An official website of the State of Florida 
May 20, 2025
A licensed practitioner may earn two hours in Florida jurisprudence by attending an in-person meeting of the Board at which another licensee is disciplined for no […]
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May 20, 2025
May 20, 2025
May 8, 2025
ELI (Enforcement – Licensure – Information) is MQA’s new artificial intelligence system that will be transforming the customer service MQA provides by enabling the workforce to […]
April 28, 2025
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for an Optometry Faculty Certificate. During the 1986 Legislation, Chapter 463, […]
April 28, 2025
The requirements for an Optometry Faculty Certificate are as follows. Applicants must:
April 28, 2025
Submit completed application and fees to the board office. Select the “Apply Online” button above. If you prefer to apply using the paper application, please download, print and […]
April 28, 2025
Make certified check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health Application fee – $100.00 (non-refundable)Licensure fee – $100.00Unlicensed Activity fee – $5.00 TOTAL FEE – $205.00 Make certified checks or […]
April 28, 2025
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Renewal Requirements, Process, Fees and Continuing Education (CE) for an Optometry Faculty Certificate.
April 28, 2025
Approximately 90 days prior to your license expiration, board staff will mail your renewal form. Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status […]
April 28, 2025
Approximately 90 days prior to your license expiration date, the board office will mail you a copy of your renewal application letter. In order to renew […]
April 28, 2025
Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. Please submit a request including your full name as it appears on your license, profession, license number, […]
April 28, 2025
Make certified check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health Renewal Fee $105.00
April 28, 2025
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View Florida Statutes Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General ProvisionsChapter 463: Optometry Practice ActSection 463.0057: Optometric faculty certificateChapter […]
April 28, 2025
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Certified Optometrist. During the 1986 Legislation, Chapter 463, Florida Statutes, […]
April 28, 2025
The requirements for licensure as a Certified Optometrist are as follows. Applicants must: Please note, pursuant to Florida law, incomplete applications (applications in which documentation of […]
April 28, 2025
Submit completed application and fees to the board office. Select the “Apply Online” button above. If you prefer to apply using the paper application, please download, […]
April 28, 2025
OPTOMETRY LICENSURE EXAMINATION: Application Fee: $ 250.00 (NON-REFUNDABLE)Initial Licensure Fee: $ 300.00Unlicensed Activity Fee: $ 5.00 TOTAL FEE: $ 555.00 UPGRADE OPTOMETRIST TO CERTIFIED OPTOMETRIST – ONLY: […]
April 28, 2025
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for an Optometrist by Endorsement.
April 28, 2025
To be licensed as an Optometrist in Florida through the MOBILE Endorsement pathway you must meet the following qualifications, as required by Section 456.0145, Florida Statutes:
April 28, 2025
Applicants must complete the following steps: There are several ways to submit supporting documentation: Documents to Gather for the Application Process: License Verification(s)Required exam scoresPersonal statement […]
April 28, 2025
April 28, 2025
All examinations are administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). Phone Number: 800.969.Exam or 704.332.9565Website: http://www.optometry.org
April 28, 2025
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Renewal Requirements, Process, Fees and Continuing Education (CE) for an Optometrist.
April 28, 2025
Current licenses expires at midnight, Eastern Time, on February 28, 2027. To ensure you receive your renewal notification from the department, your current mailing address must […]
April 28, 2025
If you are a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty who was in good standing with the board at the […]
April 28, 2025
If you volunteer your services in public schools for a minimum of 80 hours a year or if retired, at least 400 hours a year, you […]
April 28, 2025
The process of renewing a license may take up to 5 days. Initiating contact to confirm the receipt of fees or the status of your license […]
April 28, 2025
Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. Please submit a request including your full name as it appears on your license, profession, license number, […]
April 28, 2025
Certified check or money order should be made payable to the Florida Department of Health. Current License Expiration: 02/28/2027 Renewal Expiration: If renewing BEFORE your license expires, your fees will […]
April 28, 2025
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View Florida Statute Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General ProvisionsSection 456.036: Licenses; active and inactive status; delinquencyChapter 463: […]
April 28, 2025
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements To locate board approved CE Courses for this profession, please click here REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS IMPORTANT INFORMATION General Hours 26 […]
April 20, 2025
April 15, 2025
To apply online visit MQA Services Portal to create an account or return to your account by clicking the button below.
April 15, 2025
Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Below is the average number of days at which we are currently processing.
