Florida Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in FL
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Written by Doug Wintemute | Edited by Victoria Hudgeons
Last Updated: June 2024
If you find the social work licensing process daunting, you are not alone. In Florida, social workers need to meet strict licensure requirements — a combination of education, experience, and examination. The state also offers multiple social work licenses, each with unique requirements and professional scope.
This guide helps explain the licensing process in clearer terms. Explore the LCSW requirements in Florida and what career opportunities the state offers.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Florida Social Work Licensing Requirements
Florida offers three licensure levels for social workers, a certified master social worker (CMSW), a registered clinical social worker intern (RCSW-I), and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling manages the licensing process for all of the state’s social workers.
While the three levels differ in their practice capabilities and requirements, all call for an accredited master’s in social work (MSW) at minimum. Below, we explore the specific requirements for each license in more detail.
Certified Master Social Worker
The CMSW is Florida’s administrative credential, allowing you to work with social services and programs but not provide clinical services. CMSW licensure leads to careers in case or community services management, program management, and conducting needs assessments or connecting people in need with the appropriate services.
A CMSW license can help you enter the social and community services field or advance your career, providing you with more professional credibility and recognition within the industry.
Florida licensure requirements for CMSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work
- Three years of experience in social work, including two years of post-master’s experience supervised by a CMSW or an LCSW
- Passing score on the ASWB advanced generalist exam
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
The RCSW-I license is designed for aspiring social workers as they complete their post-master’s clinical experience requirements. An RCSW-I can only provide clinical services while under supervision. The license is valid for up to five years, though it cannot be renewed.
An RCSW-I can only work in the field while under supervision and must be in pursuit of the clinical licensure requirements.
Florida licensure requirements for RCSW-I include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work
- 24 credits in theory of human behavior and clinical practice methods, including at least one course in psychopathology
- Verification of a supervised field placement completed during the master’s program
- Letter from a board-approved supervisor who has agreed to provide supervision to the intern applicant
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The LCSW credential goes to professionals who have met the education, experience, and examination requirements for clinical social workers in Florida. LCSWs can evaluate, diagnose, counsel, and treat clients with various behavioral or mental health concerns and disorders.
In Florida, LCSWs can work as clinical therapists or counselors, community social workers, consultants, or even social work supervisors when they have the appropriate experience.
Florida licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work
- 24 credits in theory of human behavior and clinical practice methods, including at least one course in psychopathology
- Verification of a supervised field placement completed during the master’s program
- Verification of two years of post-master’s experience supervised by an LCSW, including 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Florida
Florida does not provide licensing reciprocity for social workers from any other state. However, out-of-state licensed social workers can apply for licensure by endorsement. To qualify, you need to have held a license for a minimum of three of the past five years, while also meeting Florida’s licensure requirements.
Only LCSWs can apply for licensure by endorsement, and the application must include a complete criminal, discipline, health, education, and examination history. You must have completed the appropriate courses in Florida laws and rules and HIV/Aids as well. Any social workers who do not qualify for endorsement must pursue licensure by examination.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Florida
Once you become an LCSW or a CMSW in Florida, you need to renew your license every two years. To do so, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including:
- 25 hours in general education, which includes domestic violence, laws and rules, and qualified supervisor training
- 2 hours in medical errors
- 3 hours in ethics, boundaries, or telehealth
You also need to pay the license renewal fees:
- LCSW: $120 or $225 if license has lapsed for less than 120 days
- CMSW: $155 or $260 if license has lapsed for less than 120 days
BSW Programs Available in Florida
Note: This directory is from 2023.
