Florida Radiologic Technologist License Requirements 2026

ByAllied License Guide Editorial Team
Editorial Note: This page covers initial certification for radiologic technologists in Florida, administered by the Florida Department of Health, Radiation Control program. In Florida, the credential is called a Certified Radiologic Technologist certificate. Data on this page is based on Florida DOH sources reviewed in May 2026. Content on this page is researched and reviewed by an ARDMS-credentialed sonographer. View the primary source at Florida DOH.
Who this guide is for:
  • ARRT-certified radiologic technologists applying for an initial Florida certification
  • Travel RTs accepting Florida assignments who need a state credential
  • Out-of-state RTs relocating to Florida

Florida Certified Radiologic Technologist — At a Glance

State Credential Required? Yes — Florida requires state certification to practice radiologic technology
Credential Name Certified Radiologic Technologist
Governing Body Florida Department of Health, Radiation Control
Application Pathways Licensure by Exam or Licensure by Endorsement
Endorsement Fee $45 — for ARRT/NMTCB holders; no exam required — verify current fee at Florida DOH before submitting
Exam Pathway Fee $40 application + $200 exam fee (General Radiographer)
Application Method Online application available
Processing Time Approximately 10–13 business days
Background Check Required — Background History Report Form included with application
Payment Methods Money order or cashier’s check only — no personal checks or credit cards
Renewal Cycle Biennial (every 2 years)
Null and Void Rule Certificates inactive or expired for 10 or more years become null and void — cannot be reactivated
Interstate Compact Check current compact status directly with Florida DOH

Florida requires state certification for radiologic technologists practicing in the state. The credential is called a Certified Radiologic Technologist certificate and is administered by the Florida Department of Health, Radiation Control program. Florida offers two pathways for initial certification — Licensure by Endorsement for ARRT or NMTCB holders, and Licensure by Exam for applicants completing a state examination. Most working RTs with current ARRT certification will qualify for the endorsement pathway, which does not require a separate Florida examination.

What Makes Florida Different

Florida is more accessible than some states for travel RTs because of its endorsement pathway — ARRT and NMTCB holders can apply without sitting for a separate Florida exam. Florida also offers online applications with faster processing than mail-based states. However, Florida has a strict name-matching requirement for exam applicants, payment must be by money order or cashier’s check rather than credit card, and there is a hard 10-year null-and-void rule for lapsed certificates that is stricter than most states.

Florida Radiologic Technologist Certification Pathways

Pathway 1 — Licensure by Endorsement (most common for ARRT holders):

Per section 468.3065, F.S., certification by endorsement may be issued to applicants who hold a current certificate, license, or registration to practice radiologic technology in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements. Applicants who hold current ARRT or NMTCB certification are considered substantially equivalent and qualify for the endorsement pathway. Source: Florida DOH, s. 468.3065 F.S.

  • Submit completed online application
  • Pay the endorsement fee shown in the summary table above
  • Submit documentation of current ARRT or NMTCB certification
  • Submit Background History Report Form
  • No separate Florida examination required
  • Processing: approximately 10–13 business days

Pathway 2 — Licensure by Exam:

Per section 468.304, F.S., applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be of good moral character, and have successfully completed a two-year accredited Radiologic Technology Program. All examinations are computer-based and administered by ARRT via Pearson VUE testing centers.

  • Submit completed online application with the exam application fee shown in the summary table above
  • Pay the exam fee shown in the summary table above
  • Receive eligibility letter from Florida DOH with ARRT registration instructions
  • Register with ARRT and schedule exam at Pearson VUE within 90-day examination window
  • Processing after successful exam: approximately 10–13 business days
Exam applicants — name matching is strictly enforced: The name on your Florida application must exactly match the name on your government-issued photo ID. If names do not match at the test center, you will be denied admission and will need to reapply and pay fees again. Exam fees are non-refundable for failure to provide suitable identification.

