How to Start a Private Practice as a Therapist in Florida (2026)
- Confirm full licensure — You must hold an active LMHC, LCSW, or LMFT license with the Florida Board. Registered Interns cannot practice independently.
- Complete supervision — Interns need 1,500 face-to-face hours across at least 100 weeks before applying for full licensure.
- Form your business entity — Register an LLC or PLLC through Sunbiz (Florida Division of Corporations) for ~$125. Register a Fictitious Name (DBA) if using a practice name.
- Get your EIN — Free from the IRS; required to open a business bank account.
- Register NPI Type 1 & 2 — Personal NPI (Type 1) and business/entity NPI (Type 2) via NPPES.
- Complete your CAQH ProView profile — Required by all commercial payers. Re-attest every 120 days.
- Get malpractice insurance — $100–$500/year through HPSO or CPH & Associates.
- Submit credentialing applications — Florida Blue (BCBS), Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna. Expect 90–120 days.
- Set up HIPAA-compliant technology — EHR, secure messaging, telehealth platform.
- Launch local & directory marketing — Google Business Profile, Psychology Today, TherapyDen.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling requires full licensure — LMHC, LCSW, or LMFT — to operate an independent private practice. Registered Interns must complete 1,500 supervised face-to-face hours before they can apply for full licensure. However, out-of-state providers with an active license may register under Florida's Out-of-State Telehealth Provider programme via the Florida Health Source portal without obtaining a full Florida license.
Florida permits both a standard LLC and a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company). Both are registered through Sunbiz (Florida Division of Corporations) for ~$125. A PLLC is specifically designed for licensed professionals — all members must hold the same license type — and carries a formal professional distinction. Either entity will provide corporate liability shielding that separates your personal assets from business obligations such as broken leases or contract disputes. If you plan to operate under a trade name (e.g., "Sunrise Counseling Services"), you must also register a Fictitious Name (DBA) with Sunbiz before advertising or opening a bank account.
Getting fully in-network with Florida's major payers takes approximately 90–120 days from the date you submit a complete application. The process involves completing your CAQH ProView profile, submitting individual panel applications to Florida Blue (BCBS), Aetna, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and Cigna, and waiting for each payer's credentialing committee to approve. Incomplete CAQH profiles are the #1 cause of delays — ensure your licence, malpractice certificate, CV, and NPI numbers are all up to date. Our credentialing team manages this entire process for you.
Florida Registered Interns must accumulate 1,500 hours of direct face-to-face psychotherapy with clients over a minimum of 100 weeks. At least 100 hours of supervision are required (minimum one hour per two-week period), and 50% of supervision must be conducted in the same physical room as the supervisor — not via Zoom or other telehealth platforms. Supervision must be provided by a fully licensed LMHC, LCSW, or LMFT approved by the Florida Board.
Florida has zero personal state income tax. If you operate as a sole proprietor, a single-member LLC, or a PLLC taxed as a pass-through entity, your practice profits are not subject to a Florida income tax. You still owe federal self-employment tax (~15.3% on net earnings) and should set aside ~25–30% of gross revenue for federal quarterly estimated payments. Florida also has no estate tax, making it popular for long-term wealth planning. However, note that a Florida Corporate Income Tax of 5.5% applies if you elect C-Corp taxation.
Yes. Platforms like Alma and Headway credential therapists under their group NPI, allowing you to see insurance clients faster (often in 4–6 weeks). However, they charge a revenue share of 20–30% of every reimbursement. Over a 12-month period this can cost a full-time therapist $15,000–$30,000 compared to direct billing. Direct credentialing with Florida Blue, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna takes longer upfront but yields full reimbursement rates and complete independence. Many providers start on Alma or Headway to generate cash flow while simultaneously pursuing direct panel membership.
Florida Medicaid enrollment is managed through the Florida Medicaid Management Information System (FMMIS). You will need your NPI Type 1 & 2, an active Florida state license, and current malpractice insurance. The process takes 60–90 days. For Medicare, you must submit a CMS-855I application and enroll in the PECOS (Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System) database — expect a 60–120 day processing window. Florida Medicaid covers a large portion of the population, particularly in urban centres like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville, making enrollment strategically valuable for many practices.
Florida's mix of in-person and telehealth clients means robust technology is non-negotiable. At a minimum you need: a HIPAA-compliant EHR/practice management platform (e.g., SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, or Therapy Brands), a secure telehealth video solution (Doxy.me, Zoom for Healthcare), a HIPAA-compliant messaging and VoIP system (Spruce Health, TigerConnect), and a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with every vendor that handles PHI. Florida's Division of Telecommunications & Technology does not mandate a specific EHR, but Florida Board audits do require contemporaneous, legible progress notes that meet medical necessity documentation standards.
