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Physician Assistant

Applying for a New License

 

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Physician Assistant.

Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting. Your application cannot be approved until this requirement, along with all other licensure criteria, has been met. For more information on background screening, visit MQA's Background Screening website.

Requirements
General Requirements

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:

  1. 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;
  1. 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;
  2. 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;
  3. 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
  4. 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:

  1. 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;
  2. 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;
  3. 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;
  4. 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
  5. 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.

Process

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.

Fees

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.

Statutes and Rules

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).

License by MOBILE Endorsement

 

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Physician Assistant by MOBILE Endorsement.

Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting. Your application cannot be approved until this requirement, along with all other licensure criteria, has been met. For more information on background screening, visit MQA's Background Screening website.

Requirements

To be licensed as a physician assistant in Florida through the MOBILE Endorsement pathway, you must meet the following requirements in section 456.0145, Florida Statutes:

  1. Must hold an active, unencumbered license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States in a profession with a similar scope of practice, determined by the board or the department, as applicable.
  2. Must have obtained a passing score on a national licensure examination or hold a national certification recognized by the board;

OR

An applicant for a profession that does not require a national examination or national certification is eligible for licensure if the applicable board, or the department if there is no board, determines that the jurisdiction in which the applicant currently holds an active, unencumbered license meets established minimum education requirements and, if applicable, examination, work experience, and clinical supervision requirements are substantially similar to the requirements for licensure in that profession in this state.

  1. Must have actively practiced the profession for at least two years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application.
  2. Must not have ever been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant successfully appealed to have the report removed or if the reported adverse action was a result of conduct that would not constitute a violation of any Florida law or rule.
  3. Must not be the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the United States Department of Defense for reason related to the practice of the profession for which the applicant is applying.
  4. Must not have had disciplinary action taken in the five years immediately preceding the date of submission of the application.

Refer to section 456.0145(2)(c), Florida Statutes, for licensure ineligibility criteria.

Process

Applicants must complete the following steps:

  1. Contact the state board(s) in which a license is held to request that license verification be sent to Florida. If the state has an online verification including disciplinary actions, we will accept the online verification.
  2. Request national examination scores from the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
  3. Apply online at flhealthsource.gov, pay applicable fees, and upload any necessary supplemental documentation.
  4. If applicants have any affirmative answers in the criminal, personal, or disciplinary sections of the application, submission of a personal statement and supporting documentation can be uploaded with the online application.
  5. Please allow up to 10 business days for initial review of a new application. All applications and document submissions are reviewed in the order they are received. After your application is reviewed, any deficiencies will be communicated to you in writing by Board staff. To expedite processing, please submit all required supporting documentation with your application along with all requisite fees. If you are having documentation submitted by another entity on your behalf, please use the Board office’s mailing address below to ensure delivery.
  6. When all requirements are met, a license will be issued to qualified applicants within seven days pursuant to section 456.0145(2)(e), Florida Statutes.

    Department of Health
    Board of Medicine
    4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-03
    Tallahassee, FL 32399-3256

Fees
Application Fee
(non-refundable):
$100
Initial License Fee: $200
Unlicensed Activity Fee: $5
Total: $305
Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

 

Florida Statutes

Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions

Chapter 458: Medical Practice

Chapter 459: Osteopathic Medicine

Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act

 

Florida Administrative Code

Rules: Chapter 64B8: Board of Medicine

Rules: Chapter 64B15: Board of Osteopathic Medicine

Rules: Chapter 64B: Division of Medical Quality Assurance

Applying for a New Physician Assistants Temporary License

 

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Temporary Certificate for Physician Assistants to Practice in an Area of Critical Need.

Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting. Your application cannot be approved until this requirement, along with all other licensure criteria, has been met. For more information on background screening, visit MQA's Background Screening website.

Requirements
General Requirements

General Licensure Requirements

Requirements for a physician assistant to practice in an approved area of critical need include the following:

  • Complete and submit an application for licensure.
  • Complete a background screening with an approved Livescan provider. Visit flhealthsource.gov/background-screening for additional information.
  • Hold a current and valid license to practice as a physician assistant in any jurisdiction of the United States.
  • Must practice medicine only in approved areas of critical need. Review section 458.315, Florida Statutes, for additional information.
  • Must demonstrate the active licensed practice of medicine as a physician assistant during the three-year period immediately preceding the application for licensure.
Applicants with Health History

If a Yes response was provided to any of the health history questions on your application for licensure, provide the following documents:

A letter from a Licensed Health Care Practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.

A written self-explanation, identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.

