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Florida Respiratory Therapist License

Florida Board of Respiratory Care

Total Fee
$137
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
FDLE / Cogent Systems
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official NBRC Verification — An official letter from the NBRC confirming RRT status; copies of scores or wallet cards are not accepted. NBRC Website
  • Livescan Background Check Results — Electronic fingerprint results submitted via an approved Florida Livescan provider using ORI EDOH4720Z. Background Screening Info
  • License Verification(s) — Official verification from every state where you have ever held a healthcare license, sent directly to the Board.
  • Personal History Documentation — If you answered 'Yes' to any criminal or disciplinary questions, you must provide a written statement and supporting legal documents.

How to Apply

  1. Create an MQA Online Account ▾
    Register for a new account on the Florida Department of Health MQA Services Portal to begin the application process.
    Register Now
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the electronic application for Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) licensure through the portal.
    Apply Online
  3. Pay Application Fees ▾
    Pay the required $105 fee (includes application, licensure, and unlicensed activity fees) online via the portal.
  4. Complete Electronic Fingerprinting ▾
    Schedule and complete Livescan fingerprinting using ORI number EDOH4720Z through an approved vendor.
    Find Livescan Vendor
  5. Request NBRC Verification ▾
    Contact the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to have an official letter of verification sent directly to the Florida Board.
    Request NBRC Verification
  6. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    If you hold or have held a license in another state, request official verification from that state's board to be sent directly to Florida.
Total Fee
$137
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you hold an active RRT credential from the NBRC or an equivalent license in another state.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply through the MQA portal selecting the 'Endorsement' path for RRT.
    Start Application
  3. Submit Fingerprints ▾
    Complete the mandatory Florida Livescan background check even if you reside out of state.
    Fingerprint Instructions
  4. Request Primary Source Verifications ▾
    Have the NBRC and all previous state boards send official verifications directly to the Florida Board of Respiratory Care.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Florida Board of Respiratory Care

Keeping Your License Active

Florida Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Florida Board of Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$37.25
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Incorrect NBRC Documentation ▾
Submitting a copy of your NBRC certificate or wallet card instead of requesting an official verification letter directly from the NBRC.
Missing Fingerprints ▾
Failing to complete the Livescan process or using the wrong ORI number (EDOH4720Z), which prevents the Board from receiving results.
Applying for CRT then RRT ▾
New graduates applying for CRT first and then upgrading to RRT causes redundant processing; the Board recommends applying directly for RRT if eligible.
Incomplete History Explanations ▾
Answering 'Yes' to background questions without providing the required written explanation and official court/disciplinary documents.

Questions

When does my Florida Respiratory Therapist license expire? ▾
All Florida respiratory therapist licenses expire at midnight on May 31st of every odd-numbered year.
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal? ▾
Licensees must complete 24 hours of board-approved CE every biennium, including 2 hours of Medical Errors and 2 hours of Florida Laws and Rules.
Is fingerprinting required for every renewal? ▾
Fingerprints must be retained/updated every 5 years. A fee is typically collected during the renewal cycle when retention is expiring.
Can I practice while my application is being processed? ▾
No. You must have a clear, active Florida license issued and appearing on the online verification system before you can practice.

Board Info

Florida Board of Respiratory Care
Phone(850) 488-0595
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25