Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Physician Assistant.
The following are the requirements for an applicant seeking licensure as a physician assistant in Florida:
- An applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
- An applicant must be a graduate of an approved program. An approved program is a physician assistant program in the United States or in its territories or possessions which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or, for programs before 2001, accredited by its equivalent or predecessor entities the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs formally approved by the boards for the education of physician assistants.
- An applicant who graduated after December 31, 2020, must have received a master’s degree in accordance with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or, before 2001, its equivalent or predecessor organization.
- An applicant who graduated on or before December 31, 2020, must have received a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an approved program.
- An applicant who graduated before July 1, 1994, must have graduated from an approved program of instruction in primary health care or surgery.
- An applicant who graduated before July 1, 1983, must have received a certification as a physician assistant from the Board of Medicine or the Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
- The Board of Medicine may also grant a license to an applicant who does not meet the educational requirements noted above but who has passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
- An applicant must obtain a passing score on a proficiency examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants or its equivalent or successor organization and has been nationally certified. If an applicant does not hold a current certificate issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants or its equivalent or successor organization and has not actively practiced as a physician assistant within the immediately preceding four years, the applicant must retake and successfully complete the entry-level examination of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants or its equivalent or successor organization to be eligible for licensure.
- The applicant must submit a complete application and appropriate fee to the Department of Health.
A completed application for licensure includes all the following:
- Application for licensure and applicable fees of $305, $100 of which is non-refundable.
- Criminal Background Screening. Applicants must use an approved Livescan service provider.
- Copy of diploma from an approved physician assistant program.
- Primary source verification of completion of an approved physician assistant program.
- Primary source verification of certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants or its equivalent or successor organization.
- Supporting documentation regarding all affirmative responses on the application for licensure.
The Department may issue a temporary license to a recent graduate of an approved program who is registered to take the next administration of the proficiency examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. A temporary license expires 30 days after receipt of scores of the proficiency examination. Full licensure as a physician assistant may be granted after passing the proficiency examination.
If a temporary license holder fails the proficiency examination, the temporary license holder may reapply for a 1-year extension of the temporary license.
A temporary license may not be granted more than two (2) times.
Effective July 1, 2012, section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards must refuse to issue a license, certificate, or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:
- Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under chapter 409 (relating to social and economic assistance), chapter 817 (relating to fraudulent practices), or chapter 893 (relating to drug abuse prevention and control), Florida Statutes (F.S.), or a similar felony offense committed in another state or jurisdiction, unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a pretrial diversion or drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
- For felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years before the date of application.
- For felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years before the date of application, except for felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S.
- For felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than 5 years before the date of application;
- Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances), or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended more than 15 years before the date of the application;
- Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent 5 years;
- Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent 5 years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application; or
- Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities, except when such applicant is listed solely based on a default or delinquency on a student loan as provided in section 120.82, F.S.
Applicants with Health History
Applicants who answer “Yes” to any Health History question on the application are required to submit the following documentation to the Board office:
Self-Explanation – Applicants must provide a self-explanation identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s) and the current status of each.
Physician(s) Letter – Applicants must provide a letter from a licensed health care practitioner who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition(s) identified. The letter must explain the impact the condition(s) may have on the ability of an applicant to practice their profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice their profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. All documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.
Applicants with Disciplinary History
Applicants who at any time have been denied licensure, have had disciplinary action taken against their license, or have action pending against their license to practice any health care related profession by any licensing authority are required to submit the following documentation to the Board office:
Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed disciplinary action(s) on their application must submit a written explanation describing in detail the circumstances related to all actions.
Agency Records – All documentation regarding all actions, including the Administrative Complaint(s), Final Order(s), and current licensure status, must be sent to the Board office by the licensing agency.
Applicants with Criminal History
Applicants who at any time have been found guilty of or pled guilty or no contest/nolo contendere to any charge other than a minor traffic offense must list each offense on their application. Each application is reviewed on its own merits. In some cases, applicants may be required to appear before the Council on Physician Assistants to address issues related to criminal history. Failure to disclose criminal history may result in denial of an application.
Applicants with prior criminal offenses are required to submit the following documentation to the Board office:
Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed criminal offenses on their application must submit a written self-explanation describing in detail the circumstances of the offense, including the date, the city and state, the charges, and the final resolution.
Final Disposition/Arrest Records – Final disposition and arrest records for offenses can be obtained from the Clerk of the Court in the arresting jurisdiction. The unavailability of documents must be demonstrated by submission of a letter to that effect from the Clerk of the Court.