Florida is one of the most dynamic mental health markets in the nation, driven by a growing population, an influx of relocations, and unique demographics like snowbirds and retirees. Whether you are a local resident launching a brick-and-mortar office in Miami or an out-of-state practitioner looking to expand your virtual reach into the Sunshine State, the opportunities are massive.
However, navigating the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, deciding between an LLC and a PLLC, and managing NPI registration and insurance credentialing requires careful planning.
This guide, written by Jason Roy and reviewed by licensed clinicians, breaks the entire process down step-by-step. Be sure to also check out our sister guides if you are considering cross-state practices: New York, California, and Texas.
The Florida Telehealth Registry (Critical for Out-of-State Providers)
If you don’t live in Florida but want to see clients who reside or vacation there, you do not necessarily need a full Florida license. Florida offers an "Out-of-State Telehealth Provider" registration. If you hold an active, unencumbered license in another US state, you can register via the Florida Health Source portal to legally provide telehealth to clients physically located in Florida. You must, however, appoint a registered agent in the state.
How Florida Compares to Other States
Building a multi-state practice or considering relocating? See our setup guides for New York, California, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
| Factor | Florida | New York | Texas | California | Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entity Type | LLC / PLLC | PLLC only | LLC / PLLC | Prof. Corp only | PLLC / P.C. |
| State Income Tax | 0% | Up to 10.9% | 0% | Up to 13.3% | 4.95% flat |
| Supervision Hours | 1,500 face-to-face | Varies | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,360 |
| Exams Required | NCE | Varies | NCE + Juris. | Varies | NCE + NCMHCE |
| Credentialing Wait | 90–120 days | 90–180 days | 90–120 days | 120–180 days | 90–150 days |
| Top Payer | Florida Blue (BCBS) | BCBS / UHC | BCBS / Aetna | Medi-Cal / BCBS | BCBS Illinois |
The Complete Florida Private Practice Roadmap
Confirm Your Florida License
You must hold an active, unrestricted license with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Accepted license types are LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), and LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). Verify your current standing on the Florida Department of Health licensure portal before registering your business entity.
Out-of-State? Use the Telehealth Registry
Providers licensed in another state can register as an Out-of-State Telehealth Provider via the Florida Health Source portal — no full FL license required. You must appoint a Florida registered agent.
→ Ask About Our Licensure AssistanceComplete Supervised Hours (Registered Interns)
Florida Registered Interns (the pre-licensure status for LMHC and LCSW candidates) cannot operate an independent practice. Supervision must be completed under a fully licensed, board-approved supervisor in a structured clinical setting such as a community mental health centre, hospital, or group practice.
- 1,500 hours of direct face-to-face client psychotherapy
- Accrued over a minimum of 100 weeks (≈2 years)
- At least 100 hours of clinical supervision (≥1 hr per 2-week period)
- 50% in-person rule: at least half of supervision must be face-to-face, not via telehealth
Once hours are complete, apply for full licensure through the Florida Department of Health MQA Online Services portal.
Form Your Business Entity via Sunbiz
Register your entity with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) at sunbiz.org. Filing fee is ~$125 for both LLC and PLLC. Your entity shields personal assets from business liabilities such as broken office leases, employment disputes, and contract claims.
Fictitious Name (DBA): Required if you operate under any name other than your exact legal name — file at sunbiz.org before advertising or opening a business bank account.
Obtain Your EIN & Open a Business Bank Account
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) at irs.gov — the process takes under 15 minutes online. Your EIN is required to open a business bank account, hire staff, and file payroll taxes. Once you have your Sunbiz Articles of Organization and EIN, open a dedicated business checking account at a bank familiar with professional practices (e.g., Bank of America, Chase, or a local Florida credit union). Keeping finances legally separated protects your LLC liability shield and simplifies quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS.
Register Your NPI Type 1 & Type 2
The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is your lifelong healthcare identifier — required by every insurance payer, hospital, and clearinghouse.
- NPI Type 1 — your individual provider identifier (tied to your personal license)
- NPI Type 2 — your organisation/entity identifier (tied to your LLC or PLLC)
Register both at the NPPES portal (nppes.cms.hhs.gov) — free and completed in ~15 minutes. Both NPIs are required on every claim you submit to Florida Blue, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicaid, and Medicare. NPI Type 2 is also required for CAQH ProView group credentialing.
Build Your CAQH ProView Profile
CAQH ProView (Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare) is the centralised credentialing database used by virtually all commercial payers in Florida. Without a complete, attested CAQH profile you cannot be credentialed with Florida Blue, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, or Humana.
- Upload: FL state licence, DEA certificate (if applicable), malpractice declarations page, CV/work history, and both NPI numbers
- Authorise each target payer to access your profile
- Re-attest every 120 days — failure to do so causes payers to mark your status as "inactive," halting reimbursements
Secure Professional Liability (Malpractice) Insurance
Your LLC or PLLC shields your personal assets from business liabilities, but it does not protect your professional licence from clinical malpractice claims. Individual professional liability coverage is required by most insurance payers as a condition of credentialing.