Applicants with Disciplinary History

If you have ever been denied a license, had disciplinary action taken against a license, or have had other action taken against you by a licensing agency, you will need to submit the following for each denial and action:

  • Written self-explanation describing in detail the circumstances surrounding the circumstances of the action.
  • Agency records of that action, including all administrative complaints and final orders.

If you are currently under investigation or prosecution in any jurisdiction for an act that would constitute a violation under section 456.072, Florida Statutes or section 458.331, Florida Statutes, please submit the following:

  • Written self-explanation describing in detail the circumstances surrounding the investigation or prosecution.
  • A letter from the state board/entity explaining the results of the investigation or prosecution.

Failure to disclose disciplinary history on your application may result in the denial of your application for licensure.

All actions are reviewed by the Chair of the Council on Physician Assistants to determine whether a personal appearance is required at a council meeting. If you are required to appear, you will be notified in writing by Board staff within 30 days of the scheduled meeting.

Applicants with Criminal History

If you have ever been found guilty of or had adjudication withheld for, or pled guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to a crime in any jurisdiction other than a minor traffic offense, submit the following for each conviction:

  • Written self-explanation describing in detail the circumstances surrounding the arrest and conviction.
  • Arrest records from the arresting jurisdiction.
  • Final disposition of the case.
  • Documents showing completion of sentence (probation, parole, sanctions, fines, etc.).

If arrest, disposition, or completion of sentencing records are unavailable, the clerk of courts or other agency responsible for those records may submit documentation attesting to the unavailability of those records.

Failure to disclose criminal history on your application that impacts the practice of medicine or your ability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety may result in the denial of your application for licensure.

Some criminal history may require a review by the Chair of the Council on Physician Assistants to determine whether a personal appearance is required at a council meeting. If you are required to appear, you will be notified in writing by Board staff within 30 days of the scheduled meeting.

Applicants with Criminal and Medicaid/Medicare Fraud History

Important Notice:  Applicants for licensure, certification, or registration and candidates for examination may be excluded from licensure, certification, or registration if their felony convictions fall into certain timeframes as established in section 456.0635(2), Florida Statutes.

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the criminal and Medicaid/Medicare fraud questions on your application for licensure, provide the following documents:

  • Written self-explanation for each question including the county and state of each termination or conviction, date of each termination or conviction, and copies of supporting documentation.
  • Supporting documentation including court dispositions or agency orders where applicable.
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.

Process

Section 456.013(1)(a), Florida Statutes, requires an applicant to complete and submit a board-approved application to be considered for licensure. To expedite your application for licensure, you may apply online for a temporary certificate to practice in an approved area of critical need at https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal. All initial applications are processed in date order. An incomplete application shall expire one year after initial filing.

After an initial review, if it is determined that additional supporting documents are required to complete your application for licensure, a deficiency letter will be emailed or mailed to you within 30 calendar days outlining all outstanding supporting documents to complete your application.

The licensing process involves the collection of supporting documents to complete your application. Once all supporting documents are received and reviewed, your online status will be updated, and an initial license number will be issued within three to five business days.

Some applicants may have to appear before the Council on Physician Assistants at one of their regularly scheduled meetings before a license can be issued. Reasons for an appearance may include previous disciplinary action in another state, malpractice history, criminal history that impacts the practice of medicine or your ability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety, health history and other application deficiencies. Having one of these issues does not automatically require an appearance as each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Chair of the Council on Physician Assistants. You will be notified in writing if a personal appearance is required.

This temporary and restricted license allows you to practice as a physician assistant in:

  • Area of critical need as determined by the State Surgeon General
  • County health department
  • Correctional facility
  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs clinic
  • Community health center funded by section s. 329, s. 330, or s. 340 of the United States Public Services Act
  • Another agency or institution approved by the State Surgeon General that provides health care services to meet the needs of underserved populations in Florida
  • Area for a limited time to address critical physician-specialty, demographic, or geographic needs for Florida’s physician workforce as determined by the State Surgeon General

Visit the Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) website for more information: https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find.

A recipient of a temporary certificate for practice in an area of critical need must, within 30 days after accepting employment, notify the Board of all approved institutions in which the licensee practices and all approved institutions where practice privileges have been denied.

Supporting Documents for Licensure:

  • A complete application for licensure.
  • Background screening results from an approved Livescan provider.
  • An official verification of your physician assistant or medical degree.
  • An official license verification from a state board of licensing authority of any state or territory.
  • Letter of intent from an employer who intends to employ you in an approved area of critical need.
  • Copy of your self-query of the National Practitioner Data Bank.
  • Documentation pertaining to affirmative response(s) on application for licensure.
Fees
Fees Amount
Application Fee (non-refundable) $0.00
Initial Licensing Fee $0.00
Unlicensed Activity Fee $0.00
Total $0.00
Statutes and Rules

Florida Statutes

By clicking a link, you will be connected to the Florida Legislature website, which is the official custodian of the statutes.

