Licensed Professional Counselor / Florida
2026 data Florida board official source

Florida Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Florida data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

To practice as a licensed professional counselor in Florida, the state licensing board requires 3,122 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, and 2 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Florida's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $178 to get started, plus $147 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, licensed professional counselors should know: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,122 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$178
Renewal Fee
$147
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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Compare all states for Licensed Professional Counselor All Florida licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Florida licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Florida? ▼
Florida's requirements cover 3122 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $178. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Florida? ▼
Florida licenses licensed professional counselors who complete its requirements (3122 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Florida licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Florida from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed professional counselors: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Florida licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Florida require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process in Florida. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Florida? ▼
Florida ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $147 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.