Daniel P Vergara

What they do

Physical Therapists (PTs) in Florida evaluate movement, strength, balance, and pain, then design and deliver treatment plans to restore function after injury, surgery, illness, or developmental delay. Their interventions include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, gait and balance training, neuromuscular re-education, modalities such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound, and patient education on home programs and injury prevention.

PTs work across the full spectrum of healthcare settings in Florida — hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health, pediatric centers, sports medicine clinics, and academic medical centers. Specialties include orthopedics, neurology, cardiopulmonary rehab, geriatrics, pediatrics, women's health, and sports performance. Florida's large active retirement population and high incidence of orthopedic and stroke care make physical therapy services especially in demand statewide. PTs also direct care delivered by Physical Therapist Assistants and aides.

Licensing in Florida

To practice in Florida, candidates must complete a CAPTE-accredited DPT program, pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and complete the Florida Laws and Rules examination. Applicants submit fingerprints and education verification. Licenses are renewed every two years with documented continuing education, including state-mandated topics. The Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice, under the Department of Health, oversees licensure, scope-of-practice, and disciplinary matters for the profession.

How to verify or report

Verify a Florida physical therapist's 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.