications. All applications and document submissions are reviewed in the order they are received. After your application is reviewed, any deficiencies will be communicated to you in writing by our Board staff. To expedite processing, please submit all required supporting documentation with your application and the requisite fees. If you are having documentation submitted by another entity on your behalf, please verify the Board office’s mailing address to ensure delivery.
Department of Health
Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-05
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258 - When all requirements are met the license will be issued to qualified within 7 days pursuant to Section 456.0145(2)(e), Florida Statutes.
Fees
MOBILE Endorsement Fees
Licensure Fees
| Application Fee | $100.00 (non-refundable) |
| Initial License Fee | $75.00 |
| Unlicensed Activity Fee | $5.00 |
| Total Fee Due with Application: | $180.00 |
Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.”
Applicants and licensees are responsible for the fees outlined in applicable board or department rule at the time an application is received.
Other Payer Code
Other Payer Information
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA), is pleased to offer employers, recruiters and schools of Occupational Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist Assistant applicants an option to pay for the applicant’s licensure fees.
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants may complete and submit an application for licensure online. Instead of providing their own credit card for payment, applicants will have the option to enter the ‘Other Payer Code’ to complete the application process. The application will be uploaded for processing and will stay in pending status until the other payer makes payment.
Interested parties will need to register with the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice by providing, in letter format, the following information:
- Business Name
- Mailing Address
- Phone Number
- Federal ID Number.
In addition, we will need a contact person and email address. Please indicate if you require more than one payment code, or a code expiration, date and sign the letter indicating that all of the provided information is true and correct. Please mail this letter to:
Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C-05
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3254
Once the third party payer is registered, the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice will mail a notification letter including the payment code and instructions on how to submit payment for applicants who applied for an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant license. The third party payer will need to provide their “Other Payer Code” to applicants prior to them applying.
Third party payers who elect to use the Other Payer Code will be required to log-on to MQA’s secure on-line services website to approve and submit payment. The payer will be able to deselect applicants who are not eligible to use their ‘Other Payer Code’. Then the payer will be prompted to a Credit Card payment screen where they can pay by using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
Third party payers wishing to pay by check will need to send a cashiers check or money order along with a list of applicants and their file number. Applicants are issued a file number as a part of their application confirmation e-mail. The applicant’s file number is required when submitting payments by this method:
Department of Health
Post Office Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants are responsible for the fees at the time an application is received. Applications will stay in Pending and Deficient status until the other payer makes payment.
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
Chapter 468, Part III: Occupational Therapy
Chapter 456, Florida Statutes: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120, Florida Statutes: Administrative Procedure Act
Florida Administrative Code
Rules: Chapter 64B11: Board of Occupational Therapy, Florida Administrative Code
Board Approved Continuing Education Provider
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules to become a Board of Occupational Therapy Practice Approved CE Program Provider.
Requirements
The basic requirements for licensure as a CE Program Provider may be found in Rule Chapter 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code, Continuing Education Program Approval.
All courses offered must 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 Provider application and course should be submitted for the Board’s approval not less than 30 days prior to the date of the initial offering is scheduled.
Renewal of CE Provider License:
Current provider licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on February 28, 2021.
A renewal notification from CE Broker on behalf of the Department, will be sent by email to the contact person on file for the provider license.
If received before the deadline, the Department will renew your license upon receipt of the Renewal Requirements of:
- A completed renewal application, submitted online at www.cebroker.com
- Required $250 fee
Failure to renew before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the provider license Expired without any further action by the Board or the Department.
For additional questions or assistance, contact CE Broker at: 1-877-434-6323 or by email at: support@cebroker.com
Process
CE program providers seeking initial licensure approval by the Board must:
Apply online at: www.CEBroker.com by completing an initial provider application, and a CE course application, including documentation for one course as designated in the Board Rule.
Although applications and courses are managed by Board staff, each are routed to the Board’s CE Committee Person through CE Broker for review and approval. Responses will be sent by email to the Contact person designated on the provider’s application.
Each CE Course submitted with an application must include the following:
- A statement of the educational goals and objectives of the program.
A detailed course outline or syllabus, including such items as method of instruction, testing materials, and a brochure, if available. - Current curriculum vitas of each speaker or lecturer appearing in the program.
A sample copy of the record of attendance. This sheet must have the provider name, provider number, course name, course dates(s), and sufficient space for the attendees to list their names and full license numbers. The sheet must provide sufficient space for signatures of each attendee of the program; (Note: the attached copies are only an example to follow in developing an attendance roster.) - The procedure for certification by the program’s registrar of attendance. This is the procedure used to affirm the course was completed, such as tests, a participant’s course evaluation, questionnaire, etc.
