Florida’s Universal Licensing Law SB 1600, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, went into effect in January 2025. This legislation aims to enhance labor mobility by allowing professionals with valid licenses from other jurisdictions to work in the Sunshine State without navigating complex additional procedures.
What is the Universal Licensing Law?
Also known as the Interstate Mobility Law or Mobile Act, this regulation simplifies the process for professionals already licensed in other states to practice in Florida. The law removes regulatory barriers that previously limited access to the job market, benefiting key sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, and technology.
With this change, Florida became the 21st state to implement such measures, following the lead of Arizona, Utah, and New Jersey. According to the Institute for Justice, one in five American workers faces challenges transferring their professional licenses across states, an issue this type of legislation seeks to address.
Requirements to Obtain a Universal License in Florida
To work under this legislation, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Active and Valid License: The license must have been issued by another U.S. state.
- Clean Disciplinary Record: No active disciplinary measures in the state of origin.
- Clear Criminal Record: Applicants must have no relevant convictions affecting their eligibility.
- Payment of Required Fees: Applications must include administrative fees.
- Additional Requirements: In some cases, passing local jurisprudence exams related to Florida law is necessary.
For healthcare professions, Florida’s Department of Health is required to issue a license by endorsement within seven days of receiving a complete application, provided all criteria are met:
- Applicants must show they have practiced their profession for at least three of the last four years.
- Passing a national licensing or certification exam is mandatory.
- Licenses are granted based on substantial equivalence between Florida’s standards and those of other states.
Regulatory boards and the Department of Health reserve the right to revoke licenses if applicants are found to have submitted false or incomplete information.