Section 458.315: Temporary Certificate for Practice in Areas of Critical Need
Section 459.0076: Temporary Certificate for Practice in Areas of Critical Need
Section 456.072: Grounds for discipline; penalties; enforcement
Section 458.331: Grounds for disciplinary action; action by the board and department

Florida Administrative Code

By clicking a link, you will be connected to the Florida Department of State: State Library and Archives of Florida website, which is the official custodian of the administrative codes.

Chapter 64B8-30: Physician Assistant
Chapter 64B15-6: Physician Assistant

Processing Times

Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Below is the average number of days at which we are currently processing.

Apply Online / Return to Login

To apply online visit MQA Services Portal to create an account or return to your account by clicking the button below.

Renew Your License

 

Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Renewal Requirements, Process, Fees and Continuing Medical Education (CME) for Physician Assistants.

Florida passed House Bill 975 following the 2024 legislative session, which requires this profession to complete electronic fingerprinting. Your application cannot be approved until this requirement, along with all other licensure criteria, has been met. For more information on background screening, visit MQA's Background Screening website.

Requirements
General Requirements

Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status are required to pay additional fees and comply with specific continuing education requirements. Please contact the board office at BOM_PostLicensure@flhealth.gov to request your reactivation requirements.

The department will renew your license upon receipt of:

  1. Completed Renewal application
    a. Including acknowledgment of no felony convictions in the previous two years
  2. Required fees
  3. Your current primary place of practice address
  4. Confirmation of required continuing education hours reported into the continuing education tracking system, CE Broker.
  5. Complete a mandatory background screening or retain* your current fingerprints. To learn more, please visit https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/.

*Required by section 456.0135(6)(1), Florida Statutes, a $43.25 fee is required for FDLE to retain your fingerprint for background screening during this licensure cycle. This fee is collected at the time of license renewal if your fingerprint retention is expiring this licensure period. If your fingerprint retention expires in the next 60 days, you will need to pay separately through the Clearinghouse Applicant Initiated (CHAI) System.

To ensure you receive notification from the department regarding the renewal, you must have on file with the department your current mailing address. Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status. Failure by a delinquent licensee to become active or inactive before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department.

A licensee who remains on inactive status for more than two consecutive biennial licensure cycles and who wishes to reactivate, must:

  1. Submit original inactive license
  2. Provide licensure verification from each state licensed in, or if only licensed in Florida submit a statement affirming the licensee is only licensed in Florida
  3. Provide a statement of medical activities from the date becoming inactive to the present or if have not practiced at least two of the four years preceding application for reactivation, the licensee must: a. Successfully complete a 16 credit hour Graduate Clerkship program approved by the council and b. Practice under the direct supervision of a supervising physician approved by the council for one year. In lieu of proof of completion of the Graduate Clerkship or the equivalent, may submit proof of recertification by the NCCPA
  4. Acknowledgment of no felony convictions in the previous two years
  5. Submit proof of completion of the CME requirements in compliance with paragraphs 64B8-30.005(2)(c), (d), (e), and (f), F.A.C., for each biennium in which the license was inactive
  6. Pay the appropriate fees
Military Exemption

If you are a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty not practicing in the private sector for profit, who was in good standing with the board at the time of becoming active and was entitled to practice or engage in the practice of medicine in Florida, you may be eligible to be exempted from renewal requirements for the duration of active duty, and for a period of six months after discharge.

If you are the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, you may be eligible to be exempted from licensure renewal requirements, but only in cases of absence from the state because your spouses’ duties with the Armed Forces.

Volunteer Health Services Exemption

If you volunteer 160 hours of medical services to the indigent residents of Florida with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level during the previous biennium, you may be eligible for a waiver of your biennial renewal fee and some of the continuing education hours (no more than 25%) required for license renewal; however, the continuing education requirements for domestic violence, HIV and AIDS, and medical errors cannot be waived.

Process
Renewal Process

All physician assistant licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, January 31, of each even year, unless renewed. At least 90 days before your license expires, the department will mail you a renewal notice to your last known address of record. You will have until midnight on the day your license expires to renew. Failure to renew your active or inactive license by midnight of the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status and a delinquent fee will be assessed in addition to the renewal fees. Failure by a delinquent licensee to become active or inactive before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department.