- A sample certificate of completion. This sheet must have the participants name, provider name provider number, course name, date of course, and number of contact hours indicated for that course.
- Maintain records of each course offering for 4 years following each licensure biennium during which the course was offered. Maintain and update in CE Broker course records for each course and participants.
Fees
Fees
| Application Fee | $250.00 (There are no additional fees for individual courses) |
| Biennium Renewal Fee | $250.00 |
Providers are responsible for the fee at the time an application is submitted online.
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
Chapter 468, Part III: Occupational Therapy
Chapter 456, Florida Statutes: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120, Florida Statutes: Administrative Procedure Act
Florida Administrative Code
Rules: Chapter 64B11: Board of Occupational Therapy, Florida Administrative Code
OTD Capstone Experience Registration for Exemption
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for an Occupational Therapist.
Requirements
REQUIREMENTS
The Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Capstone Experience exemption registration requirements will be published to Section 468.225(1)(e), Florida Statutes, Exemptions. Prior to publication, these requirements may be viewed here. The basic requirements to register to benefit from this exemption to licensure is as follows:
- Must be a person planning to fulfill an OTD Capstone Experience that involves clinical practice or projects.
- Must register with the Department of Health before commencing the capstone experience. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 60 days prior to the start date of the capstone experience.
Process
- Consult with your college or university’s OTD program regarding its requirements and processes to qualify for an OTD Capstone Experience.
- Once your OTD program has established the following, you may submit your exemption registration application to the Department of Health (Department): 1) Sponsoring Institution & Address of Sponsoring Institution; 2) Name of Capstone Experience Site & Site Address(es); 3) Capstone Coordinator; 4) Site Mentor; 5) Faculty Mentor; 6) Focus Area(s); and 7) Start & Ending Dates for the Capstone Experience.
- Once the application is received by the Department, an application specialist with the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy (Board Office) will be assigned to review, process and communicate with you regarding your application status.
- Once your application is determined to meet all requirements, you will receive an official letter that contains your registration number. Your registration will expire upon the conclusion of your capstone experience, or, one year after issuance of your registration, whichever occurs first in time. You should keep your registration letter on file on the site(s) where you are completing your capstone experience. Your registration will also be viewable on the Department’s public license verification site.
- Once registered, you will be responsible for updating the Board Office at occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov of any changes in the following: Sponsoring Institution & Address of Sponsoring Institution; 2) Name of Capstone Experience Site & Site Address(es); 3) Capstone Coordinator; 4) Site Mentor; 5) Faculty Mentor; 6) Focus Area(s); and/or 7) Start and/or Ending Dates for the Capstone Experience.
Fees
No fees are required for this registration process.
Statutes and Rules
Chapter 468, Part III: Occupational Therapy
Chapter 456, Florida Statutes: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120, Florida Statutes: Administrative Procedure Act
Florida Administrative Code
Rules: Chapter 64B11: Board of Occupational Therapy, Florida Administrative Code
Related Regulations – Pending Final Publication
- Rule 64B-9.009, Florida Administrative Code, Registration for Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Experience Exemption
(Pending Final Publication in Florida Administrative Codes) - 22-030, Laws of Florida
(Pending Final Publication in Florida Statutes)
Processing Times
Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Below is the average number of days at which we are currently processing.
Apply Online / Return to Login
To apply online visit MQA Services Portal to create an account or return to your account by clicking the button below.
Renew Your License
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Renewal Requirements, Process, Fees and Continuing Education (CE) for Occupational Therapists & Assistants.
Requirements
Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on February 28, 2027.
To ensure you receive your renewal notification from the department, your current mailing address must be on file. To verify or update your address visit: www.flhealthsource.gov and login to your account. Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status. Failure by a delinquent licensee to renew before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department.
Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status are required to pay additional fees and comply with specific continuing education requirements. Please contact the board office at info@floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov to request your reactivation requirements.
If you are reactivating your license, please refer to the Laws & Rules governing your practice for additional requirements.
For additional information please review our Frequently Asked Questions under: Licensee & Renewal FAQs. What Are My Renewal Options?
The department will renew your license upon receipt of:
- Completed renewal application
- Required fees
Process
Renewal Process
At least 90 days before your license expires, the department will mail you a renewal notification postcard to your last known mailing address of record. You will have until midnight on the day your license expires to renew. Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status. Failure by a delinquent licensee to become active or inactive before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department.
