Psychologist licensure in Florida includes multiple pathways that reflect differences in practice authority, work setting, and professional responsibility. Depending on the credential pursued, requirements may support independent clinical practice, school-based services, or more limited scopes tied to educational environments.
Primary Licensing Authority
The Florida Board of Psychology (Department of Health) is the licensing authority for psychologists in Florida. Licensure for school psychologists is also available through the Department of Health under Chapter 490, Florida Statutes, while the Florida Department of Education certifies practitioners limited to school employment.
Licensed Psychologist Requirements
Education Requirements
- Doctoral degree required: Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. in psychology from an APA-accredited program.
- Continuing education is required for renewal (external summaries indicate 40 hours every two years, including ethics; specific hours are not detailed in the primary source).
Supervised Experience Requirements
- 4,000 hours of supervised experience are required:
- 2,000 hours may be satisfied by a doctoral-level internship.
- The remaining 2,000 hours must be completed post-doctorally under supervision.
- 2,000 hours may be satisfied by a doctoral-level internship.
- All supervised experience must meet Board criteria.
Examination Requirements
- Must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
- Must also pass the Florida Laws and Rules Examination.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
- Continuing education is required for license renewal. Exact hour requirements are not specified in the primary source.
Other Psychology Licenses in Florida
School Psychologist (DOH License)
- Licensing Authority: Florida Department of Health, under Chapter 490, Florida Statutes.
- Degree: Specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Coursework: Minimum 60 graduate semester hours in school psychology.
- Internship: Completion of a 1,200-hour supervised internship, with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
- Examinations:
- Praxis II School Psychologist exam (5403)
- Florida Laws and Rules Examination
- Praxis II School Psychologist exam (5403)
- Background Screening: Level 2 background check (FDLE and FBI).
- Application: Submission of official transcripts, completed application, and fee to the Department of Health.
Scope of Practice
- Under Florida Statutes §490.0145, licensed school psychologists may:
- Conduct psychological and educational assessments
- Provide counseling and consultation to students, teachers, and families
- Design and implement behavioral and academic interventions
- Participate in special education evaluations and IEP development
- Offer prevention and crisis intervention services
- Conduct psychological and educational assessments
- DOH-licensed School Psychologists may practice independently outside of school settings.
- DOE-certified school psychologists are authorized only for work within public school systems.
Scope of Practice Considerations
- Licensed Psychologists (Board of Psychology): May practice independently in all approved settings as authorized under Chapter 490, Florida Statutes.
- DOH-licensed School Psychologists: May practice independently, both within and outside school settings, in accordance with their licensure.
- DOE-certified School Psychologists: Limited to practice within Florida public school systems; not authorized for independent or private practice outside schools.
PSYPACT Status in Florida
Florida is participating in PSYPACT. PSYPACT is an interstate compact that enables licensed psychologists in participating states to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across state lines.
Key Takeaways
- Florida Board of Psychology licenses doctoral-level psychologists; APA-accredited degree, 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state exam are required.
- School psychologist licensure (DOH) requires a specialist or doctoral degree, a 1,200-hour internship, specific exams, and allows for independent practice outside schools.
- DOE certification authorizes school-based practice only.
- Florida participates in PSYPACT, facilitating interjurisdictional telepsychology and temporary practice.
- State licensing boards and agencies are the final authority on licensure requirements and should be consulted for current, official guidance.
Important Note: Licensure requirements can change over time and may vary based on individual circumstances. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and current information, prospective psychologists should always consult the appropriate state licensing board and education agency for the most up-to-date licensure and certification requirements.
