When pain and mobility limitations make it difficult to move comfortably and carry out everyday activities, physical therapy is the form of care that can help people restore physical function and become more independent.
The qualification process for becoming a physical therapist in Florida requires several years of education and supervised clinical training. In addition, it also requires passing licensing exams, clearing a background check, and meeting the licensing requirements established by the Florida Board.
In the article below, we’ll take a closer look at this profession and explore the opportunities available to physical therapists in this state. We will also outline the key qualifications and show you how to become a physical therapist in Florida in a practical, step-by-step manner.
Understanding Physical Therapists in Florida
Physical therapists in Florida are licensed healthcare professionals who help their patients improve or restore their ability to move when injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and other health conditions affect their physical function and mobility.
The exact type of care that FL PLTs may provide depends on the patients and the conditions that they’re treating. For example, they may help patients recover after surgery or injury, manage movement limitations caused by health conditions, or regain the physical abilities needed for everyday activities.
When working with a new patient, most PTs typically begin by evaluating their movement and overall physical function to identify limitations that may be affecting their mobility or independence.
Then, based on their findings, they develop an individualized treatment plan that reflects the patient’s condition, abilities, and rehabilitation goals. These plans may involve utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques and exercises aimed at improving bodily function.
Throughout the rehabilitation process, physical therapists monitor the patient’s response and adjust their approach when necessary. They may also provide guidance that patients can follow outside of scheduled sessions to support their progress.
Considering the responsibility involved in evaluating patients and directing their rehabilitation, becoming a professional PT in Florida is a professionally regulated process that requires candidates to meet a strict set of criteria to make sure that only properly qualified individuals are authorized to practice.
Patients and Conditions Treated by Physical Therapists
Considering that physical therapy can be used to address a wide range of movement and functional limitations, PTs in Florida may work with patients of different ages and with very different rehabilitation needs. Some of the patients they commonly treat include:
- People recovering from injuries: Physical therapists may support patients as they regain movement, strength, and physical function after injuries that affect their ability to carry out normal activities
- Patients recovering from surgery: PTs often help individuals restore mobility and gradually return to everyday routines following procedures that temporarily limit physical function
- People with chronic or musculoskeletal conditions: Patients dealing with ongoing pain, stiffness, weakness, or reduced mobility may use physical therapy to improve function and manage their symptoms
- Patients with neurological conditions: Physical therapists may work with people whose neurological conditions affect balance, coordination, strength, or movement
- Older adults: PTs can help older patients preserve mobility, maintain independence, and manage physical limitations associated with aging or illness
- Children and adolescents: Younger patients may need physical therapy when developmental conditions, disabilities, injuries, or other health problems interfere with movement and daily activities
- Athletes and active individuals: Physical therapists may also help patients recover from sports-related injuries and regain the physical capacity needed to return to activity safely
In other words, the scope of physical therapy is very broad and encompasses patients of different age groups, with different conditions, levels of physical ability, and rehabilitation needs. This broad patient base creates a steady need for physical therapy services across different areas of healthcare.
Professional Work Settings for Physical Therapists in Florida
Speaking of the wide breadth of patients that have a need for physical therapy services, we can move on to examining the work environments where skilled PTs may provide their services. Considering the diverse client populations they support with their expertise, physical therapists in FL can find work in numerous professional settings, including:
- Outpatient clinics and private practices: PTs in outpatient settings commonly treat patients who are recovering from injuries, managing musculoskeletal problems, or continuing rehabilitation after surgery
- Hospitals: Physical therapists working in hospitals may help patients regain mobility after surgery, illness, or injury and prepare them for the next stage of recovery
- Rehabilitation facilities: These facilities often employ PTs to work with patients who need more intensive or extended rehabilitation following serious injuries, neurological conditions, or other significant health problems
- Home healthcare: Some physical therapists provide treatment directly in patients’ homes, particularly when mobility limitations or medical conditions make regular travel to a clinic difficult
- Nursing and residential care facilities: PTs in these environments commonly work with older adults and other residents who need support maintaining mobility, strength, balance, and independence
- Schools and educational settings: School-based physical therapists help children whose disabilities or developmental conditions affect their movement and ability to participate in school activities
- Sports and fitness environments: Physical therapists may also work with athletes and physically active individuals who need rehabilitation following an injury or assistance returning safely to physical activity
While the nature of their work may vary between different settings, all PTs in Florida must meet the same education, clinical training, and examination requirements before they can earn the license that allows them to practice professionally.
Requirements for Becoming a Physical Therapist in Florida
Now that we understand the professional role of physical therapists in Florida a bit better, we can move on to outlining the qualification requirements that aspiring professionals need to meet before they can start practicing in the state.