Renewal Instructions:
- Go to www.flhealthsource.gov and click the “Renew A License” button.
- Enter your Personal Identifying Information (PII), then click the Login button.
- Confirm or update your MQA Services Account email address, then click the “Continue” button.
- You are now in the Dashboard. During renewals, a “Renew My License” option will populate no later than 90 days prior to your license expiration date. (Note: If you do not see the “Renew My License” option, please check back at a later time.)
*** If the “PII Failed” screen displays, click the “Other Login Option” button and enter your existing User ID and password to access your account.***
Additional Information:
- You may renew online if you have a credit or debit card to complete the transaction. Please note that you can now renew online, print a copy of your application summary and mail it with your cashier’s check or money order to:
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
P.O. Box 6320
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6320 - If you are renewing your license after the expiration date and your status still indicates Clear/Active or Clear/Inactive, you will be assessed a delinquency fee. The delinquency fee will be in addition to your renewal fees.
- If your license is Delinquent/Active or Delinquent/Inactive you may still renew prior to the renewal deadline. The following actions must be taken prior to renewing your license:
- Prior to renewing your license, you must report your continuing education (CE) hours to the Department of Health’s tracking system.
- To renew a delinquent license, you will need to report your CE hours for your current cycle, as well as your previous cycle.
- If you did not complete CE courses in your last renewal cycle, you may complete them now and report them to the CE tracking system.
- To report course completion, log onto your MQA Online Account. From your dashboard, go to “Additional Activities” and select Report CE/CME.
- If your license was Delinquent/Active or Delinquent/Inactive before the renewal deadline, it will be moved to Null and Void status after the renewal deadline. You should contact your board office for further instruction.
- The process of renewing a license and receiving a printed license in the mail may take 7-10 business days. Initiating contact to confirm the receipt of fees or the status of your license prior to this time will not expedite the renewal process.
- A licensee who remains on inactive status for more than two consecutive biennial licensure cycles and who wishes to reactivate the license may be required to demonstrate the competency to resume active practice by sitting for a special purpose examination or by completing other reactivation requirements.
- If you are reactivating your license, please refer to the laws and rules governing your practice for additional requirements.
- For Assistance with Renewal Please call the Customer Contact Center: (850) 488-0595
Information for a Name Change
Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. Please submit a request including 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. Attach supporting documents, which must be one of the following:
- a copy of a state issued marriage license that includes the original signature and seal from the clerk of the court
- a divorce decree showing the name change
- a court order showing the name change (Adoption, legal name change, federal identity change)
Any one of these will be accepted unless the department has a question about the authenticity of the document. A social security card is not considered legal documentation.
Please Note: The last four digits of the SSN are requested as required by DOH Policy Number DOHP 385-LS05-12 Name Changes for Existing Licensees, which was established for security purposes due to past instances of fraudulent activity.
Fees
Certified check or money order should be made payable to the Florida Department of Health.If renewing BEFORE your license expires, your fees will be:
| Active to Active | $60.00 |
| Inactive to Inactive | $60.00 |
| Active to Inactive | $60.00 |
| Inactive to Active | $160.00 |
| Active to Retired | $55.00 |
| Inactive to Retired | $55.00 |
If renewing AFTER your license expires, your fees will be:
| Active to Active | $115.00 |
| Inactive to Inactive | $115.00 |
| Active to Inactive | $165.00 |
| Inactive to Active | $265.00 |
| Active to Retired | $160.00 |
| Inactive to Retired | $160.00 |
If renewing 120 day Notified Delinquent, your fees will be:
| Active to Active | $175.00 |
| Inactive to Inactive | $175.00 |
| Active to Inactive | $175.00 |
| Inactive to Active | $275.00 |
| Active to Retired | $170.00 |
| Inactive to Retired | $170.00 |
Licenses become Null & Void1 on March 1, 2027.
By submitting the appropriate renewal fees to the department, a licensee acknowledges compliance with all requirements for renewal, including continuing education.
A licensee who remains on inactive status for more than two consecutive biennial licensure cycles and who wishes to reactivate the license may be required to demonstrate competency to resume active practice by sitting for a special purpose examination or by completing other reactivation requirements.
1Null & Void -The licensed practitioner failed to renew their licensure status for two renewal cycles, resulting in their license expiring.
