Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Florida 2025
To become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Florida, you need a master's degree in MFT with at least 36 semester hours, complete 1,500 hours of supervised client contact over a minimum of 2 years, and pass the national LMFT examination. Florida MFTs earn a median salary of $50,220 annually, with experienced therapists earning up to $156,570.
Marriage and family therapists play a vital role in Florida's mental health landscape, helping couples and families navigate relationship challenges, mental health concerns, and life transitions. With 760 licensed practitioners across the state and growing demand for mental health services, pursuing marriage and family therapy as a career in Florida offers both personal fulfillment and professional stability.
The journey to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Florida is comprehensive but well-defined. You'll need to complete a master's degree in MFT or a closely related field, gain 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience working with clients, and pass the national MFT examination. The entire process typically takes 3-4 years after earning your bachelor's degree.
This guide provides complete, up-to-date information about Florida's LMFT licensure requirements, including educational standards, supervision requirements, examination details, and career outlook for marriage and family therapists in the Sunshine State.
Table of Contents
Overview of Florida LMFT Licensure
Florida regulates marriage and family therapist licensure through the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. The state requires specific educational coursework, extensive supervised clinical experience, and successful examination performance before granting licensure to practice independently.
The path to becoming an LMFT in Florida follows these key steps:
- Complete a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field with MFT emphasis (minimum 36 semester hours)
- Gain supervised clinical experience totaling at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact over a minimum 2 years
- Pass the national MFT examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB)
- Submit the application and fees to the Florida Board for review and approval
- Maintain licensure through continuing education and periodic renewal
The typical timeline from starting a master's program to obtaining full licensure is 3-4 years, though this can vary based on program structure and how quickly you complete supervised hours.
Educational Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists in Florida
Florida requires all marriage and family therapist applicants to hold a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field with substantial MFT coursework. Your degree program must include a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate-level coursework covering specific content areas.
Master's Degree Requirements
Your graduate degree must come from a regionally accredited institution and include coursework that meets Florida's specific content requirements. Many students choose to complete their degree through accredited MFT programs in Florida, though degrees from out-of-state programs that meet the requirements are also accepted.
When selecting an MFT degree program, verify that the curriculum includes all required coursework and clinical training components. Programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) typically meet or exceed Florida's educational requirements.
Required Coursework (36 Semester Hours Minimum)
Florida mandates specific coursework across multiple content areas. Each of the following areas requires a minimum of three semester hours:
| Content Area | Minimum Hours | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamics of Marriage & Family Systems | 3 semester hours | Family systems theory, relational dynamics, systemic approaches |
| Marriage Therapy Techniques | 3 semester hours | Couples counseling theories, interventions, and therapeutic approaches |
| Family Therapy & Counseling Techniques | 3 semester hours | Family therapy models, intervention strategies, and treatment planning |
| Individual Human Development Theories | 3 semester hours | Lifespan development, developmental stages, growth theories |
| Personality Theory & Techniques | 3 semester hours | Personality theories, counseling techniques, and therapeutic approaches |
| Psychopathology | 3 semester hours | Mental disorders, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches |
| Human Sexuality Theory | 3 semester hours | Sexual development, sexuality issues, therapeutic interventions |
| Psychosocial Theory | 3 semester hours | Social influences, cultural factors, and environmental impacts |
| Substance Abuse Theory & Counseling | 3 semester hours | Addiction theories, treatment modalities, and recovery approaches |
Additional Required Coursework
Beyond the core nine content areas above, Florida requires a minimum of three semester hours or one graduate-level course in each of these areas:
- Professional, Legal, and Ethical Standards in marriage and family therapy practice
- Diagnosis, Assessment, and Testing for interpersonal or individual disorders and dysfunction
- Behavioral Research methods and applications
Clinical Practicum or Internship Requirements
All degree programs must include supervised clinical training in a marriage and family therapy setting. Students must complete at least 180 hours of direct client contact during their practicum or internship experience. This hands-on training provides essential skills and experience before entering post-graduate supervised practice.
Supervised Experience Requirements for Florida LMFT Licensure
After completing your master's degree, Florida requires substantial supervised clinical experience before you can apply for full licensure. This post-graduate supervision ensures you develop the clinical skills and professional judgment needed to practice independently.
