Psychology in Florida: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in FL
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
Are you interested in becoming a psychologist in Florida? Psychologists provide important mental healthcare to people of all ages in a variety of settings. Whether you’re exploring career options, relocating to the state, or interested in providing telehealth services in Florida, learn about Florida psychology licensure requirements and the career outlook in the Sunshine State.
Florida Psychology Licensure Requirements
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.
Psychologist
Florida licensure requirements for Psychologists include:
- Earn a doctorate degree in psychology from an accredited program
- Complete 4,000 hours of supervised experience
- Pass the State of Florida’s psychology laws and rules examination
- Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) examination administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
The Florida Board of Psychology allows a doctoral-level psychology internship to satisfy the first 2,000 hours of required experience. Applicants must then complete the remaining 2,000 hours as postdoctoral supervised experience.
Provisional licensing is available for those who have completed their doctorate program and required experience, but have yet to pass the EPPP exam. This allows them to begin practicing with supervision. Limited licensing allows psychologists who have practiced for more than 10 years in any state, or who have retired, to provide care to underserved populations in Florida.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Florida?
Becoming a psychologist in Florida can take 6-10 years, depending on where you are in your educational journey. Doctoral degree programs typically take around six years to complete, and the required hours of postdoctoral experience will take at least a year to accrue. It may also take a few months to pass the required exams and complete the application process before being awarded your license to practice in the state.
Out-of-state licensed psychologists applying for licensure by endorsement will find the process to take only a few weeks, while those just beginning their careers in psychology will have a longer road to licensure.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Florida
Florida allows for licensure via endorsement for applicants who hold equivalent licensure in another state in good standing. Applicants must have obtained a passing score on a national licensure examination and have actively practiced psychology in the field for at least three previous years. Out-of-state psychologists can apply for psychology licensure in Florida by completing the application process for Psychologist by Mobile Endorsement.
Psychologists who reside in a state outside of Florida, but want to provide telehealth services to Florida clients, can pursue Out-of-State Telehealth Provider Registration. You must be an active psychologist in good standing in another state, have liability coverage, and designate a duly appointed registered agent for service of process in Florida in order to apply.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Florida
Psychologists must renew their licenses every two years to continue practicing in Florida. Renewal applications are submitted via the Florida Health Medical Quality Assurance website. Forty hours of continuing education are required every two years, three of which must be on ethics and Florida psychology law. A two-hour course on domestic violence is also required every third renewal cycle.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in Florida
Clinical and counseling psychologists and school psychologists in Florida make less than the national average for these roles, though all other psychologists make slightly more than average, according to nationwide salary data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries vary depending on the region of Florida in which you are working, your scope of practice and setting, and years of experience in the field.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $89,450 | $43.00 |
| School Psychologists | $77,360 | $37.19 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $110,490 | $53.12 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Florida
Florida Board of Psychology
The Florida Board of Psychology was legislatively established to oversee licensing and educating psychologists practicing in Florida to ensure safe and competent psychology practice.
Florida Psychological Association
The voice of psychologists in Florida, the Florida Psychological Association (FPA) helps professionals advance their career and build their network, while advocating for the psychology profession in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Licensure
Earning a doctorate degree in psychology, completing 4,000 hours of supervised experience, and passing the EPPP exam and Florida’s psychology laws and rules examination will qualify you to become a licensed psychologist in Florida.
