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Florida Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in FL

Written by Ann Feeney
Last Updated: May 2023

Becoming a licensed social worker in Florida can be challenging, since every state has different requirements for licensing. This guide explains these requirements, rules, and processes for the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling (Board of CSW, MFT, and MHC), the division of the Florida Department of Health that oversees licensing. With this guide, you can understand and navigate the Florida social work licensing process.

In This Article

Education Required to Become a Social Worker in Florida

You can find employment in the social work field with a bachelor's or even an associate degree. However, to become a licensed social worker, you need a master of social work (MSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). After earning your MSW, you must:

  • Complete three years of supervised work experience.
  • Prepare your application and supporting documentation.
  • Apply for a license.
  • Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) advanced generalist examination.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MSW typically requires one year of full-time study for students with a bachelor of social work (BSW) who qualify for advanced standing. Learners with a bachelor's degree in another field need two years to complete the program.

Both MSW and BSW programs include a combination of classroom learning and fieldwork in different settings with varying audiences. Programs in Florida should meet the requirements to become a social worker in the state.

Accreditation is one of the most important factors in choosing a school. Florida grants licenses only to graduates of CSWE-accredited programs. All programs in this guide are accredited, so this is a safe source for information on how to become a social worker in Florida.

Featured Online Programs in Social Work

Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in Florida

There are three primary categories of licensed social workers in Florida that apply to new or mid-career practitioners. These are registered clinical social worker intern, certified master social worker, and licensed clinical social worker.

Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSW-I)

A registered clinical social worker intern license is the first step in earning a Florida social work license. This license lets you practice under a licensed social worker to complete your required hours of supervised professional work.

For this license, you must:

  • Have graduated with an MSW from an accredited program and confirmed this by sending your official transcript to the Board of CSW, MFT, and MHC
  • Document that your coursework met the requirements for a Florida social work license, including
    • 24 semesters (or trimester equivalent) of social work study
    • At least one course in psychopathology
    • Advanced supervised field placement
  • Have your future supervisor send an official letter confirming your placement and work under his or her supervision
  • Document any potential disqualifying factors in your background, such as health conditions, criminal convictions, or past professional discipline

Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)

A certified master social worker also has an MSW and is licensed to administer social work programs. They can also give clients referrals to other resources. However, a CMSW is not licensed to provide counseling to clients. Florida social work license requirements for this role include:

  • An MSW from an accredited program
  • At least three hours of coursework during the MSW on seven different administrative topics, including agency administration, program development and evaluation, research, and human services advocacy
  • Three years of experience in social work, including at least two years of supervised social work experience
  • A passing grade on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) advanced generalist examination OR documentation of licensure at the highest level from another state and active practice during at least three of the last five years.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A licensed clinical social worker is authorized to provide counseling. Social workers with this license can diagnose certain mental health conditions and help clients address them, but they are not licensed to prescribe medications. One of the differences in how to become a social worker in Florida versus other states is that you must also complete eight hours of coursework in Florida laws and regulations, three hours in HIV/AIDS coursework, and two hours of domestic violence coursework from an approved provider. You must also have:

  • An MSW from an accredited program
  • Two years and 1,350 hours of supervised social work experience
  • A passing grade on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical examination OR documentation of licensure at the highest level from another state and active practice during at least three of the last five years.

Social Work License Reciprocity in Florida

Florida social work licensing regulations do not allow for direct reciprocity, but they do include application by endorsement. To apply for a license by endorsement, you must document that your license and credentials match Florida's requirements and that you have taken the required coursework on Florida laws and on HIV/AIDS. You must complete the coursework on domestic violence within six months of receiving your Florida social work license.

Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information

You must renew your Florida social work license every two years. All licenses must be renewed at the same time, regardless of when they were issued. You must document your participation in both general and specific continuing education and pay the required fee. The board specifies the courses and fees, plus penalties for late applications. Currently, an LCSW renewal fee is $120, and the MCSW fee is $155. The RCSW-I license is valid for five years and is not renewable.

