To practice as a speech-language pathologist in Florida, you’ll need get a Florida SLP license meeting the state license requirements.
SLPs must file through the Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, which operates under the Florida Department of Health. The Florida SLP license ensures clinicians meet education, training, and competency standards to provide high-quality client care.
At Pediatric Therapeutic Services, we help speech-language pathologists to work in schools where they enjoy meaningful work with students and a career that supports having a life outside of work.
These requirements apply whether you plan to work in a school-based setting, private practice, or healthcare environment.
Your degree must come from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) or an equivalent body recognized by the ASHA. This accreditation ensures your coursework and clinical hours meet national standards.
Florida requires the successful completion of a nine-month clinical fellowship under a licensed and qualified supervisor. This hands-on training period allows you to transition from student to independent care provider while receiving mentorship and feedback.
Many clinicians complete their clinical fellowship in school settings, where they gain experience supporting students with speech, language, social communication, and literacy needs across diverse populations.
You must pass the Praxis speech-language pathology exam with a qualifying score accepted by Florida. This exam assesses your knowledge across key clinical areas and is a core component of Florida SLP license requirements.
Once you meet the education, fellowship, and exam requirements, you'll submit your application to the Florida Board. This submission includes documentation, fees, and any required background screening.
After approval, you'll receive your Florida SLP license and can practice independently in approved settings throughout the state.
If you're a clinical fellow or soon-to-be graduate, you know that you'll benefit most when you have access to experienced supervisors, reasonable caseloads, built-in mentorship and feedback, clear expectations, and opportunities for professional development.
In school-based environments, clinical fellows often find structured schedules, collaborative teams, and consistent supervision — key factors for confidence and long-term success.
For current speech-language pathologists, school-based therapy offers unique advantages, especially for clinicians seeking work-life balance and purpose.
School-based therapy often means:
For many Florida SLPs, school-based roles provide the professional fulfillment they were missing in more medically driven environments.
Working with Pediatric Therapeutic Services means you're never navigating your career alone. We partner with school districts across Florida and beyond to resource and manage school-based therapists, all while providing an excellent work experience for our providers.
Our speech-language pathologists enjoy:
Competitive pay
Real work-life balance
Ongoing mentorship and clinical support
Free, approved professional development opportunities
Clear career pathways and growth opportunities
We believe that when therapists feel supported, students thrive. That's why we invest in our clinicians as much as we do in the communities we serve.
If you’re interested in becoming a school-based SLP with us, learn more about joining our team.