Occupational licensing · Florida · burden rank #15 of 51
Florida Occupational Licensing Requirements
Florida's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Florida sits mid-pack on licensing burden (#15 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Maryland; New Jersey; Massachusetts; New York. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Use the named licenses and peers as the next stop.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #15 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 2,142
- Avg initial fee
- $200
Florida vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
42 Lower than most more restrictive than 67% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber; Psychologist. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Maryland; New Jersey; Massachusetts; New York. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Electrician
In Florida, Electrician lists 6,486 education hours with an exam and a $167 initial fee. Compare the same license in Maryland on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Elevator Installer
In Florida, Elevator Installer lists 6,486 education hours with an exam and a $236 initial fee. Compare the same license in Maryland on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Florida's higher initial fees at $478 after 20 education hours. Open New Jersey for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Florida's higher initial fees at $349 after 5,243 education hours. Open New Jersey for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Florida against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Florida already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Florida: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#15 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Massachusetts · burden #14/51
- Maryland · burden #13/51
- New Jersey · burden #13/51
- New York · burden #17/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($200 here).
- Massachusetts · avg $201 initial fee
- New Jersey · avg $204 initial fee
- New York · avg $193 initial fee
- Maryland · avg $211 initial fee
Agriculture in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Animal Care in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 5,243 | Yes | $349 | $286 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 2,122 | Yes | $174 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Construction in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 6,486 | Yes | $167 | $134 | 1 yr | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 6,486 | Yes | $236 | $205 | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $339 | $277 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 4,486 | Yes | $134 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| 25 | Yes | $134 | $118 | 3 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 6,486 | Yes | $198 | $167 | 1 yr | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Cosmetology in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,311 | Yes | $113 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,373 | Yes | $128 | $65 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 729 | Yes | $134 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 720 | Yes | $112 | $56 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Hawaii.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Hawaii |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 746 | Yes | $139 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Illinois.
| 492 | Yes | $100 | $51 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Illinois |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Design in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $236 | $174 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $277 | $215 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
Education in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 75 | No | $134 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $169 | $106 | 5 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $200 | $138 | 5 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $169 | $106 | 5 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
Engineering in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $339 | $277 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Finance in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| - | Yes | $330 | $268 | 2 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 57 | Yes | $163 | $132 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 20 | Yes | $478 | $322 | 1 yr | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
Food & Hospitality in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 10 | Yes | $47 | $31 | 3 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 10 | Yes | $31 | $25 | 3 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Healthcare in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 3,122 | Yes | $174 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 3,122 | Yes | $246 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 170 | Yes | $118 | $103 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,311 | Yes | $153 | $112 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,622 | Yes | $215 | $184 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 4,622 | Yes | $339 | $277 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,697 | Yes | $174 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 4,932 | Yes | $255 | $224 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 3,622 | Yes | $246 | $215 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 3,932 | Yes | $286 | $255 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Iowa.
| 2,235 | Yes | $174 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Iowa |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $205 | $174 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 2,622 | Yes | $184 | $128 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 2,122 | Yes | $174 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 3,622 | Yes | $246 | $184 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
Legal & Security in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 53 | No | $165 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 3,745 | Yes | $268 | $236 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Indiana.
| 25 | No | $165 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Indiana |
Mental Health in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,622 | Yes | $184 | $153 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 3,122 | Yes | $178 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Idaho.
| 3,122 | Yes | $215 | $184 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Idaho |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 6,243 | Yes | $349 | $286 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Miscellaneous in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 155 | Yes | $196 | $134 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
Real Estate in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 139 | Yes | $268 | $205 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 127 | Yes | $198 | $164 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 191 | Yes | $268 | $221 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
Transportation in Florida
| FL profession | FL edu hrs | FL exam | FL initial $ | FL renew $ | FL cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 25 | Yes | $101 | $70 | 4 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 259 | Yes | $132 | $70 | 4 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 90 | Yes | $101 | $70 | 4 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Florida ranks #15 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Above median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Florida directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Florida
NCSL and state-board extracts for Florida. Burden peers on this ladder include Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Florida render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.