Post-Graduate Supervision Overview
You must complete at least two years of supervised experience working under the direction of a qualified supervisor who holds an active Florida LMFT license and has at least five years of clinical experience. This supervision must meet specific requirements regarding the type of clinical work, the amount of supervision received, and the qualifications of your supervisor.
Direct Client Contact Requirements
The core of Florida's experience requirement is 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients. These hours must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 1,500 hours of direct face-to-face psychotherapy providing mental health services to clients
- Completed over at least 100 weeks, which ensures approximately two years of consistent clinical practice
- Focused on marriage and family therapy approaches and relational issues
- Properly documented with detailed records of client contact hours, dates, and supervision received
Supervision Requirements
During your 1,500 hours of client contact, you must receive appropriate clinical supervision:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Supervision Hours | Minimum 100 hours of supervision for every 1,500 hours of client contact |
| Frequency | At least one hour of supervision every two weeks throughout the experience period |
| Individual vs. Group | If receiving group supervision, must also receive equal hours of individual supervision (maximum 2 supervisees in individual sessions) |
| Supervisor Qualifications | Must be licensed as an LMFT in Florida with at least 5 years of experience |
| Supervisor Approval | A supervisor must be approved by the Florida Board to provide supervision |
Timeline and Pacing
While Florida requires a minimum of 100 weeks (approximately 2 years) to complete the 1,500 supervised hours, many therapists take 2-3 years depending on their employment setting and caseload. Working full-time in a clinical setting typically allows you to accumulate hours more quickly, while part-time positions extend the timeline.
LMFT Examination Requirements
Florida requires all LMFT applicants to pass the national examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This comprehensive exam tests your knowledge of marriage and family therapy theory, ethics, and clinical practice.
National MFT Examination
The AMFTRB examination is a computer-based test that assesses competency across the core domains of marriage and family therapy practice. The exam covers treatment planning, clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, professional ethics, and legal responsibilities.
Key details about the examination:
- Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice questions
- Length: 200 questions administered over 4 hours
- Content areas: Assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, professional issues
- Scheduling: Available year-round at designated testing centers throughout Florida
- Results: Preliminary scores available immediately after completing the exam
Florida Jurisprudence Requirements
In addition to the national examination, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Florida-specific laws, rules, and regulations governing marriage and family therapy practice. Contact the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling for current jurisprudence requirements.
Application and Licensing Process
Once you've completed your education, supervision, and examination requirements, you can apply for your Florida LMFT license through the state board.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Verify requirement completion: Ensure all educational coursework, supervised hours, and examination scores meet Florida's standards
- Gather documentation: Collect official transcripts, supervision verification forms, examination scores, and any required supporting materials
- Complete application: Submit the LMFT application through the Florida Department of Health licensing system
- Pay application fees: Submit required fees for application processing and initial licensure
- Background check: Complete fingerprinting and background screening as required by Florida law
- Board review: Wait for the board to review your application and supporting documents
- Receive license: Upon approval, receive your Florida LMFT license and begin independent practice
Fees and Processing Times
Application fees vary and are subject to change. Contact the Florida Board directly for current fee schedules. Processing times typically range from 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application with all required documentation.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Florida requires licensed marriage and family therapists to renew their licenses periodically and complete continuing education to maintain active status. Stay informed about current renewal requirements, continuing education hour requirements, and renewal deadlines through the Florida Board's official website.
Career Outlook for Florida Marriage and Family Therapists
The outlook for marriage and family therapists in Florida is strong, with steady growth expected in mental health services across the state. Florida's growing population and increasing awareness of mental health needs create ongoing demand for qualified LMFTs.
Employment Statistics and Growth Projections
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for marriage and family therapists nationwide is excellent. Employment for mental health counselors in general is expected to grow by 22% from 2021 through 2031, while marriage and family therapist positions specifically are projected to increase by 14%. This growth rate significantly exceeds the average for all occupations, reflecting strong demand for mental health services.
As of May 2024, Florida employed 760 licensed marriage and family therapists across the state. This number has remained relatively stable, though demand continues to grow as mental health awareness increases and more Floridians seek therapeutic services for relationship and family concerns.