- Annual premiums: typically $100–$500/year for individual therapists
- Top providers: HPSO (Healthcare Providers Service Organization), CPH & Associates, NASW Assurance Services
- Minimum coverage: $1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate is the most widely accepted standard by FL payers
- Ensure coverage includes telehealth services if you see clients virtually
Submit Insurance Credentialing Applications
Florida's commercial credentialing process takes 90–120 days per payer. Apply to all panels simultaneously to maximise early revenue. Key networks to prioritise:
- Florida Blue (BCBS) — largest commercial network in FL; highest volume of commercially insured patients
- Aetna — strong in employer-sponsored plans across Miami, Tampa, Orlando
- UnitedHealthcare / Optum — including UHC Community Plan for Medicaid managed care
- Cigna / Evernorth — growing telehealth panel; accepts virtual-only providers
- Florida Medicaid — enroll via FMMIS; covers low-income families and children statewide
- Medicare — enroll via PECOS + CMS-855I; essential for clients 65+ in retirement-heavy FL markets
Skip the Paperwork
Our team manages end-to-end credentialing — from CAQH audit to payer follow-up.
→ Start Credentialing TodaySet Up HIPAA-Compliant Technology
Florida's HIPAA obligations mirror federal standards. Every vendor that stores or transmits Protected Health Information (PHI) must sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with your practice. Core technology stack:
SimplePractice
Integrated telehealth, scheduling, billing, and secure client portal. BAA included.
Doxy.me
Browser-based, no app required. Free tier available with BAA.
Spruce Health
HIPAA VoIP, secure texting, and separate business phone number.
Waystar / Availity
Submit claims to all FL payers; real-time eligibility checks.
Establish Clinical Documentation Standards
The Florida Board and commercial payers audit clinical records for medical necessity, diagnosis accuracy, and treatment alignment. Every session must be documented within 24–48 hours using a recognised clinical note format. Ensure you use correct ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes alongside CPT procedure codes (90834, 90837, 90847, etc.).
- Standard Intake & Biopsychosocial Assessment
- SOAP / DAP Note Framework
- DSM-5 Aligned Treatment Plan
- Progress notes must reference treatment goals and demonstrate measurable client progress
Solve Medical Billing & Claims Management
Insurance billing in Florida involves submitting CMS-1500 claims via a clearinghouse, managing ERA/EFT payments, decoding Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), and appealing denials — all while meeting strict timely filing windows (typically 90–180 days from date of service depending on the payer). Common denial reasons in FL include:
- Expired CAQH attestation (most common)
- Mismatched NPI Type 1 vs. Type 2 on the claim
- Diagnosis not matching the billed CPT code
- Missing prior authorisation for Cigna EAP or Magellan plans
Build Your Marketing & Local Visibility
Florida's diverse population — ranging from young professionals in Miami and Tampa to retirees in Sarasota and Boca Raton — requires a targeted marketing approach. Telehealth practices can reach clients statewide with the right digital presence.
- Google Business Profile: Essential for local map pack rankings in your city — use service-area targeting for telehealth
- Psychology Today & TherapyDen: High-intent directories; complete profiles rank in Google
- Local SEO: Optimise for terms like "therapist in Miami" or "LCSW telehealth Florida" — see our Local SEO for Therapists guide
- TherapyDial Profile: List your practice on TherapyDial to reach clients actively searching for verified providers
Ongoing Compliance & Annual Maintenance
Running a compliant Florida private practice is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time task. Key annual deadlines:
- Sunbiz Annual Report: Due by May 1st each year to keep your LLC/PLLC in active status (~$138 filing fee)
- CE Broker: Track all Continuing Education (CE) credits mandated by the Florida Board — LMHCs need 30 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle including specific ethics and domestic violence training
- CAQH Re-Attestation: Every 120 days — calendar alerts are essential
- Malpractice Renewal: Annual policy renewal; notify your insurer of any address or scope-of-service changes
- Florida Board Licence Renewal: Biennially via the Florida DOH MQA Services portal
Florida Private Practice Startup Roadmap — bookmark this guide while awaiting your license.
Florida Break-Even Calculator
Estimate how many sessions per week you need to hit your income goal. Note: Florida has NO state income tax, making it highly favourable for practice owners.
Exclusive Provider Bundle:
Licensure + Billing + Growth
- Florida Licensure Application Support
- Professional Medical Billing
- FREE Insurance Credentialing (UHC, BCBS, Aetna)
- FREE TherapyDial Profile Listing
- Priority Practice Support
Whether you need help getting a FL license or just need your claims paid — we handle the paperwork.
HIPAA Compliant & Expertly Managed.
Extended Clinical & Coding Resources
Stay ahead of mental health trends and master your diagnostic accuracy with our deep-dive guides:
