2026 data Florida board official source

Florida Physician Assistant License Requirements

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

Practices medicine under physician supervision. Requires PANCE exam and masters degree.

What the Florida data shows for Physician Assistants

Florida sets the entry bar for physician assistants at 3,932 training hours and a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Florida's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $286 to get started, plus $255 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 100 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
3,932 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$286
Renewal Fee
$255
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
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 Physician Assistant in Florida?
Florida's requirements cover 3932 hours of education or training, the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $286. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Florida?
Certification as a physician assistant in Florida means clearing the state's checklist: 3932 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Florida licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Florida from another state?
Reciprocity for physician assistants nationally works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Florida. Verify the specifics with the Florida licensing board.
Does Florida require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing?
Background screening is part of the physician assistant 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 Physician Assistant in Florida?
Florida ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $255 renewal fee.

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