Florida Radiology License: The Sunshine State’s Path to Certification

Getting Started with Your Radiology License in Florida

If you’re looking to obtain a radiology license Florida, you must get certified through the Department of Health to administer ionizing radiation to humans. You can achieve this through two pathways: by examination for new applicants or by endorsement for out-of-state practitioners with equivalent credentials. All applicants must be at least 18, have a good moral character, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pay the required fees.

Florida’s radiology field offers strong career prospects, with an average salary of $56,650 and top earners reaching $85,000 annually. The Florida Department of Health oversees over 27,000 professionals across several certification categories. The process involves meeting educational and background screening requirements and passing the ARRT exam or demonstrating equivalent credentials. Once certified, you must renew your license every two years by completing 12 hours of continuing education.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining your Florida radiology license, from choosing a certification to meeting renewal requirements.

Understanding Florida’s Radiologic Technology Certifications

To work in medical imaging in Florida, you must have the correct radiology license Florida requires for your role. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) certifies all professionals who use ionizing radiation. With over 27,000 certified professionals in the state, you’ll be joining a large community. For more details on your options, you can find more info about certification options here.

The state offers five primary certification categories and three specialty certifications.

Main Certification Categories

Florida offers five primary pathways into radiologic technology, each serving different roles in patient care and medical imaging.

Basic X-Ray Machine Operator (BMO) is an entry-level certification for operating X-ray machines for basic procedures. Florida doesn’t require a formal educational program, but you must demonstrate competency and pass an examination.

General Radiographer is the most common certification, covering a wide range of diagnostic imaging. It requires completing a two-year accredited Radiologic Technology Program for comprehensive training in patient positioning, radiation safety, and image quality.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT) is a specialty using radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and treatment. This path requires a two-year accredited Nuclear Medicine Technology program.

Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT) is a certification for those who want to work in cancer treatment, administering radiation doses under oncologist supervision. This role requires completing a two-year accredited Radiation Therapy program.

Radiologist Assistant (RA) is an advanced practice role. RAs work under radiologist supervision to assist with procedures and patient management, but they do not interpret or diagnose from medical images.

Specialty Certification Categories

Once established, you can pursue specialty certifications to expand your career opportunities.

Computed Tomography (CT) qualifies you to operate CT scanners, which create detailed cross-sectional images and is a high-demand specialty.

Mammography certification focuses on breast imaging, a critical role in early breast cancer detection.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) combines nuclear medicine with advanced imaging to visualize how tissues and organs are functioning.

Modalities like Ultrasound and MRI are not certified by the Florida DOH because they do not use ionizing radiation, though employers often require national registry credentials for these roles. For your radiology license Florida, you’ll focus on certifications for radiation-based imaging.

How to Get Your Radiology License Florida: Exam vs. Endorsement

Florida offers two pathways to get your radiology license Florida: certification by examination for new graduates and certification by endorsement for those licensed in another state. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) oversees the process, and their Florida DOH Licensing Page is an essential resource. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) administers the exam required for most certifications.

General Requirements for a Radiology License in Florida

All applicants must meet these baseline requirements:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.
• Moral Character: Possess good moral character. A criminal history requires detailed disclosure and documentation for DOH review.
• Education: Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Application Fees: Fees are non-refundable and vary by pathway. Examination applications are $50 plus exam fees ($150-$200), while endorsement applications are $45.
• Background Screening: You must disclose any criminal convictions or professional disciplinary actions. Certain crimes prohibit licensure under s. 435.03 F.S. criminal history statute. Be prepared to provide extensive documentation if you have a criminal history.

Path 1: Certification by Examination

This is the standard path for new graduates.

1. Complete Educational Requirements: General Radiographers, NMTs, and RTTs must complete a two-year accredited program. Florida does not require a formal program for Basic X-Ray Machine Operators (BMOs), though study guides are available. For this limited license, see our guide on how to become a limited license radiologic tech.
2. Submit Application: Send your completed application and fees to the Florida DOH.
3. Receive Eligibility: Once approved, the DOH will send you an eligibility letter to schedule your exam.
4. Register for ARRT Exam: Register at www.arrt.org. You have 90 days from receiving your eligibility letter to take the exam. Missing this window requires reapplication and paying all fees again.
5. Take the Exam: Ensure the name on your government-issued photo ID exactly matches your Candidate Status Report. Discrepancies can prevent you from testing. Bring two forms of ID.
6. Passing/Failing: You have up to five attempts to pass. After five failures, a refresher course is required before you can re-test.
7. Temporary License: New graduates can apply for a temporary license before graduation, allowing them to work while awaiting their exam. It converts to a permanent license upon passing.

Path 2: Certification by Endorsement

This pathway is for technologists already licensed in another state.

• Hold a Current License: You must have an active license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
• Meet Equivalent Standards: Florida must verify that your original state’s requirements meet or exceed its own. Holding a current ARRT (or NMTCB for Nuclear Medicine) certification generally satisfies this. The governing statute is s. 468.3065, F.S. endorsement statute.
• Submit Application: Complete the endorsement application, pay the $45 fee, and provide verification of your current license. The DOH will review your credentials and issue your Florida license upon approval.

Maintaining and Verifying Your Florida License

Earning your radiology license Florida is the first step; maintaining it requires ongoing effort. Your license must be renewed every two years, which involves completing continuing education (CE) and tracking your credentials.

Continuing Education for Your Radiology License in Florida

The field of radiologic technology is always evolving, and CE keeps your skills current.

• Requirement: Florida requires 12 hours of continuing education during each two-year license period. Your first renewal cycle may be shorter to align your expiration date with your birth month.
• Approved Providers: Courses must be from a DOH-approved provider. You can Find Approved CE Providers on the DOH website.
• Course Rules: CE courses must be earned within your current renewal cycle, and you cannot repeat the same course for credit in the same biennium. Relevant college courses also count.
• Post-Primary Exam Credit: Passing a post-primary ARRT or NMTCB exam (e.g., CT, PET, Mammography) during your renewal cycle grants you all 12 required CE hours.
• HIV/AIDS Course: This course is a condition for renewal of your radiology license Florida.
• Submitting CE: You can submit certificates via fax, email (MQAOnlineService@flhealth.gov), upload with your online renewal at www.flhealthsource.gov, or mail.
• Tracking CE: Track your completed hours at www.flhealthsource.gov by using the “Verify A License” feature.
• Reactivation: An expired license can be reactivated for up to 10 years by submitting a form, paying fees, and providing proof of CE (12 hours from the last 24 months, plus 3 hours for every six months the license was inactive).

At Scrubs CE, we offer convenient, affordable online courses to help you meet Florida’s CE requirements. Our self-paced courses provide instant certificates upon completion. We even conducted a Florida continuing education survey to better serve Florida technologists.

How to Verify a License (For Techs and Employers)

License verification is crucial for patient safety and compliance.

• State License Verification: Use the Florida DOH MQA License Verification portal to check a licensee’s status, expiration date, and disciplinary history. You can Verify a Florida License directly on the MQA site.
• ARRT Certification Verification: The ARRT maintains its own online directory, which updates daily. Important: The ARRT does not issue paper credential cards; always use the official online directory for verification.
• Requesting Verification: If an individual is not in the public ARRT directory, you can request official verification on ARRT letterhead by calling 651-687-0048. You will need to provide two identifiers (SSN, DOB, or ARRT ID).

Regularly checking your own license status is a good professional practice to ensure you remain in compliance.

The Professional Landscape: Salary and Regulations

Understanding the professional landscape, including salary expectations and regulations, is key to a successful career with your radiology license Florida.

Radiologic Technologist Salary in Florida

Florida offers competitive compensation for radiologic technologists. The average salary is approximately $56,650 per year. With experience and specialization, your earning potential can grow significantly, with the top 20% of technologists earning up to $85,000 annually. Additional certifications in areas like CT, mammography, or nuclear medicine can lead to higher-paying positions.