BSW Programs Available in Florida

  • Barry University — Miami Shores, FL (On Campus, Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $16,400 estimated per year
  • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University — Tallahassee, FL (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $23,062 estimated per year in state, $35,007 per year out of state
  • Florida Atlantic University — Boca Raton, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child welfare, healthy aging (certificate programs)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $203 per credit hour in state, $722 per credit hour out of state
  • Florida Gulf Coast University — Fort Myers, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Medical social work
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $204 per credit hour in state, $839 per credit hour out of state
  • Florida International University — Miami, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child welfare
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $6,757 estimated per year in state, not including room and board); $19,156 estimated per year out of state, not including room and board
  • Florida Memorial University — Miami Gardens, FL (On Campus, Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $524 per credit hour
  • Florida State University — Panama City, Tallahassee, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child welfare, gerontology
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $216 per credit hour in state, $721 per credit hour out of state
  • Saint Leo University — Saint Leo, Spring Hill, or Tampa, FL (On Campus, Hybrid)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Weekend and Evening
    • 2023 Tuition: $24,990 per year (tuition only)
  • Southeastern University — Lakeland, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child welfare
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $15,216 per semester (12-17 credits)
  • University of Central Florida — Orlando, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child welfare, gerontology
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $105 per credit hour
  • University of North Florida — Jacksonville, FL (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $213 per credit hour in state, $693 per credit hour out of state
  • University of South Florida — Tampa, FL (On Campus) Sarasota-Manatee (Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $211 per credit hour in state, $575 per credit hour out of state
  • University of West Florida — Pensacola, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Aging studies interdisciplinary, child welfare, substance abuse
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $212 per credit hour in state; $317 per credit hour Alabama residents; $641 per credit hour out of state
  • Warner University — Lake Wales, FL (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time
    • 2023 Tuition: $800 per credit hour or $13,600 per semester

MSW Programs Available in Florida

  • Ana G. Mendez University — Orlando, Tampa, Miami Lakes, FL (On Campus, Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $500 per credit hour
  • Barry University — Miami Shores, West Palm Beach, FL (On Campus, Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evenings
    • 2023 Tuition: $1,020 per credit hour
  • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University — Tallahassee, FL (On Campus)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $3,651 per semester in state, $9,198 per semester out of state)
  • Florida Atlantic University — Boca Raton, FL (On Campus, Hybrid)
    • Available Concentrations: Addictions, child welfare, healthy aging
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $372 per credit hour in state,; $1,027 per credit hour out of state
  • Florida Gulf Coast University — Fort Myers, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Medical social work
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evenings
    • 2023 Tuition: $373 per credit hour in state, $1,301 per credit hour out of state
  • Florida International University — Miami, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Addictions, child welfare, gerontology
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $4,101 per semester in state, $9,015 per semester out of state
  • Florida State University — Panama City, Tallahassee, FL (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Child welfare, gerontology, LEAD in social work
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $479 per credit hour in state, $1,111 per credit hour out of state
  • Saint Leo University — Saint Leo, FL (Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $575 per credit hour
  • Southeastern University — Lakeland, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Child welfare
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $515 per credit hour
  • University of Central Florida — Orlando, FL (On Campus, Online)
    • Available Concentrations: Military
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $288 per credit hour
  • University of North Florida — Jacksonville, FL (On Campus)
    • Available Concentrations: Advanced generalist
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $494 per credit hour in state, $1044 per credit hour out of state
  • University of South Florida — Tampa, Sarasota, FL (On Campus, Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $431 per credit hour in state, $877 per credit hour out of state
  • University of West Florida — Pensacola, FL (On Campus, Online)
    • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
    • 2023 Tuition: $295 per credit hour in state; $395 per credit hour Alabama residents; $924 per credit hour out of state

Florida Social Worker Jobs and Salary Information

Florida is projected to have higher than average growth in social work jobs, with 15.3% growth expected between 2020 and 2030 in the number of child, family, and school social workers, 17.8% growth in the number of healthcare social workers, and 17.9% growth among mental health and substance abuse social workers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a national median annual salary for social workers of $50,390, as of May 2021. The following include the most recent annual average salaries for social workers in Florida, according to the BLS.

  • Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary: $77,420
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $48,890
  • Healthcare Social Workers: $58,420
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $44,130
  • Social Workers, All Other: $55,270

Learn more about social worker salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a licensed social worker in Florida?

You must have an undergraduate degree. If you have a BSW, it takes approximately one year to earn an MSW, or two years for an MSW if you have another undergraduate degree or did not earn your BSW within the last five years. You then apply for an intern license and work for two years under the supervision of a licensed social worker.

How much does it cost to become a social worker in Florida?

School tuition varies on whether you attend a public or private school, are earning a BSW or an MSW, and whether you are eligible for in-state tuition. Tuition and fees generally range between $20,000 and $35,000 per year. Once you are eligible for a license, you must pay approximately $200 for initial licensing, plus fees for required courses.

What is the difference between LMSW and LCSW in Florida?

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is licensed to provide counseling to clients, while licensed master social workers (LMSW) are licensed to administer social work programs. An LMSW can work with clients and advise them on resources but cannot diagnose or provide counseling to treat mental health concerns.

See: LMSW vs. LCSW: Learn the Differences and Which Licensure is Right for You

Are social workers in demand in Florida?

The number of social worker jobs is expected to increase in Florida faster than the growth rate in the U.S. as a whole, by approximately 16%, depending on the specialty. While the data does not specifically address aging and gerontology social work, given the growth of the older adult population in the U.S., it seems likely that this specialty will have strong growth.