The professional physical therapist qualification pathway in the state involves:
- Completing the right undergraduate education and the prerequisite coursework required for admission to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program
- Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program
- Completing the supervised clinical education required for licensure
- Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
- Passing the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
- Clearing the mandatory electronic fingerprint background checks
- Obtaining a physical therapist license issued by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy
These requirements are set in place to make sure that everyone who wants to practice PT has completed the appropriate academic and practical preparation needed for professional practice and is suitably competent to treat patients safely and effectively.
How to Become a Physical Therapist in Florida: Step-by-Step
Having outlined the main qualifications aspiring physical therapists need to meet to enter this field, we can now move on to the practical part of the guide and explain how the process of becoming licensed in Florida unfolds, one step at a time.
Complete the Necessary Undergraduate Education
Aspiring physical therapists in Florida typically begin their physical therapy education by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program related to health sciences at an accredited college or university.
At this early stage of their academic preparation, PT students are not required to major in a particular field. Instead, they can choose any subject that interests them as long as they also complete the prerequisite coursework required by the DPT programs they intend to apply to.
In most cases, these prerequisite courses include anatomy, biology, and chemistry, though there can be some variance between different DPT programs. For this reason, it is a good idea for students to verify the exact course requirements of the specific DPT program they want to enroll in and make sure they don’t overlook any prerequisites.
Most aspiring physical therapists spend around four years earning their bachelor’s degree, during which they develop the broader academic and scientific foundation needed to continue into graduate-level physical therapy education.
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
After completing their undergraduate education, aspiring physical therapists in FL can move on to the main stage of their professional preparation by enrolling in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
At this point in their education, students can start studying physical therapy at the graduate level through a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). DPT programs typically take around three years to complete and combine classroom instruction, laboratory work, and practical training.
Throughout these programs, students study subjects such as anatomy, biomechanics, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, and therapeutic interventions. In addition to academic coursework, they also learn how to apply this knowledge in physical therapy practice.
As their education progresses, aspiring PTs also develop the clinical reasoning, communication, and patient-care skills needed to evaluate patients and make informed treatment decisions.
Their academic and laboratory preparation eventually leads into the supervised clinical portion of the program, where they begin applying what they have learned in real physical therapy settings.
Complete the Required Supervised Clinical Practice
As a part of their DPT program, aspiring physical therapists also need to take part in supervised clinical practice, in the form of clinical rotations, before they can graduate from the program.
This portion of their training allows students to move beyond classroom and laboratory instruction and begin applying their knowledge to treat real patients in clinical settings under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
During their clinical rotations, DPT students can gain valuable experience evaluating patients, carrying out treatment plans, documenting care, communicating with other healthcare professionals, and monitoring rehabilitation progress across different physical therapy settings.
By the time they’re done with their rotations, students will have had an opportunity to translate their academic preparation into practical patient-care experience and develop the clinical judgment needed for entry-level physical therapy practice.
Apply for Florida Licensure and Pass the Required Examinations
With their DPT education and clinical training complete, aspiring physical therapists can begin the Florida licensure process by submitting an initial application to the Florida Board of Physical Therapy.
As part of their application, candidates need to provide the documentation that confirms they’ve completed the necessary professional education to qualify for licensure. Additionally, they also need to complete the fingerprint-based background screening required for all prospective physical therapy licensees in Florida.
Once they submit their application and supporting documentation, they can register with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) for the two examinations required before a Florida license can be issued:
- The National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), which assesses whether candidates have the entry-level knowledge and competency needed to practice physical therapy safely
- The Florida Laws and Rules Exam, which focuses on the statutes and regulations governing physical therapy practice in the state and needs to be completed in 60 minutes
Once the Board confirms that candidates are eligible for testing, the FSBPT can issue the necessary authorization for taking the tests and allow candidates to sit for the licensing examinations.
Obtain Your Florida Physical Therapist License
Candidates who clear the required background screening and pass both licensing examinations can move on to finalizing their licensure application with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy.
At this point, applicants should make sure that the Board has received all required documentation and respond to any outstanding requests that may prevent their application from being approved. They must also complete any remaining administrative requirements and pay the applicable licensing fees.
Once candidates satisfy all of these requirements, the Florida Board of Physical Therapy can approve their application and issue their physical therapist license, and by doing so, officially authorize them to begin practicing PT professionally in the state.
We should point out that PT licenses in Florida are valid for two years, after which professionals need to renew them to maintain their eligibility to practice.
In this state, PT licenses expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years, and each renewal cycle requires physical therapists to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during the current biennium, including two hours focused on the prevention of medical errors.
Begin Practicing as a Licensed Physical Therapist in Florida
After securing a professional Florida PT license, newly qualified professionals can start providing physical therapy services in a professional capacity.
At this point, they can start pursuing employment in the professional settings we discussed earlier, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, home healthcare, schools, and other environments where patients receive rehabilitative care.
During the early stages of their careers, most physical therapists tend to focus on strengthening their clinical judgment, becoming more confident when managing patients independently, and gaining experience with different types of rehabilitation needs.