Completion of Sentence Documents – Documents can be obtained from the Clerk of the Court in the arresting jurisdiction or the Department of Corrections. Documents submitted must include the start and end dates of any sanction(s) and must demonstrate that all conditions have been satisfied. If any documents are not available, applicants must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the Clerk of the Court to the Board office attesting to their unavailability.
Health Care Fraud, Disqualification for Licensure, Certificate, or Registration
Effective July 1, 2012, section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards must refuse to issue a license, certificate, or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:
- Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under chapter 409 (relating to social and economic assistance), chapter 817 (relating to fraudulent practices), or chapter 893 (relating to drug abuse prevention and control), F.S., or a similar felony offense committed in another state or jurisdiction, unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a pretrial diversion or drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
- For felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years before the date of application.
- For felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years before the date of application, except for felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S.
- For felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than 5 years before the date of application;
- Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances), or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare, and Medicaid), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended more than 15 years before the date of the application;
- Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent 5 years;
- Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent 5 years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application; or
- Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities, except when such applicant is listed solely based on a default or delinquency on a student loan as provided in section 120.82, F.S.
Electronic Fingerprinting
Effective January 1, 2013, applicants for initial licensure must use a Livescan service provider to submit a set of fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for the purpose of conducting a search for any Florida and national criminal history records that may pertain to the applicant. The results of the search will be returned to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and made available to the Department of Health for consideration during the licensure process. The fingerprints submitted by the applicant will be retained by FDLE and the Clearinghouse. All costs for conducting a criminal history background screening are borne by the applicant.
Please ensure that the Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number is provided to the Livescan service provider when you submit your fingerprints. If you do not provide an ORI number or if you provide an incorrect ORI number to the Livescan service provider, the Board office will not receive your fingerprint results. The applicant is fully responsible for selecting the Livescan service provider and ensuring submission of the prints to the Department of Health.
You can find an approved Livescan service provider at https://www.flhealthsource.gov/background-screening.
Please take this form with you to the Livescan service provider. Please check the Livescan service provider’s requirements to see if you need to bring any additional items. Also verify that the ORI number submitted by the Livescan service provider matches the information provided.
General Information
Applicants are encouraged to review all laws and rules relating to the licensure of physician assistants in Florida before completing an application for licensure. Links to the Florida Statutes and the Florida Administrative Code are available on the Board of Medicine’s website at Florida Board of Medicine » Links and Resources. Applicants are also encouraged to read all instructions before and during the application process. Failure to do so may result in delays in the processing of your application.
All applications and supporting documents are reviewed in the order in which they are received by Board staff.
Once an applicant’s initial submissions are reviewed, a letter will be provided to the applicant by Board staff outlining the application’s status and noting any documents still needed to complete the licensure file. Once all requested documents and information are received, the completed application will be submitted for a final review prior to the issuance of a license.
Some applicants are required to appear before the Council on Physician Assistants to discuss affirmative responses on the application or to address an applicant’s failure to satisfy a statutory requirement. Council meetings are held every other month.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to refrain from making any personal or professional commitments dependent upon licensure prior to being fully licensed.
Temporary Physician Assistant Licensure
A temporary physician assistant license may only be issued to an applicant before the applicant sits for the proficiency examination administered by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. If an applicant takes the examination prior to completing the application process, the applicant no longer qualifies for a temporary physician assistant license.
If a temporary physician assistant license is issued and the applicant subsequently passes the proficiency examination, the temporary license will be automatically upgraded to a full license at no additional cost.
If a temporary physician assistant license is issued and the applicant fails the proficiency examination, the applicant may reapply for a one-year extension of the temporary license. To receive an extension, the applicant must complete the Extension of Temporary Physician Assistant Licensure Application (Extension of Temporary Licensure Application.docx), submit a copy of the NCCPA examination score report, and provide proof that the applicant has registered to retake the proficiency examination.
Any questions or concerns regarding a physician assistant’s initial licensure requirements or the application process should be directed to the Board office at BOM_InitialApps@flhealth.gov.
You are encouraged to review all laws and rules relating to the licensure of physician assistants in Florida before completing an application for licensure. Links to the Florida Statutes and the Florida Administrative Code are available on the Board of Medicine’s website at Florida Board of Medicine » Links and Resources. You are also encouraged to read all instructions before and during the application process. Failure to do so may result in delays in the processing of your application.
