Mental Health Counselor License in Florida
Quick Answer
To become a licensed counselor in FL, you need a master's degree in counseling, pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). Most states also require supervised clinical experience.
- Exam
- NCE (National Counselor Examination)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (including supervised experience)
Requirements
Mental Health Counselor license in Florida
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Florida
Entry Level
$38,790
Median
$56,830
Experienced
$83,330
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCE (National Counselor Examination)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience).
Mental Health Counselor Licensing in Florida: What to Know
Florida Statutes: Chapter 491; Chapter 456; Chapter 120; Chapter 39; Chapter 90; Chapter 394; Chapter 397; Chapter 415. Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.): Chapter 64B4. Licensed as 'Mental Health Counselor' in FL. Education: Degree required. Exam: Third-party exam required. CE: Continuing education required to maintain license.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Mental Health Counselor license in Florida?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Mental Health Counselor license in Florida?
- You need to pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Mental Health Counselor requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.