Penalties for Unlicensed Practice

Florida’s regulations exist to protect patients from the dangers of ionizing radiation. Practicing without proper credentials is illegal and has severe consequences.

According to Section 468.302, F.S., only a licensed practitioner or a certificate holder may administer ionizing radiation to humans. Violating this law can result in:

• Substantial monetary fines
• Court-issued injunctions to cease practice
• Misdemeanor or felony criminal charges

Beyond legal penalties, unlicensed practice leads to permanent damage to your professional reputation. The Florida DOH actively enforces these rules through facility inspections. If you encounter someone practicing without a license, you can file a complaint through the Florida Health Care Complaint Portal or by calling 1-888-419-3456 or 850-245-4339. These standards protect patients, professionals, and the integrity of the healthcare system.

Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Radiology Licenses

Here are answers to common questions about obtaining and maintaining your radiology license Florida.

What is the role of the ARRT in Florida?

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) develops and administers the national certification exam that Florida requires for most radiologic technology licenses. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) uses a passing ARRT score as a primary requirement for issuing a license by examination.

How do I contact the Florida Department of Health’s Radiologic Technology office?

You can reach the DOH Customer Contact Center at (850) 488-0595 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST). For email, use mqa.rad-tech@flhealth.gov. Mail general correspondence to: Department of Health | Radiologic Technology Certification, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-85, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3285.

How long is my Florida radiologic technology certificate valid?

Your certificate is valid for a two-year period (a biennium). Your first renewal period may be shorter to align the expiration date with your birth month. To maintain an active license, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education and renew before it expires.

What are the continuing education requirements for radiologic technologists in Florida?

You must complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. The hours must be from DOH-approved providers and earned within your current renewal cycle. A HIV/AIDS course is also required as a condition for renewal. Passing a post-primary ARRT or NMTCB exam during your renewal period fulfills the entire 12-hour requirement.

Where can I find approved continuing education providers for radiologic technologists in Florida?

The Florida DOH provides an official list of approved providers on its website. You can access the approved CE providers listing to ensure your courses will count toward renewal. We’ve also created a Florida continuing education survey to help us understand what radiologic technologists need most from their CE experience.

How can employers verify the certification and registration status of radiologic technologists?

For state licensure, use the Florida DOH Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) portal to verify a Florida license. For national certification, use the ARRT’s official online directory. The ARRT does not issue paper cards, so employers must use the online directory or request official verification by calling the ARRT at 651-687-0048.

What are the penalties for practicing radiologic technology without a license in Florida?

Practicing without a license is illegal under Florida Statute 468.302. Penalties are severe and can include large fines, court injunctions, and misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. It also results in irreversible damage to one’s professional reputation. Report suspected unlicensed activity via the Florida Health Care Complaint Portal or by calling 1-888-419-3456 or 850-245-4339.

What is the average salary for a radiologic technologist in Florida?

The average salary for a radiologic technologist in Florida is approximately $56,650 per year. Top earners with experience and advanced certifications can make up to $85,000 annually, making it a financially stable and rewarding career path.

Conclusion

You now have a clear roadmap for how to obtain and maintain your radiology license Florida. Whether you are starting your career or relocating to the Sunshine State, the path to certification is straightforward and rewarding.

The Florida Department of Health’s process ensures that all technologists meet high standards of competency and patient safety. Earning your license is the starting point of a fulfilling career in a dynamic healthcare market, with an average salary of $56,650 and top earners reaching $85,000. You’ll join a community of over 27,000 professionals dedicated to patient care.

Staying compliant means completing 12 hours of continuing education every two years to keep your skills sharp. At Scrubs CE, we make this process simple. Our courses are convenient, affordable, and designed for your practice, offering self-paced learning and instant certificates. When you’re ready to meet your renewal requirements, explore our ASRT-approved radiology CE courses to fulfill your Florida renewal requirements and keep your career on track.

Here’s to your success in Florida’s radiologic technology field—welcome to a career where your expertise truly matters!