Emilee C Gerald

What they do

Occupational Therapists (OTs) in Florida help people of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the everyday skills they need to live independently. They evaluate physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional function, then design interventions that restore the ability to perform meaningful daily activities — dressing, bathing, eating, working, parenting, attending school, or pursuing leisure. Treatment may involve adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, fine motor training, sensory integration, cognitive rehabilitation, splinting, and ergonomics.

In Florida, OTs work in hospitals, outpatient rehab clinics, schools, early intervention programs, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, mental health programs, home health agencies, and private practice. They commonly treat patients recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury, children with autism or developmental delay, adults with hand and upper-extremity injuries, and older adults navigating dementia or progressive disability. Because Florida has a large and aging population, occupational therapy services for aging-in-place, fall prevention, and post-acute recovery are in particularly high demand.

Licensing in Florida

To practice in Florida, candidates must complete an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination, and submit fingerprints and an application to the Florida Department of Health. The Florida Laws and Rules examination is also required. Licenses are renewed every two years with documented continuing education, including state-mandated topics. The Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice regulates the profession statewide.

How to verify or report

Verify a Florida OT license through the Florida MQA license search. To report unsafe practice, billing fraud, or unprofessional conduct, file through the Florida Department of Health complaint form or by phone at 850-488-0796.