Continuing Education
The information provided is an overview only and licensees are encouraged to become familiar with the profession’s continuing education rules, Chapter 64B11-5.001 & Chapter 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code, to ensure that they meet the Board’s specific requirements for renewal. It is important to Review the Fees Tab and submit Required fees.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
To locate board approved CE Courses for Occupational Therapists, please check the CE courses.
To locate board approved CE Courses for Occupational Therapy Assistants, please check assistants CE courses.
| REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA | REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS | IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| General Hours | 22 | A minimum of fourteen (14) “Live” CE hours. Twelve (12) hours limited as Home Study. *See below under “Helpful Information”. |
| Medical Error | 2 | Must be a course offered by a Board approved provider |
| Laws and Rules | 2 | Must be a course offered by a Board approved provider |
Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on February 28, 2027.
First Renewal: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants renewing a license for the first time and were licensed in the second half of the biennium (on or after 3/01/2026 through 02/28/2027) are exempt from the 26 hours of general continuing education. However, you are required to complete 3 hours, consisting of:
- 1 hour of HIV/AIDS course. For the HIV/AIDS course this is a first renewal only requirement, and any course approved by any of the professions regulated within the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is acceptable.
- 2 hours in Prevention of Medical Errors (must be a Florida OT Board approved course).
Continuing education hours can only be credited after one is licensed and within the current biennium dates in which they are taken.
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants renewing a license for the first time and were licensed in the first half of the biennium (on or after 03/01/2025 through 02/26/2026) are required to complete all 26 as stated above, including the HIV/AIDS 1 hour (for first renewal only) requirement. The board approves any course approved by any of the professions regulated within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance, the Department of Health.
- 1 hour of HIV/AIDS. For the HIV/AIDS course this is a first renewal only requirement, and any course approved by any of the professions regulated within the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is acceptable.
- 2 hours in Prevention of Medical Errors (must be a Florida OT Board approved course) and
- 2 hours in Florida Laws and Rules (must be a Florida OT Board approved course).
- Including 14 “Live” hours. At least fourteen (14) of the required hours per biennium must be in person or from interactive, real-time courses. An interactive, real-time course may be a web-based, satellite transmitted, telephone or video conference, or online instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact in real time, including live chat, with the instructor during the presentation of the program. See Rule 64B11-5.001(3)
- No more than 12 Home Study hours. Note CE: Broker identifies Home Study hours as “Anytime hours”). A licensee may receive continuing education credit for no more than twelve (12) hours of home study education per biennium. Home study education is a self-paced, non-interactive independent study that requires a certificate of completion. Taking a computerized exam at the end of the study or being able to email the instructor with a question, does not qualify home study as a live or interactive course. Continuing education credit for video presentations is limited to five (5) credits per subject. See Rule 64B11-5.001(4)for additional information regarding documentation.
Continuing education hours can only be credited after one is licensed and within the current biennium dates in which they are taken when renewing a Clear/Active license.
Board Rule Approved Providers
-
- Approved providers and courses listed in CEBroker
- To find approved Continuing Education courses, Go to www.cebroker.com
- Select “Course Search”, Select State: “Florida”, Profession, Choose Course, Type, Subject Areas, etc.
- You may then visit the individual providers websites for further information to make your selection of which courses you wish to take.
- 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.
- Approved providers and courses listed in CEBroker
•American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
877-404-AOTA (2682)
http://www.aota.org/
•Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA)
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1139, PMB 200
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-6574
http://www.flota.org/
Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Education per Biennium
For the following, refer to the Board Rules: 64B11-5.001, F.A.C., Requirements for License Renewal of an Active License; Continuing Education.
- Up to 8 hours per biennium: Course Presentations and Attendance at Board meetings. See 64B11-5.001(10), F.A.C
- Up to 6 hours per biennium: Fieldwork or Doctoral Capstone Experience Supervision of Level II OT/OTA student(s): See 64B11-5.001 (11), F.A.C
- Up to 10 hours per biennium: Publications. A licensee may earn the following continuing education credit for publication of a peer-reviewed or non peer-reviewed book, chapter, or article directly related to the practice of occupational therapy. See 64B11-5.001 (12), F.A.C.:
- Up to 10 hours as the author of a book; See 64B11-5.001 (12a), F.A.C.
- Up to 5 hours as author of a chapter; See 64B11-5.001 (12b), F.A.C.
- Up to 3 hours as author of a peer-reviewed article; See 64B11-5.001 (12c), F.A.C.
