Florida
What are the continuing education requirements for license renewal in Florida?
- 20 hours, every 2 years
- 11 hrs Technical (if board certified, 4 hrs min of Contact Lens)
- 5 hrs Electives
- 2 hrs FL laws/rules
- 2 hrs Medical Errors
Internet CE allowed?
Yes, but only 5 hours (maximum) & only if provider is state board approved (OTI is an approved provider)
Is Optical Training Institute an approved continuing education provider in Florida?
Yes, licensed opticians in Florida can take our online continuing education courses that have been specifically FL-approved.
What is the Optician Development Program approved for in Florida?
At this time, ODP is not approved in the state of Florida for apprenticeship alignment. The program can be taken for training and ABO-NCLE exam preparation purposes only.
What are the requirements to become a licensed optician in Florida?
The department shall certify eligible for the licensure examination each applicant who:
- Has completed the application form and remitted the required fees;
- Is not less than 18 years of age;
- Is a graduate of an accredited high school or possesses a certificate of equivalency of a high school education;
- Successfully passed the National Opticianry Competency Examination within three years of application or has current ABO certification;
- Successfully passed the Contact Lens Registry Examination within three years of application or has current NCLE certification; and
- Has completed one of the following:
- Received an associate degree, or equivalent, in opticianry from an accredited school; or
- Is licensed to practice opticianry in another state and has actively practiced in such state for more than 3 of the last 5 years; or
- Has actively practiced opticianry in a state in which licensure is not required for more than 5 of the last 7 years and provides tax records, business records, affidavits, etc. documenting such; or
- Has registered as an apprentice with the department and completed 6,240 hours of training under their registered sponsor(s). These requirements must be met within 5 years after the date of registration.
- If an applicant fails to complete the application within 12 months of its receipt in the board office, he or she shall be required to apply as an initial applicant.
For more information: Florida Board of Opticianry
What exams are required in Florida to become a licensed optician?
Passing of the National Opticianry Competency Examination offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is required.
Passing of the Contact Lens Registry Examination offered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) is required.
Passing of the state practical examination.
How can you contact the Florida state board?
Florida Department of Health
Board of Opticianry
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin #C-08
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258
Phone: (850) 245-4292
Fax: 850-413-6982