You may RENEW ONLINE your license if:

  1. You do not need to change the status of your license
  2. You have a credit card/debit card to complete the transaction
  3. Your license status is not ‘Military, Active’
  4. You are not requesting a Volunteer Health Services Exemption

Renewal Instructions:

  1. Go to www.flhealthsource.gov and click the “Renew A License” button.
  2. Enter your Personal Identifying Information (PII), then click the Login button.
  3. Confirm or update your MQA Services Account email address, then click the “Continue” button.
  4. You are now in the Dashboard. During renewals, a “Renew My License” option will populate no later than 90 days prior to your license expiration date. (Note: If you do not see the “Renew My License” option, please check back at a later time.)

*** If the “PII Failed” screen displays, click the “Other Login Option” button and enter your existing User ID and password to access your account.***

If you lose your user identification and password you may recover it by clicking the button at the right of the screen titled “Login Help.” After logging in to the renewal system, licensees will be prompted to answer a series of questions and required to provide certain information, if appropriate. The renewal process typically takes 10-15 minutes and licensees pay their renewal fee by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover when they are done.

You may RENEW BY MAIL if:

  1. You need to change the status of your license
  2. You do NOT have a credit card/debit card to complete the transaction and need to pay using a cashiers check or money order
  3. Your license is in ‘Military, Active’ status
  4. Your license is in a Volunteer status
  5. You need to request a name change

If your license is Delinquent/Active or Delinquent/Inactive you may still renew prior to the renewal deadline. The following actions must be taken prior to renewing your license:

  • Prior to renewing your license, you must report your continuing education (CE) hours to the Department of Health’s tracking system.
  • To renew a delinquent license, you will need to report your CE hours for your current cycle, as well as your previous cycle.
  • If you did not complete CE courses in your last renewal cycle, you may complete them now and report them to the CE tracking system.
  • To report course completion, log onto your MQA Online Account.  From your dashboard, go to “Additional Activities” and select Report CE/CME.

Please note, when renewing your license, a delinquent fee will be assessed in addition to all applicable renewal fees.

Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status and a delinquent fee will be assessed in addition to the renewal fees. Failure by a delinquent licensee to become active or inactive before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department.

Our professions have a minimum licensure period of 5 months. Due to the fact that physician assistant licenses only expire in even years, some licensees end up with a much shorter licensure period, while others have a much longer licensure period, depending on when the licenses are issued. PA 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.

Military Exemption

To receive an exemption from the renewal requirements, please provide a copy of your orders which provides the beginning and end date of your current enlistment or a copy of your spouse’s orders.  If you are a Commissioned Officer, you may provide a letter from your commanding officer that reflects the length of your contract with a beginning and end date to fulfill this requirement.

Volunteer Health Services Exemption

Online renewal is not available at this time for practitioners requesting this exemption.  To receive an exemption from the biennial renewal fee and some of the continuing education hours (no more than 25%), you will be required to submit a letter certifying the total number of uncompensated health care service hours volunteered during the renewal cycle along with your renewal application.

Information for requesting a Name Change

Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. Please submit a request including your full name as it appears on your license, profession, license number, your new name, your date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number, and your signature. Attach supporting documents, which must be one of the following:

  • a copy of a state issued marriage license that includes the original signature and seal from the clerk of the court
  • a divorce decree showing the name change
  • a court order showing the name change (Adoption, legal name change, federal identity change)

Any one of these will be accepted unless the department has a question about the authenticity of the document. A social security card is not considered legal documentation.

Please Note: The last four digits of the SSN are requested as required by DOH Policy Number DOHP 385-LS05-12 Name Changes for Existing Licensees, which was established for security purposes due to past instances of fraudulent activity.

Fees

If renewing BEFORE your license expires, your fees will be:

Active to Active $280.00*
Inactive to Inactive $280.00
Active to Inactive $280.00
Inactive to Active $380.00*
Active to Retired $55.00
Inactive to Retired $55.00
Prescribing Registration* $10.00

If renewing AFTER your license expires, your fees will be:

Active to Active $380.00*
Inactive to Inactive $380.00
Active to Inactive $480.00
Inactive to Active $580.00*
Active to Retired $255.00
Inactive to Retired $255.00
Prescribing Registration* $10.00

If renewing 120 day Notified Delinquent, your fees will be:

Active to Active $660.00*
Inactive to Inactive $660.00
Active to Inactive $660.00
Inactive to Active $760.00
Active to Retired $435.00
Inactive to Retired $435.00
Prescribing Registration* $10.00

*If you are not currently authorized to prescribe medicinal drugs and would like to obtain a prescribing license number at the time you are renewing your license you may do so by checking the appropriate box on the renewal application. No fee is required for the initial prescribing license number; however, once you obtain your prescribing license number, there is an additional fee of $10.00 added to the license renewal fee for the current renewal cycle.