- Up to 1 hour as author of a non peer-reviewed article; See 64B11-5.001 (12d), F.A.C.
- Up to 5 hours as an editor of a book; Documentation shall consist of a full reference for the publication including title, author, editor, and date of publication. See 64B11-5.001 (12e), F.A.C.
- Up to 5 hours per biennium: Research. Development or Participation in Practice-Related Research Project directly related to the practice of occupational therapy. See 64B11-5.001(13), F.A.C.
- Up to 6 hours per biennium: Volunteer Expert Witness Service. See 64B11-5.001(14), F.A.C.
- Up to 6 hours per biennium: Performance of Pro Bono Services (Volunteer Hours) 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, PRIOR to services being rendered. One (1) hour credit for each two (2) hours worked. See 64B11-5.001(15), F.A.C.
- 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.
Helpful Information
- Live vs. Home Study CEs. A minimum of fourteen (14) of the twenty-six (26) CE hours required for licensure renewal must be “live”. Live CE includes approved face-to-face course presentations and interactive, real-time courses that may be web-based, satellite transmitted, hosted via telephone or video conference, or an online instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact in real time, including live chat, with the instructor during the presentation of the program. Presentations that do not contain the real-time ability to communicate with the instructor would fall under the “home study” category.
- No more than 12 hours of home study courses 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 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.
- 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.
- You may wish to Visit the Board’s Continuing Education FAQs page for additional information.
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
Chapter 468, Part III: Occupational Therapy
Chapter 456, Florida Statutes: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120, Florida Statutes: Administrative Procedure Act
Florida Administrative Code
Rules: Chapter 64B11: Board of Occupational Therapy, Florida Administrative Code
Renew Online
To renew online visit the MQA Services Portal by clicking the button below.
Continuing Education
The information provided is an overview only and licensees are encouraged to become familiar with the profession’s continuing education rules, Chapter 64B11-5.001 & Chapter 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code, to ensure that they meet the Board’s specific requirements for renewal. It is important to Review the Fees Tab and submit Required fees.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
To locate board approved CE Courses for Occupational Therapists, please check the CE courses.
To locate board approved CE Courses for Occupational Therapy Assistants, please check assistants CE courses.
| REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA | REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS | IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| General Hours | 22 | A minimum of fourteen (14) “Live” CE hours. Twelve (12) hours limited as Home Study. *See below under “Helpful Information”. |
| Medical Error | 2 | Must be a course offered by a Board approved provider |
| Laws and Rules | 2 | Must be a course offered by a Board approved provider |
Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on February 28, 2027.
First Renewal: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants renewing a license for the first time and were licensed in the second half of the biennium (on or after 3/01/2026 through 02/28/2027) are exempt from the 26 hours of general continuing education. However, you are required to complete 3 hours, consisting of:
- 1 hour of HIV/AIDS course. For the HIV/AIDS course this is a first renewal only requirement, and any course approved by any of the professions regulated within the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is acceptable.
- 2 hours in Prevention of Medical Errors (must be a Florida OT Board approved course).
Continuing education hours can only be credited after one is licensed and within the current biennium dates in which they are taken.
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants renewing a license for the first time and were licensed in the first half of the biennium (on or after 03/01/2025 through 02/26/2026) are required to complete all 26 as stated above, including the HIV/AIDS 1 hour (for first renewal only) requirement. The board approves any course approved by any of the professions regulated within the Division of Medical Quality Assurance, the Department of Health.
- 1 hour of HIV/AIDS. For the HIV/AIDS course this is a first renewal only requirement, and any course approved by any of the professions regulated within the Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is acceptable.
- 2 hours in Prevention of Medical Errors (must be a Florida OT Board approved course) and
- 2 hours in Florida Laws and Rules (must be a Florida OT Board approved course).
- Including 14 “Live” hours. At least fourteen (14) of the required hours per biennium must be in person or from interactive, real-time courses. An interactive, real-time course may be a web-based, satellite transmitted, telephone or video conference, or online instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact in real time, including live chat, with the instructor during the presentation of the program. See Rule 64B11-5.001(3)
- No more than 12 Home Study hours. Note CE: Broker identifies Home Study hours as “Anytime hours”). A licensee may receive continuing education credit for no more than twelve (12) hours of home study education per biennium. Home study education is a self-paced, non-interactive independent study that requires a certificate of completion. Taking a computerized exam at the end of the study or being able to email the instructor with a question, does not qualify home study as a live or interactive course. Continuing education credit for video presentations is limited to five (5) credits per subject. See Rule 64B11-5.001(4)for additional information regarding documentation.
