Respiratory Therapist in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL
How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Florida
To become a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Florida, applicants must hold a state license from the Florida Board of Respiratory Care. Key steps include graduating from a CoARC-accredited Associate degree program, passing the NBRC CRT or RRT exam, and submitting an application with a fee of $105.00. A background check with electronic fingerprinting is also required, and applicants must be at least 18 years old by the first day of clinical. Florida offers licensure by endorsement for those already credentialed by the NBRC or licensed in another state with equivalent or more stringent requirements.
Respiratory Therapist Requirements in Florida
| Detail | Florida |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Florida Board of Respiratory Care |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Associate degree from a CoARC-accredited program |
| Exam | NBRC CRT or RRT exam ($190) |
| Application Fee | $105 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the first day of clinical. A background check with electronic fingerprinting is required. CE requirements include 2 hours in prevention of medical errors, 2 hours on Florida Respiratory laws and rules, and a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course (first renewal only). |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Florida
The median respiratory therapist salary in Florida is $79,710 per year, which is 0.9% below the national median of $80,450.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $62,940 |
| 25th | $68,570 |
| 50th (median) | $79,710 |
| 75th | $84,740 |
| 90th (experienced) | $98,890 |
Florida employs approximately 8,840 respiratory therapists.
Respiratory Therapist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Respiratory Therapists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.19/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Respiratory Therapist in Florida Worth It?
Factors to consider: Florida's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.