To practice as a physician assistant in the state of Florida, you must have a valid Florida physician assistant license. The licensing process involves the collection of credentials from an applicant and from other sources. Once materials are submitted, an application specialist will review them and may request additional information. For example, if you have been named in a malpractice suit or have answered “yes” to any of the questions in the application, anticipate the possibility that additional information will be requested. Our goal is to review materials as quickly as possible, but the process is very thorough.
You can expedite the application process by applying online and by including all relevant materials with your initial application packet. Once your initial submissions are reviewed, if it is determined that they are incomplete you will receive a deficiency letter within 30 days after the Department of Health receives your application. Please direct questions and comments to BOM_InitialApps@flhealth.gov.
You can check the status of your application at any time by clicking the “Check Status” link. You will need to have your File ID number and your date of birth to access the information. Your File ID number will be given to you when you start the application process. After submitting your application, it may take up to 15 days before your status information is up to date.
If you choose or are required to submit a paper application, submit your application, supporting documentation, and applicable fee payment to the following address:
Department of Health/ HMQAM
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6330
Receiving your paper application and logging in your payment may take up to five to seven business days, which will cause a delay in processing. Only after your application and fees are received and logged in will your application be forwarded to the Board office for processing.
It is important to use the above address when fees are enclosed with your application. Mail additional documentation, or anything submitted without a fee to the following address:
Department of Health
Medical Quality Assurance/Board of Medicine
HMQAM
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN #C-03
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3253
All documents submitted must include your name as listed on your application to ensure materials reach your application specialist in a timely manner.
Section 456.013(1)(a), Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64B8-4.016, Florida Administrative Code, provides that a licensure application and application fee are valid for one year. Application fees are non-refundable.
Our professions have a minimum licensure period of five months. Because physician assistant licenses expire in even years, some licensees end up with a much shorter initial licensure period, while others have a much longer initial licensure period depending on when licenses are issued. Physician assistant licenses that are issued before September in an odd year will have a renewal date of January 31 of the following year. Those issued after September of an odd year will have a longer initial licensure period before having to renew for the first time.
Beginning in 2023, electronic licenses (e-licenses) replaced the former practice of printing and mailing paper-based licenses. Transition to paperless licensing means licensees can retrieve licenses through the MQA Online Services Portal within two business days after an application is approved. E-licensing will allow licensees to obtain newly issued or newly renewed licenses free of charge and seven to 10 days earlier than previously mailed versions. E-licenses include QR codes that increase the information security of licensees and enables users, such as employers and consumers, to access and verify the credentials of health care practitioners.
The State of Florida operates under Chapter 286, Florida Statutes, commonly referred to as the “Sunshine Law.” This law requires that Board and Council meetings be public and provides that all information you provide to the Department of Health is public record open to public inspection pursuant to section 119.07, F.S., with the exception of financial information, examination records, and patient records.
As part of the licensure process, a personal appearance before the Council on Physician Assistants may be required for a variety of reasons: e.g., malpractice history, health history, criminal convictions, prior disciplinary actions, etc. If an appearance is required, you will be notified by mail stating the date, time, location, and reason(s) for the appearance.
We strongly recommend that you do not make any personal or professional commitments until you are actually licensed. Some applicants suffer significant costs by signing mortgages and committing to an employment start date prematurely. All applications are handled equally and fairly, and we process applications, mail, e-mails, and telephone calls in the order in which they are received by Board staff. In other words, the processing of an application will not be accelerated at the expense of another applicant due to a premature commitment.
Application fee:
$100 (non-refundable)
Initial license fee:
$205
Make certified checks or money orders payable to “Department of Health” or pay by credit card when applying online.
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
456.013 Department; general licensing provisions
456.035 Address of record
456.0635 Medicaid fraud; disqualification for license, certification, or registration
458.347 Physician Assistant
459.022 Physician Assistant
Florida Administrative Code
64B8-1.007 List Of Approved Forms
64B8-2.001 Definitions
64B8-30 Physician Assistant
64B15-6 Physician Assistant
Before practicing as a physician assistant in Florida, read Chapters 456 and 458, and sections 766.301-.316, Florida Statutes, and Rule Chapter 64B8, Florida Administrative Code. You must know and comply with the laws and rules as they pertain to your professional practice. Laws and rules are subject to change at any time. For updated information refer to the following websites: www.leg.state.fl.us (Florida Statutes) and www.flrules.org (Florida Administrative Code).