Continuing education hours can only be credited after one is licensed and within the current biennium dates in which they are taken when renewing a Clear/Active license.
Board Rule Approved Providers
-
- Approved providers and courses listed in CEBroker
- To find approved Continuing Education courses, Go to www.cebroker.com
- Select “Course Search”, Select State: “Florida”, Profession, Choose Course, Type, Subject Areas, etc.
- You may then visit the individual providers websites for further information to make your selection of which courses you wish to take.
- 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.
- Approved providers and courses listed in CEBroker
•American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
877-404-AOTA (2682)
http://www.aota.org/
•Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA)
1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1139, PMB 200
Punta Gorda, FL 33950-6574
http://www.flota.org/
Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Education per Biennium
For the following, refer to the Board Rules: 64B11-5.001, F.A.C., Requirements for License Renewal of an Active License; Continuing Education.
- Up to 8 hours per biennium: Course Presentations and Attendance at Board meetings. See 64B11-5.001(10), F.A.C
- Up to 6 hours per biennium: Fieldwork or Doctoral Capstone Experience Supervision of Level II OT/OTA student(s): See 64B11-5.001 (11), F.A.C
- Up to 10 hours per biennium: Publications. A licensee may earn the following continuing education credit for publication of a peer-reviewed or non peer-reviewed book, chapter, or article directly related to the practice of occupational therapy. See 64B11-5.001 (12), F.A.C.:
- Up to 10 hours as the author of a book; See 64B11-5.001 (12a), F.A.C.
- Up to 5 hours as author of a chapter; See 64B11-5.001 (12b), F.A.C.
- Up to 3 hours as author of a peer-reviewed article; See 64B11-5.001 (12c), F.A.C.
- Up to 1 hour as author of a non peer-reviewed article; See 64B11-5.001 (12d), F.A.C.
- Up to 5 hours as an editor of a book; Documentation shall consist of a full reference for the publication including title, author, editor, and date of publication. See 64B11-5.001 (12e), F.A.C.
- Up to 5 hours per biennium: Research. Development or Participation in Practice-Related Research Project directly related to the practice of occupational therapy. See 64B11-5.001(13), F.A.C.
- Up to 6 hours per biennium: Volunteer Expert Witness Service. See 64B11-5.001(14), F.A.C.
- Up to 6 hours per biennium: Performance of Pro Bono Services (Volunteer Hours) 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, PRIOR to services being rendered. One (1) hour credit for each two (2) hours worked. See 64B11-5.001(15), F.A.C.
- 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.
Helpful Information
- Live vs. Home Study CEs. A minimum of fourteen (14) of the twenty-six (26) CE hours required for licensure renewal must be “live”. Live CE includes approved face-to-face course presentations and interactive, real-time courses that may be web-based, satellite transmitted, hosted via telephone or video conference, or an online instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact in real time, including live chat, with the instructor during the presentation of the program. Presentations that do not contain the real-time ability to communicate with the instructor would fall under the “home study” category.
- No more than 12 hours of home study courses 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 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.
- 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.
- You may wish to Visit the Board’s Continuing Education FAQs page for additional information.
Other Payer Information
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA), is pleased to offer third parties an option to pay for an applicant’s licensure fees.
Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants applicants may complete and submit an application for licensure online. Instead of providing their own credit card for payment, applicants will have the option to enter the ‘Other Payer Code’ to complete the application process. The application will be uploaded for processing and will stay in pending status until the other payer makes payment.
Interested parties will need to register with the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy by providing, in letter format, their Business Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number and Federal ID Number. In addition, we will need a contact person and email address. Please indicate if you require more than one payment code, or want a code expiration date, and sign the letter indicating that all of the provided information is true and correct. Please mail this letter to:
Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C-05
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3255
Once the school/employer is registered, the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy will mail a notification letter including the payment code and instructions on how to submit payment. The school/employer will need to provide their “Other Payer Code” to their students/employees prior to them applying. The MQA Customer Call Center will not be able to provide this code to callers.
Schools/employers who elect to use the Other Payer Code will be required to log-on to MQA’s secure on-line services website to approve and submit payment. The payer will be able to deselect applicants who are not eligible to use their ‘Other Payer Code’. Then the payer will be prompted to a Credit Card payment screen where they can pay by using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
Schools/employers wishing to pay by check will need to send a cashiers check or money order along with copy of their invoice to the address below:
Department of Health
Post Office Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314
