Get your Florida DVM License

Florida Veterinary License Guide

Licensing Cost: $295.25 for a new license

Renewal Cost: $130.00

Duration: 2 years

Expires: 5/31 every even-numbered year

Continuing Education: 30 hours every 2 years

Tempory License for Relief Work? No

How to Get Your Veterinary License in Florida

Initial License Application
Initial License Fees

Florida licencing fees differ depending on your application process:

  • Graduate Applicants: $295.25 (not licensed in another state)
  • Senior Applicants: $295.25 (currently in your final year of vet school)
  • Foreign Applicants: $295.25
  • Endorsement Applicants: $555.00 (licensed for 3 years or more in another state)

Click here to see which application you qualify for.

Veterinary License Requirements
Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your official transcript directly to the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine.

  • Foreign Veterinary Graduates: Vets educated outside the US will need to complete the certificate program offered by the ECFVG OR PAVE

Exam Requirements:

NAVLE: Vets applying for a license in Florida will need to pass the NAVLE examination and have their results submitted directly to the Florida Board.

Florida Laws and Rules Examination: Applicants in Florida will also need to pass an in-person exam covering Florida's veterinary practice act and laws (some Endorsement Applicants exempt). 

Click here to register for the test online or call (888)240-6230 to schedule your exam by phone. 

Florida Laws & Rules Exam Study Guide

Reciprocity Applicants

Veterinarians currently licensed in another state or US territory for at least 3 years must submit a verification of licensure for every license currently or previously held, including any disciplinary action taken against any of your licenses by a state veterinary board.

AAVSB Vault Service: You can have the AAVSB transfer your NAVLE test results, verification of licensure for any other veterinary licenses, and letters of good standing for a fee of $99.

If you’ve never had any disciplinary action taken against your license, you can complete a 2-hour CE course on Florida’s laws and rules instead of having to take the Florida Laws & Rules Exam.  

How long does it take to get licensed?

Florida Veterinary Licenses are typically issued 48 hours after the Board receives your passing score on the Florida Laws and Rules Examination. You’ll be able to access your Florida Veterinary License online right away.

Use the link above to apply for a Florida Veterinary License online.

License Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Fees & Requirements
Renewal Fee

Pay $130.00 to the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine. 

When do I need to renew my license?

Renewal Date: 5/31 every even-numbered year

How long is a Florida Veterinary License valid for? 

Florida veterinary licenses are valid for 2 years.

Continuing Education Requirements
30 Hours of CE are required every 2-year renewal period.

What forms of CE qualify in Florida?

The list of approved CE courses in Florida can be found here.

  • There is no maximum number of hours of CE that may be performed remotely or online. 
  • At least 1 hour must cover drug dispensing per renewal period.
  • At least 2 hours must cover Florida veterinary laws and rules.
  • No more than 5 hours may be in complementary or alternative medicine. 

Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

Florida does not verify your CE annually, but it is recommended you keep a record of your CE for a few years as the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine may randomly audit you.

All licensees who have held an active veterinary license continuously for at least 10 years and have not had any discipline imposed against the license will be exempt from continuing education requirements. You’ll be able to verify your exemption status through your online account.

How do I update my personal info (name/address)?

You can quickly change your address online by clicking here.

To change your name, you must complete this application form and mail in all supporting documents. 

Temporary License for Relief Work
Temporary License Fees & Requirements

Unfortunately, Florida does not offer temporary veterinary licenses that allow relief veterinarians to practice in state for a limited duration. 

Contact Info & Additional Resources
Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (850) 487-1395

Contact Form

Mailing Address

Division of Professions

Board of Veterinary Medicine

2601 Blair Stone Road

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Disclaimer

Please check your local requirements as state and national guidelines may have changed since last updated on Sep 19, 2024.