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Florida has a faster-than-average demand for psychologists. Discover how to become a licensed psychologist in Florida and potential salaries.
Psychologist Salaries in Florida
The Bureau of Labor Statistics outlines salaries for licensed Florida psychologists, providing an overview of potential earnings across different careers.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $39,090 | $78,730 | $140,320 |
| School psychologists | $49,930 | $77,990 | $102,610 |
| Psychologists, all other | $51,540 | $118,190 | $148,200 |
Popular Online Psychology Doctoral Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Psychologist Licensing in Florida
You must meet specific requirements to become a licensed psychologist in Florida. The Florida Board of Psychology regulates state psychology licensure and provides pathways to obtaining a license to practice psychology. Examination and endorsement can lead to state licensure after completing a doctoral degree in psychology and sufficient supervised hours.
License reciprocity involves a licensed psychologist's privilege to relocate nationwide without needing additional state qualifications or further fees. Florida allows for licensure via endorsement for applicants with a minimum of 10 years of experience as a licensed psychologist elsewhere in the United States.
License Requirements
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1
Complete a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed. D.) accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). -
2
Accumulate 4,000 hours of supervised experience before applying: 2,000 hours from an internship and 2,000 hours from post-doctoral supervised experience. -
3
Apply for psychology licensure with the Florida Board of Psychology -
4
Request that your doctoral program sends your official transcripts to the board. -
5
Pass both parts of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). -
6
Pass the State Department of Health Psychology Laws and Rules exam, which covers the state statutes and rules relevant to psychology practice.
Demand for Florida Psychologists
As the third-most populous state in the U.S., Florida has consistently seen high demand for mental health professionals. The pandemic only heightened the existing shortage of therapists, and the need for mental healthcare shows no sign of letting up.
The country's Southeast region continues to experience an opioid epidemic, which has been steadily growing for the last two decades. The Tampa Bay region's overdose rate is significantly higher than the national average.
Substance use psychologists and addiction counselors are in especially high demand. In 2022, the state allocated record amounts of funding toward community mental health and substance use disorder facilities. Access to mental healthcare in rural parts of the state is another concern. Over 700,000 people live in Florida's rural counties, many of whom lack access to providers. Florida's Bill SB 358, approved in late 2021, may help the situation.
The legislation will allow Florida-based mental health professionals to provide therapy, including teletherapy, in other member states and vice-versa. Floridians would have access to more providers, especially rural residents, who are good candidates for teletherapy.
Florida also participates in the PSYPACT, which gives Florida-licensed psychologists teletherapy privileges in other PSYPACT states. Florida psychologists can also practice temporarily in PSYPACT states like Alabama and Georgia. The act will not take effect until 10 states join the compact, which could take months or years. Still, the legislation signals a more flexible future for Florida-based mental health professionals.
Page last reviewed on April 19, 2024