- Barry University — Miami Shores, FL (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $16,400 estimated per year
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University — Tallahassee, FL (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $23,062 estimated per year in state, $35,007 per year out of state
- Florida Atlantic University — Boca Raton, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Child welfare, healthy aging (certificate programs)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $203 per credit hour in state, $722 per credit hour out of state
- Florida Gulf Coast University — Fort Myers, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Medical social work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $204 per credit hour in state, $839 per credit hour out of state
- Florida International University — Miami, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Child welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $6,757 estimated per year in state, not including room and board); $19,156 estimated per year out of state, not including room and board
- Florida Memorial University — Miami Gardens, FL (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $524 per credit hour
- Florida State University — Panama City, Tallahassee, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Child welfare, gerontology
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $216 per credit hour in state, $721 per credit hour out of state
- Saint Leo University — Saint Leo, Spring Hill, or Tampa, FL (On Campus, Hybrid)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Weekend and Evening
- 2023 Tuition: $24,990 per year (tuition only)
- Southeastern University — Lakeland, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Child welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $15,216 per semester (12-17 credits)
- University of Central Florida — Orlando, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Child welfare, gerontology
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $105 per credit hour
- University of North Florida — Jacksonville, FL (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $213 per credit hour in state, $693 per credit hour out of state
- University of South Florida — Tampa, FL (On Campus) Sarasota-Manatee (Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $211 per credit hour in state, $575 per credit hour out of state
- University of West Florida — Pensacola, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Aging studies interdisciplinary, child welfare, substance abuse
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2023 Tuition: $212 per credit hour in state; $317 per credit hour Alabama residents; $641 per credit hour out of state
- Warner University — Lake Wales, FL (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2023 Tuition: $800 per credit hour or $13,600 per semester
MSW Programs Available in Florida
Note: This directory is from 2023.
- Ana G. Mendez University — Orlando, Tampa, Miami Lakes, FL (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Barry University — Miami Shores, West Palm Beach, FL (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evenings
- 2023 Tuition: $1,020 per credit hour
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University — Tallahassee, FL (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $3,651 per semester in state, $9,198 per semester out of state)
- Florida Atlantic University — Boca Raton, FL (On Campus, Hybrid)
- Available Concentrations: Addictions, child welfare, healthy aging
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $372 per credit hour in state,; $1,027 per credit hour out of state
- Florida Gulf Coast University — Fort Myers, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Medical social work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evenings
- 2023 Tuition: $373 per credit hour in state, $1,301 per credit hour out of state
- Florida International University — Miami, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Addictions, child welfare, gerontology
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $4,101 per semester in state, $9,015 per semester out of state
- Florida State University — Panama City, Tallahassee, FL (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Child welfare, gerontology, LEAD in social work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $479 per credit hour in state, $1,111 per credit hour out of state
- Saint Leo University — Saint Leo, FL (Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $575 per credit hour
- Southeastern University — Lakeland, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Child welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $515 per credit hour
- University of Central Florida — Orlando, FL (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Military
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $288 per credit hour
- University of North Florida — Jacksonville, FL (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $494 per credit hour in state, $1044 per credit hour out of state
- University of South Florida — Tampa, Sarasota, FL (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $431 per credit hour in state, $877 per credit hour out of state
- University of West Florida — Pensacola, FL (On Campus, Online)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2023 Tuition: $295 per credit hour in state; $395 per credit hour Alabama residents; $924 per credit hour out of state
Florida Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Licensed social workers have access to many social work careers in Florida. They can specialize in working with children and families or mental health and substance use clients. They can work in private clinics, healthcare centers, or community services and programs.
The diversity of opportunity and growing demand has created a strong outlook for Florida’s social workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects more than 15% growth between 2020 and 2030 for child, family, and school social workers; healthcare social workers; and mental health and substance abuse social workers.
While some of Florida’s social workers make below the $62,880 mean wage for social workers nationwide, the state still hosts some of the nation’s largest social worker workforces.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $50,160 | $24.12 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,990 | $30.29 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $55,540 | $26.70 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $59,390 | $28.55 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Florida?
Florida has three types of social work licensure: LCSW, RCSW-I, and CMSW. An LCSW can provide unsupervised clinical services, an RCSW-I can provide clinical services while under supervision, and a CMSW can work on the administrative side.
How do I become a licensed clinical social worker in Florida?
To become an LCSW in Florida, you need to complete a CSWE-accredited MSW at minimum, a minimum of two years of supervised post-master’s clinical practice, and a passing score on the national social work licensing exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
How much do social workers in Florida make?
Depending on the type of social worker, the annual mean salary for social workers in Florida falls between $50,160 and $62,990, as per the BLS. As in other states and professions, higher levels of education and experience can lead to higher earnings.
How long does it take to get LCSW in Florida?
The time it takes to get an LCSW license in Florida varies by the individual, but most LCSWs take about eight years in total. That includes four years for a bachelor’s degree, two years for a master’s degree, and two years for post-master’s experience.