Salary Data for Florida MFTs
Marriage and family therapists in Florida earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience level, work setting, geographic location, and specialization. According to May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here's the salary breakdown for Florida MFTs:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,860 | Entry-level positions |
| 25th Percentile | $43,710 | Early career therapists |
| Median (50th) | $50,220 | Mid-career professionals |
| Mean (Average) | $69,450 | Overall average across all experience levels |
| 75th Percentile | $88,250 | Experienced practitioners |
| 90th Percentile | $156,570 | Top earners in specialized practices |
For context, the national median wage for marriage and family therapists as of May 2024 is $63,780, with the national mean salary at $72,720. Florida's median salary is somewhat lower than the national average, though the state's lower cost of living in many areas can offset this difference.
Work Settings and Specializations
Florida marriage and family therapists work in diverse settings, each offering unique opportunities and compensation structures:
- Private practice: Many experienced LMFTs establish independent practices, offering the highest earning potential and professional autonomy
- Community mental health centers: Provide services to underserved populations with stable employment and benefits
- Hospital and healthcare systems: Offer integrated care, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization
- Family service agencies: Focus on family preservation, child welfare, and community support services
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Provide workplace-based counseling and support services
- Educational institutions: Work with students and families in school settings
- Telehealth platforms: Growing opportunities for remote therapy services across Florida and nationally
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Florida?
The complete process typically takes 3-4 years after earning your bachelor's degree. This includes 2-3 years for a master's degree program and 2 years of post-graduate supervised experience. Some of your supervised hours may be completed during graduate school, which can reduce the overall timeline.
What's the difference between an LMFT and an LPC in Florida?
While both are licensed mental health professionals, LMFTs specialize in relational and systemic therapy approaches for couples and families, while Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) typically focus on individual counseling. Training, licensure requirements, theoretical orientation, and scope of practice differ between the two professions.
Can I practice as an MFT in Florida with an out-of-state license?
Florida doesn't have automatic reciprocity, but you may qualify for licensure by endorsement if you're currently licensed in another state and meet Florida's education and experience requirements. Contact the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling for specific guidance on licensure by endorsement.
How many supervision hours do I need for Florida LMFT licensure?
You must complete at least 100 hours of qualified supervision during your 1,500 hours of face-to-face client contact. This supervision must occur over a minimum of 100 weeks (approximately 2 years) with at least one supervision session every two weeks.
Can I complete my MFT degree online and still get licensed in Florida?
Florida accepts master's degrees from regionally accredited programs, including some online MFT programs. However, your program must include the required clinical practicum with 180 hours of direct client contact, which requires in-person clinical work. Verify that any online program meets all of Florida's specific educational requirements before enrolling.
What continuing education is required to maintain my Florida LMFT license?
Florida requires licensed MFTs to complete continuing education hours for license renewal. The specific number of hours and approved topics may change, so contact the Florida Board for current CE requirements, approved providers, and renewal deadlines.
What's the pass rate for the Florida LMFT exam?
Pass rates vary by testing period, but the national AMFTRB examination typically has a pass rate between 70-80% for first-time test-takers. Proper preparation, including review courses and practice exams, significantly improves your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Key Takeaways
Essential Points for Becoming a Florida LMFT
- Education requirement: Master's degree with a minimum of 36 semester hours covering nine specific content areas plus additional required coursework
- Clinical experience: 1,500 hours of supervised face-to-face client contact completed over at least 100 weeks (approximately 2 years)
- Supervision standards: Minimum 100 supervision hours with an approved LMFT supervisor who has 5+ years of experience
- Examination: Pass the national AMFTRB MFT examination and meet Florida jurisprudence requirements
- Timeline: Total process typically takes 3-4 years from starting graduate school to obtaining full licensure
- Salary range: Florida MFTs earn $34,860-$156,570 annually, with a median salary of $50,220 (May 2024 data)
- Career outlook: Strong growth projected at 14% for MFT positions through 2031, exceeding the average for all occupations
Ready to Start Your Florida MFT Career?
Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in Florida requires dedication and comprehensive training, but the rewarding career helping couples and families makes the journey worthwhile. With strong job growth, competitive salaries, and diverse practice settings, Florida offers excellent opportunities for qualified LMFTs.
Related Florida Mental Health Licenses
If you're interested in other mental health professions in Florida, explore these related licensing guides:
- How to Become a Psychologist in Florida
- How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Florida
- Florida Social Work Licensing Process
Learn more about LMFT licensure requirements in other states if you're considering practicing outside Florida.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Marriage & Family Therapists are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
