How to Renew Your Florida Physical Therapy License

Florida physical therapists and physical therapy assistants must stay current with continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. The renewal process involves specific steps and deadlines that every physical therapy practitioner in Florida needs to understand. This guide walks you through the essential information for renewing your Florida PT or PTA license, including continuing education requirements, deadlines, and practical tips to ensure a smooth renewal process. 

Understanding Florida's renewal schedule 

Florida operates on a biennial renewal system for physical therapy licenses. Your license expires on November 30th of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, 2029, etc.). The Florida Department of Health typically opens the renewal period 90 days before the expiration date. This means you can begin renewing your license as early as September 1st of the renewal year. 

Florida physical therapy continuing education requirements 

Both physical therapists and physical therapy assistants must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. 

You may complete up to 12 hours through home study courses. However, real-time interactive webinars don't count toward this home study limit, making them an excellent option for meeting your requirements. 

View upcoming webinars here. 

Special requirements 

Florida mandates two specific continuing education topics: 

• Preventing Medical Errors: You must complete 2 hours focused on preventing medical errors during each renewal period. 
• HIV/AIDS Education: First-time license renewals must complete 1 hour of continuing education on HIV/AIDS. Note: This requirement applies only to your initial renewal. 

Step-by-step license renewal process for Florida PTs 

Before starting your renewal application, collect: 

• Proof of completed continuing education hours
• Current professional liability insurance information 
• Payment method for renewal fees 
  
  

Step 1: Access the online portal 

Visit the Florida Department of Health's online licensing system. You'll need your license number and personal information to log in. 

Step 2: Complete the application 

Fill out all required sections of the renewal application. Double-check that your contact information is current, as this affects how you receive important communications from the board. 

Step 3: Submit CE documentation 

Upload certificates or transcripts showing completion of your 24 required hours. Ensure your medical errors prevention and HIV/AIDS courses (if applicable) are clearly identified. 

Step 4: Pay renewal fees 

Submit payment for your renewal fees through the online system. Keep your confirmation number for your records. 

Best practices for your Florida physical therapy license renewal 

• Start your continuing education as early as possible in the renewal cycle. This approach prevents last-minute rushing and ensures you have quality learning experiences rather than simply checking boxes.
• Keep detailed records of all continuing education activities. Store certificates in both digital and physical formats to prevent loss of important documentation.
• Set calendar reminders for key dates, including when renewal opens (September 1) and the final deadline (November 30). Missing the deadline can result in license expiration and additional reinstatement requirements.

What happens if you miss the deadline? 

If your license expires, Florida requires you to complete additional steps for reinstatement. This typically involves paying late fees and may require completing additional continuing education hours. 

Be aware: Working with an expired license is illegal and can result in disciplinary action. Contact the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice immediately if you realize your license has expired. 

Staying compliant and informed 

The Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice may audit your continuing education records. Maintain organized documentation for at least four years after each renewal period. Board regulations can change, so regularly check the official Florida Department of Health website for updates to renewal requirements or procedures. 

Consider joining professional associations that provide regulatory updates and continuing education opportunities specifically designed for Florida practitioners. 

Secure your professional future