**Required by section 456.0135(6)(1), Florida Statutes, a $43.25 fee is required for FDLE to retain your fingerprint for background screening during this licensure cycle. This fee is collected at the time of license renewal if your fingerprint retention is expiring this licensure period. If your fingerprint retention expires in the next 60 days, you will need to pay separately through the Clearinghouse Applicant Initiated (CHAI) System.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education (CE/CME) Requirements

To locate board approved CE Courses for this profession, please click here

REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS IMPORTANT INFORMATION
General Hours 98
Medical Error 2
Domestic Violence 2 Required every third biennium – Included in the 100 total hours required

First Biennium Renewal: If you are renewing  your license for the first time you are required to complete two hours in Medical Errors, One hour of HIV/AIDS and 97 hours of general CME.  A current NCCPA certification can substitute for the 97 general CME hours. The HIV/AIDS course must be Category I.

NOTE:
The Prevention of Medical Errors course must be approved by any state or federal government agency, or nationally affiliated professional association, or any provider of Category I or II American Medical Association Continuing Education. One hour of a two hour course which is provided by a facility licensed under Chapter 395, Florida Statutes, for its employees may be used to partially meet this requirement.

CE Reporting Information →Reporting Schedule →

Board Rule Approved Providers

  • Minimum of 50 hours must be Cat I CME the remaining 50 hours can be Cat II CME
  • Approved by any of the following: American Academy of Physician Assistants; Accreditation Council for CME; American Medical Association; American Osteopathic Association Council on CME and American Academy of Family Physicians
  • A copy of the NCCPA certificate will count for the 98 required CME hours.  You will need to show proof of Medical Errors & Domestic Violence and your specialty areas of practice if applicable.

Prescribing Physician Assistants

  • In addition to the above requirements, prescribing physician assistants must complete 10 hours of CME in each specialty area of the supervising physician. These hours are included in the 98 general CME. Effective January 1, 2017, three of the ten specialty hours must consist of a course on the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substance medications given by a statewide professional association of physicians in this state accredited to provide educational activities designated for the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award Category I credit or designated by the American Academy of Physician Assistants as a Category I credit.

Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Medical Education per Biennium

  • 5 hours in the subject area of ethics or risk management for attending one full day or eight (8) hours, whichever is more, of disciplinary hearings at a regular meeting of the Board of Medicine
  • Up to 5 hours, per biennium, of continuing education credit may be fulfilled by performing pro bono medical services, for an entity serving the indigent or underserved populations or in areas of critical need within the state where the licensee practices. The standard for determining indigency shall be low-income (no greater than 150% of the federal poverty level) or uninsured persons. Credit shall be given on an hour per hour basis.
  • The Board approves for credit under this rule, the following entities:
    • The Department of Health;
    • Community and Migrant Health Centers funded under section 330 of the United States Public Health Service Act; and
    • Volunteer Health Care provider programs contracted to provide uncompensated care under the provisions of Section 766.1115, F.S., with the Department of Health.
  • For services provided to an entity not specified under this rule, a licensee must apply for prior approval in order to receive credit. In the application for approval, licensees shall disclose the type, nature and extent of services to be rendered, the facility where the services will be rendered, the number of patients expected to be served, and a statement indicating that the patients to be served are indigent. If the licensee intends to provide services in underserved or critical need areas, the application shall provide a brief explanation as to those facts.
Statutes and Rules

Click on Chapter or Section Number to View

Florida Statutes

458.347 Physician Assistants
456.013 Department; general licensing provisions
456.024 Members of Armed Forces in good standing with administrative boards or the department; spouses
456.031 Requirement for instruction on domestic violence
456.033 FS Requirement for instruction for certain licensees on HIV and AIDS
456.035 FS Address of record
456.036 FS Licenses; active and inactive status; delinquency
456.038 FS Renewal and cancellation notices
456.0635 FS Medicaid fraud; disqualification for license, certification, or registration
458.347 FS Physician Assistant Licensure
766.1115 FS Health care providers; creation of agency relationship with governmental contractors.
766.1116 FS Health care practitioner; waiver of license renewal fees and continuing education

Florida Administrative Code

64B8-30.005 Continuing Education for Biennial Renewal
64B-9.001 Biennial Licensing
64B8-30.005 Physician Assistant Licensure Renewal and Reactivation, Delinquent
64B8-30.019 Fees

Renew Online

To renew online visit the MQA Services Portal by clicking the button below.