Background Check and Criminal History

All applicants must submit a Background History Report Form with their application. Applicants must submit complete documentation of past criminal convictions or professional disciplinary actions. Applicants must not have committed a crime listed in section 435.03, F.S., or a similar statute in another state. Review current background requirements through Florida DOH before submitting your application. Source: Florida DOH

Payment Requirements

Application fees are non-refundable and must be submitted with your application. Per Florida DOH, payment should be by money order or cashier’s check made payable to the Florida Department of Health. Review current payment instructions through Florida DOH’s online application system before submitting. Source: Florida DOH

Practical Notes for Working Radiologic Technologists

From the field: These notes reflect practical considerations beyond the official requirements — things that affect your timeline and planning as a working RT in Florida.
  • ARRT holders use the endorsement pathway. If you hold current ARRT certification, you qualify for Florida’s endorsement pathway — no separate Florida exam required. This is the faster, lower-cost route compared with the exam pathway.
  • Online application speeds things up. Florida’s online application system processes applications in approximately 10–13 business days — significantly faster than mail-based states like California.
  • Florida has a mandatory HIV/AIDS CE requirement. Unlike most states, Florida requires a DOH-approved one-hour HIV/AIDS update course as part of every biennial renewal. Plan your CE to include this — it cannot be satisfied by general ARRT CE alone.
  • Payment is money order or cashier’s check only. Florida does not accept personal checks or credit cards for initial applications. Have a money order or cashier’s check ready before submitting.
  • Florida CE requirement is lower than most states. At 12 hours per biennium, Florida’s CE requirement is lower than Ohio, Texas, and California. This makes maintaining a Florida license relatively straightforward for travel RTs holding multiple state licenses.
  • Certificates inactive or expired for 10 years become null and void. Florida has a hard cutoff — a certificate inactive or expired for 10 or more years cannot be reactivated. Don’t let a Florida certificate lapse indefinitely if you plan to return to the state.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Florida state license to work as a radiologic technologist in Florida?

Yes. Florida requires state certification — the Certified Radiologic Technologist credential — to practice radiologic technology in the state. ARRT certification alone does not authorize practice in Florida. Source: Florida DOH

Does ARRT certification qualify me for a Florida radiologic technologist license?

Yes. Current ARRT or NMTCB certification qualifies applicants for Florida’s Licensure by Endorsement pathway, which does not require a separate Florida examination. You must still submit the application, endorsement fee, and required documentation. Source: Florida DOH

What is the Florida radiologic technologist endorsement fee?

The endorsement application fee is $45, based on Florida DOH sources reviewed in May 2026. Fees are non-refundable. Verify current fees through Florida DOH before submitting your application. Source: Florida DOH

How long does it take to get a Florida radiologic technologist certificate?

Florida’s online application system processes applications in approximately 10–13 business days according to Florida DOH. Source: Florida DOH

Does Florida require a background check for radiologic technologist certification?

Yes. All applicants must submit a Background History Report Form and complete documentation of any past criminal convictions or professional disciplinary actions. Applicants must not have committed crimes listed in section 435.03, F.S. Source: Florida DOH

Can I apply for a Florida radiologic technologist license online?

Yes. Florida offers online applications through its Licensure Services system. The online application processes in approximately 10–13 business days according to Florida DOH. Source: Florida DOH

What happens if my Florida radiologic technologist certificate is expired for 10 years?

A Florida Certified Radiologic Technologist certificate that has been inactive or expired for 10 or more years becomes null and void and cannot be reactivated. Contact Florida DOH directly if your certificate has been lapsed for an extended period. Source: Florida DOH

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on Florida Department of Health sources reviewed in May 2026. Certification requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Fees are subject to change — verify current amounts directly with Florida DOH before submitting payment. Always review current requirements directly with the Florida Department of Health, Radiation Control before submitting a certification application. This page does not constitute legal or professional licensing advice. Verify at Florida DOH →
Change Log: 2026-05 — Page created. Data based on Florida Department of Health sources reviewed May 2026. Structural retrofit applied 2026-05 — data-field tagging added for automated update support.

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