Mental Health License Requirements

How does Florida regulate and authorize licenses?   

A “license” to regulate professions and occupations means any permit, registration, certificate, or license issued in Florida. An occupational license is a privilege accorded by the state or its subdivisions to conduct a business at a particular location and is not a property right protected by substantive due process; the denial of such license does not prevent the business owner from pursuing a lawful occupation but merely stops the business from operating at a particular location. Ammons v. Okeechobee County, 710 So. 2d 641 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998).  

On July 1, 2021, the Florida Legislature passed Section 163.211 into law, which prevents any county, municipality, or other political subdivision of Florida from implementing additional licensing requirements for most occupations. Therefore, a prospective applicant only needs to satisfy state statutory requirements. 

Need help receiving, renewing, or defending your license? Schedule your consultation today with a top administrative law and licensing attorney.  

Which laws and regulations apply to Florida mental health licenses?  

The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling regulates mental health licenses in Florida. This entity operates under the Department of Health and oversees the licensure process for professionals within the mental health field. 

Florida Statutes Chapter 491 governs the practice of clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling. Additionally, the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Chapter 64B4 outlines the rules for licensure, examination, continuing education, and disciplinary procedures. 

Mental health professionals need to adhere to these statutes and regulations to maintain their licenses and ensure the well-being of their clients. Therefore, staying current with any updates to these laws is crucial for professionals in the mental health field. 

What are the application and retention requirements for mental health licenses in Florida? 

Application Requirements:

Applicants must meet specific educational, experience, and examination requirements to obtain a mental health license in Florida. For instance, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) must have a master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a related field, complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). 

Similarly, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) must have a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National Examination. 

Retention Requirements:

Once licensed, mental health professionals must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. For example, LMHCs and LMFTs in Florida must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including specific courses on ethics and boundaries, Florida laws and rules, and human trafficking. 

Furthermore, licensees must renew their licenses every two years by submitting a renewal application and paying the associated fees. Adhering to these requirements ensures that mental health professionals maintain their expertise and adhere to the ethical standards of the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. 

To determine whether you meet the requirements for a mental health license, please contact our office to set up your initial consultation. 

Can the DOH’s license decision be appealed?  

Yes, an adverse license decision made by the DOH is appealable. The authority for appealing such decisions comes from the Florida Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes. Specifically, the right to appeal derives from Florida Statutes §120.569 and §120.57. The APA establishes the framework for challenging agency actions, such as licensing decisions, through administrative hearings and judicial review.  

If an applicant or licensee receives an adverse decision from the DOH, they may request an administrative hearing to challenge it. The request for a hearing must be submitted within the timeframe specified in the agency’s notice, which is generally 15 days from the date of the notice, as provided in Section 120.569(2)(a), Florida Statutes. 

The administrative hearing process commences with submitting a petition for a hearing to the agency. The petition must comply with the requirements outlined in Rule 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code. If the petitioner qualifies for an administrative hearing, the case is referred to the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) and assigned to an administrative law judge (ALJ). 

The ALJ conducts the hearing, like a trial, with both parties presenting evidence and testimony. After the hearing, the ALJ issues a recommended order, which includes findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation for a final decision. The DOH then reviews the recommended order and issues a final order, either adopting, modifying, or rejecting the ALJ’s recommendations. 

Suppose the petitioner is unsatisfied with the DOH’s final order. In that case, they can seek judicial review by filing a notice of appeal with the appropriate District Court of Appeal, as provided in Section 120.68, Florida Statutes. The court reviews the case to determine if the agency’s decision follows from competent, substantial evidence and complies with the law. 

Have more questions about a professional licensing-related situation?  

Crucially, this overview of mental health licenses does not begin to cover all the laws implicated by this issue or the factors that may compel the application of such laws. Every case is unique, and the laws can produce different outcomes depending on the individual circumstances. 

Jimerson Birr attorneys guide our clients to help make informed decisions while ensuring their rights are respected and protected. Our lawyers are highly trained and experienced in the nuances of the law, so they can accurately interpret statutes and case law and holistically prepare individuals or companies for their legal endeavors. Through this intense personal investment and advocacy, our lawyers will help resolve the issue’s complicated legal problems efficiently and effectively. 

Having a Jimerson Birr attorney on your side means securing a team of seasoned, multi-dimensional, cross-functional legal professionals. Whether it is a transaction, an operational issue, a regulatory challenge, or a contested legal predicament that may require court intervention, we remain a tireless advocate every step of the way. Being a value-added law firm means putting the client at the forefront of everything we do. We use our experience to help our clients navigate even the most complex problems and come out the other side triumphant. 

If you want to understand your case, the merits of your claim or defense, potential monetary awards, or the amount of exposure you face, you should speak with a qualified Jimerson Birr lawyer. Our experienced team of attorneys is here to help. Call Jimerson Birr at (904) 389-0050 or use the contact form to set up a consultation.