For Initial Licensure

Applicants are required to submit proof of completion of a two (2) hour course relating to prevention of medical errors prior to initial licensure. Click here for a list of approved courses.

For Initial Licensure Renewal in the Second Half of the Biennium

Licensees initially licensed in the second half of the two year licensure period (biennium) (on or after December 1st of an even year) are exempt from the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal with the exception of:

• Two (2) hour course relating to prevention of medical errors
• One (1) hour of HIV/AIDS.

For Licensure Renewal

Every licensee must complete 24 hours of approved CE within the biennium, regardless of where you live or if/where you work. It is the licensee's responsibility to ensure the courses are approved for Florida Physical Therapy. The requirements are:

• Two (2) hours of prevention of medical errors education
• 22 hours of general CE
• Up to twelve hours may come from home study/online courses
• No more than five contact hours of courses in risk management shall be accepted within a biennium. Up to three contact hours in HIV/AIDS education pursuant to Rule Chapter 64B17-8, F.A:C., may be included in the 24 contact hours. Up to three contact hours in prevention of medical errors education pursuant to Rule Chapter 64B17-8, F.A:C., may be included in the 24 contact hours.

For a listing of approved courses or to have a course you have already taken approved, please contact the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA) at (850) 513-0083.

What does the Florida board allow for Continuing Education Credit?

The Board shall make exceptions for licensees from the continuing education requirements including waiver of all or a portion of these requirements or the granting of an extension of time in which to complete these requirements upon a finding of good cause by majority vote of the Board at a public meeting following receipt of a written request for exception based upon emergency or hardship. Emergency or hardship cases are those: 1) involving long term personal illness or illness involving a close relative or person for whom the licensee has care-giving responsibilities; 2) where the licensee can demonstrate that the required course(s) are not reasonably available; and 3) other demonstrated economic, technological or legal hardships that substantially relate to the ability to perform or complete the continuing education requirements.

If you wish to request an exception and you have a hardship listed above, you must submit your request in writing to MQA_PhysicalTherapy@doh.state.fl.us, or Board of Physical Therapy, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, C-05, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255. Your request will be placed on the next available board meeting agenda for consideration.