Florida Speech Pathology State License Guide

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

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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 ASHA 1 ,Florida speech pathology licensure requires the following for initial licensure in the state:

  1. Candidates must have a master’s or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology.
  2. Candidates must complete a supervised clinical practicum logging 300 clock hours.
  3. Candidates must complete nine months of professional experience either on part-time or full-time basis.
  4. Candidates must pass the Educational Testing Service Praxis Series exam.
  5. 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 ASHA 1 , The following individuals are exempt from a Florida speech language pathology license:

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

Contact: Lyndsey Zurawski, President

Florida Regulatory Agencies

Florida Department of Health

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C06

Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258

Contact: Kama Monroe, Executive Director

Florida Department of Health

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A06

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1708

Florida Department of Health

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A13

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1727

Florida ASHA Network Representatives

Information Last Updated December 2020

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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.

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.