The professional experience they accumulate during this period can also help them identify the patient populations or areas of practice they may want to focus on more closely.
Advanced Training and Specialization for Physical Therapists in Florida
As their careers progress, Florida PTs can continue building their expertise by pursuing additional postprofessional training in a particular area of physical therapy.
For those interested in developing a more specialized clinical focus, there are several postprofessional training pathways that can provide opportunities to continue their education beyond general practice.
Physical Therapy Residency Programs
Physical therapists who want to develop greater expertise in a particular area of practice can pursue a clinical residency after obtaining their license.
These programs combine direct patient care with structured education, mentoring, and supervision, and allow licensed PTs to build on the knowledge and clinical experience they developed during their DPT training and early professional practice.
Depending on their interests, physical therapists may pursue residency training in areas such as orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology.
By concentrating their work on a particular patient population or area of care, residents can develop more advanced clinical skills and gain experience managing more specialized rehabilitation needs.
Fellowship Training
After gaining advanced experience in a particular area of practice, physical therapists may also choose to continue their postprofessional education through fellowship training.
Compared with residency programs, fellowships typically concentrate on a narrower area of clinical practice and are intended for professionals who already have a strong foundation of knowledge and experience in their chosen specialty.
During a fellowship, physical therapists continue treating patients while receiving advanced instruction, mentoring, and opportunities to refine specialized clinical skills. This allows them to develop greater expertise in a focused area of practice and work with more complex patient needs.
Just like residency training, fellowship education is optional and is generally pursued by licensed PTs who want to continue developing beyond general or specialty practice.
Board Certification and Specialty Practice
Physical therapists who want to formally demonstrate their advanced expertise in a particular area of practice can also pursue board certification through the specialist certification program offered by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Obtaining board certification is completely voluntary and is absolutely not required for general physical therapy practice, but it does provide licensed PTs with a formal way to demonstrate advanced knowledge and clinical experience within a particular specialty.
The certification process is administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), which currently recognizes 10 specialty areas, including orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and oncology.
To qualify for certification in one of these specialty areas, candidates generally need to complete the required amount of clinical experience or an approved residency pathway before passing the corresponding specialty examination.
For Florida physical therapists who choose to pursue it, board certification can serve as a recognized professional credential that demonstrates specialized expertise and supports continued advancement within a more focused area of practice.
Job Outlook and Salary for Physical Therapists in Florida
Having covered the process of becoming a physical therapist in Florida, we thought that it’d be useful to also examine the employment outlook and earning potential associated with the profession in the state.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 16,150 physical therapists employed across Florida. The statistics also show that these professionals earn a median hourly wage of $46.62, which translates to an average annual salary of $94,850.
Naturally, these statewide figures provide only a general picture of what physical therapists can expect to earn, and the actual salaries may differ depending on factors such as professional experience, employer, area of practice, and the type of facility in which a PT works.
For example, physical therapists in Homosassa Springs earn an average annual salary of $103,760, while those working in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area make $87,770, reflecting the variation in earning potential across different parts of the state.
The longer-term employment outlook for the PT profession in the US is also encouraging. The BLS projects the number of physical therapist jobs nationwide to grow by 11% between 2024 and 2034, compared with 3% for all occupations. Around 13,200 openings are also expected to become available each year, on average, during this period.
Taken together, the size of Florida’s existing physical therapy workforce and the strong national growth projections suggest favorable employment prospects for professionals entering the field. (BLS, BLS)
Closing Thoughts
For many people, injuries, health conditions, and physical limitations can make even routine movement and everyday activities more difficult. Physical therapists in Florida play an important role in helping these patients improve their physical function, regain mobility, and become more independent.
Becoming a physical therapist in Florida is a demanding process that requires several years of education and supervised clinical training. However, for those willing to commit to the process, the profession can lead to a rewarding career centered on helping people recover, manage physical limitations, and improve their quality of life.
FAQs
What degree do you need to be a physical therapist in Florida?
Physical therapists in Florida need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program before they can qualify for professional licensure.
However, before they can enter a DPT program, aspiring physical therapists need to complete a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisite coursework required by the schools they plan to attend. The undergraduate degree itself does not need to be in a specific field, as long as students complete the necessary prerequisites.
How long does it take to become a PT in Florida?
Becoming a physical therapist in Florida can take anywhere between six and seven years from the start of your undergraduate education.
This timeframe generally includes around four years of undergraduate study followed by approximately three years in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Students enrolled in accelerated or combined 3+3 pathways may be able to complete the educational portion in about six years instead.
Are physical therapists in demand in Florida?
Due to Florida’s aging population and the continued need for rehabilitation among people recovering from injuries, surgeries, and health conditions that affect mobility, demand for physical therapy services is expected to remain strong in the state.
According to various sources online, the employment of physical therapists in Florida is expected to grow by 18% between 2022 and 2032, from 17,850 to 20,980 jobs. During this period, around 1,020 openings are expected each year, on average.