A speech pathology license in Florida requires candidates meet requirements before services are offered. This guide offers information to those who want to become an SLP and those currently serving in another state with plans to do so in Florida.1
The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on Florida’s rules and regulations for state licensure. Please note that requirements/information may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.1
Sponsored online speech pathology programs
Online MS: Pursue SLP Certification. Study FT/PT
Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.
- Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
- In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
- As few as 20 months to complete
SPONSORED
Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU
NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.
- Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure
- Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation
- As few as six terms to complete
- Full-time and part-time plans of study
SPONSORED
Summary of Florida Speech Pathology State License Requirements
Florida speech pathology licensure requires a master’s in speech pathology as well as completion of clinical observation hours. SLPs also must complete a professional experience either on a part-time or full-time basis. The Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology can assist in learning more about a speech pathology license, renewal and safe practices.1
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Florida
According to ASHA1,Florida speech pathology licensure requires the following for initial licensure in the state:
- Candidates must have a master’s or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology.
- Candidates must complete a supervised clinical practicum logging 300 clock hours.
- Candidates must complete nine months of professional experience either on part-time or full-time basis.
- Candidates must pass the Educational Testing Service Praxis Series exam.
- Candidates must complete a course on HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Speech pathology license verification can occur only after these requirements are met.
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Florida
According to ASHA1, The following individuals are exempt from a Florida speech language pathology license:
- Students who work in a supervised training setting
- Individuals practicing a licensed profession or acting within the scope of their profession
- Individuals certified in speech-language impairment under Florida chapter 1012
- Laryngectomized individuals giving guidance and instruction to other laryngectomized individuals who are supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist or a licensed physician qualified to perform this surgical procedure
- SLPs licensed in another state who provide services no more than five calendar days per month or 15 calendar days per year under the direct supervision of a Florida-licensed speech-language pathologist
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Florida
The Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology can verify individuals for a speech pathology license in Florida if they are licensed in another state. Speech therapy license verification will be granted if the licensure criteria is equivalent to or more stringent than the licensure criteria that existed in this state at the time the license was validated.1
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Florida
Interim practice can be granted for certain applicants. These applicants for a speech pathology license in Florida who did not complete nine months of supervised professional employment and pass the exam must obtain a provisional license. Provisional licenses are valid for 24 months or until a license is issued.1
Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Florida
Maintaining your Florida license requires that an SLP complete continuing education hours. An SLP must finish 30 continuing education hours biennially; 50 hours biennially are required for dual licensees. Two CE hours must be in the area of medical error prevention.1
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Florida
To learn more about speech language pathology licensure in Florida, reach out to the Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The Board has information on licenses, renewals, disciplinary issues and SLP education.
Florida SLP Licensing Board Oversight
The Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology oversees the competency and safety of SLP practice in Florida.
Florida Speech-Language Hearing Association
Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (FLASHA)
Contact: Lyndsey Zurawski, President
Email: president@flasha.org
Florida Regulatory Agencies
Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258
Contact: Kama Monroe, Executive Director
Phone: 850-245-4161
Email: info@floridasspeechaudiology.gov
Florida Hearing Screening Contacts
Newborn Screening Program-Hearing
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A06
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1708
Phone: 850-245-4201
Email: CMS.NBS@FLHealth.gov
School Health Services Program
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A13
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1727
Phone: 850-245-4465
Email: communityhealthpromotion@flhealth.gov
Florida ASHA Network Representatives
- State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs) – Lyndsey Pollack Zurawski LyndseySLP@gmail.com
- State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS) – Felice P. Abby (SLP) Abby-SLP@comcast.net
- State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network – Nicole Day (SLP) caputi.nicole@gmail.com
1 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Florida Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
Information Last Updated December 2020
Sponsored online speech pathology programs
Online MS: Pursue SLP Certification. Study FT/PT
Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.
- Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
- In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
- As few as 20 months to complete
SPONSORED
Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU
NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.
- Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure
- Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation
- As few as six terms to complete
- Full-time and part-time plans of study
SPONSORED