CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by FL Board of Healthcare

Respiratory Therapist Licensing in Florida

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for respiratory therapist in Florida, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Respiratory Therapist in Florida

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    FL Department of Health • Division of Medical Quality Assurance

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,710 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #20 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Florida eligibility requirements for Respiratory Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to FL Department of Health~Division of Medical Quality Assurance and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Florida

With a median salary of $79,710, Respiratory Therapists in Florida earn 1% below the national median of $80,450. Florida ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,330

Median annual salary

$79,710

Hourly estimate

$38.32
1% below national median

Difference: -$740

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$62,940
  • P2525th percentile$68,570
  • P50Median$79,710
  • P7575th percentile$84,740
  • P9090th percentile$98,890

State vs National Median

State: $79,710
National: $80,450

Total employment: 8,840 | Annual openings: N/A

Respiratory Therapist Salary Ranking

#20 of 50 statesfor Respiratory Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$103,820
#2California$102,120
#3New Jersey$98,020
#4Washington$97,150
#5Massachusetts$96,940

Nearby States Comparison

Respiratory Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Florida$79,710Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$81,890Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$64,010Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Florida68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

FL Department of Health • Division of Medical Quality Assurance

4042 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, Fl, 32399-3250

Phone: 8504880595

Related Careers in Florida

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$183,530Degree requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$404,100Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$58,410Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$83,290Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Respiratory Therapists in Florida?

Florida lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Respiratory Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida?

The board typically expects Degree required for Respiratory Therapist licensure in Florida.

What is the typical Respiratory Therapist salary in Florida?

The median annual salary for Respiratory Therapists in Florida is $79,710. Salaries range from $62,940 (10th percentile) to $98,890 (90th percentile).

How does the Respiratory Therapist salary in Florida compare to the national average?

Respiratory Therapists in Florida earn 1% below the national median of $80,450, with a state median of $79,710.

How many Respiratory Therapists work in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 8,840 Respiratory Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Florida from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Respiratory Therapists in Florida?

The licensing agency is FL Department of Health / Division of Medical Quality Assurance. Review agency details at https://www.doh.state.fl.us/.

How often do you renew a Respiratory Therapist license in Florida?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.