March 27, 2025
Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration […]
March 27, 2025
Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following: Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of […]
March 27, 2025
Applicants with prior disciplinary actions are required to submit the following: Board Actions – Certified copies of document(s) relative to any disciplinary action taken against any license. […]
March 27, 2025
If a “Yes” response is provided to any of the questions in the health history section, provide the following documents directly to the board office: A […]
January 24, 2025
January 24, 2025, Board Meeting Update: Due to unsafe travel conditions for several required attendees, this meeting of the Florida Board of Optometry is being canceled. […]
May 15, 2024
E-licensing demonstrates the commitment of the Department to expedite
licensure and verification processes. Learn more by clicking here!
December 14, 2023
MQA Online Services will be unavailable from Friday, December 15, at 6:00 PM to December 17, at 12:00 PM EST.
November 15, 2023
MQA is planning to revamp the board websites. Please take the survey to give us your recommendations by clicking the survey icon below. Survey closing Friday, 2/2/2024 at 4:30 PM ET
November 1, 2023
An annual publication showcasing trends and information about Florida’s health care regulatory landscape.
August 1, 2023
The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, is warning Florida health care practitioners about fraudulent emails that have been received by multiple licensees.
June 28, 2023
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2023 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession.
December 21, 2022
The Division of Medical Quality Assurance has announced the 2023 Annual Long-Range Planning meeting. Click here for more information.
November 7, 2022
On Monday, November 7, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency to prepare for Subtropical Storm Nicole.
October 31, 2022
The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2021-22 has been published. Click here for more information.
October 12, 2022
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is proud to highlight the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program.
September 23, 2022
On Friday, September 23, 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency to prepare for Hurricane Ian.
September 2, 2022
July 5, 2022
Please be aware of website server maintenance for MQA Websites beginning Friday, July 8th at 5:00PM EST. Click here for more information.
June 14, 2022
May 27, 2022
The Board of Optometry has added the following Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents to the formulary...
April 14, 2022
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) is responding to an outbreak of meningococcal disease in some areas of Florida.
April 12, 2022
December 8, 2021
November 30, 2021
November 1, 2021
The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2020-21
is now online.
is now online.
October 14, 2021
July 29, 2021
Click here to access data on recently licensed Health Care Practitioners and Facilities
June 29, 2021
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2021 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession.
June 9, 2021
April 15, 2021
The CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) will be hosting a call at 2:00 PM ET regarding CVST associated with the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
April 1, 2021
State Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees issued Emergency Order 21-001 granting licensure renewal extensions
March 8, 2021
National Transportation Safety Board issues recommendations to states on prescribing controlled substances for pain and the dangers of operating a vehicle in any mode of transportation
March 4, 2021
December 29, 2020
November 18, 2020
The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is warning Florida health care practitioners about fraudulent calls that have been received by multiple licensees.
November 18, 2020
See attached rule language for attaining Continuing Education (CE) hours. Click here for more information.
October 30, 2020
The Annual Report and Long-Range Plan for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
is now online.
is now online.
July 14, 2020
Please be aware of system downtime for DOHMQA beginning Friday July 24th 6:30PM(EST) until Monday July 27th 6:00AM(EST). Click here for more information.
July 1, 2020
2020 legislation amended the requirements for non-opioid alternatives. Click here to access the pamphlet for "Information on Nonopioid Alternatives for the Treatment of Pain"
June 12, 2020
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2020 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession.
February 17, 2020
The Florida Department of Health (Department) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to closely monitor the current outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus.
January 24, 2020
The Board of Optometry has approved Oxervate (Cenegermin-bkbj) 0.002% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002.
January 2, 2020
Click here for the new requirements requiring prescribers to generate and transmit all prescriptions electronically
December 16, 2019
The Quarterly Performance Report for the first quarter of the 2019-2020 fiscal year is now available online.
December 3, 2019
Florida, like other parts of the United States, is experiencing a Public Health Emergency as a result of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). Click here for more information.
October 29, 2019
The Annual Report & Long-Range Plan for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year is now available to view online.
October 15, 2019
The Board of Optometry has approved Dextenza (dexamethasone ophthalmic insert) 0.4 mg and Klarity-C (cyclosporine) 0.1% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002.
September 25, 2019
Click here for more information regarding scam calls for license holders claiming to be with the Florida Board.
August 23, 2019
The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2018-2019 fiscal year is now available online.
August 7, 2019
The board approved Inveltys (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 1% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002. Effective August 5, 2019, Licensees are now permitted to prescribe Inveltys.
July 23, 2019
The Board of Optometry met on July 18, 2019 in Orlando regarding adding Rocklatan to the formulary. Click here for more information on the formulary.
July 10, 2019
Click here for new profession requirements and reporting procedures regarding Human Trafficking
July 1, 2019
Click here for information on the new law that sets standards of practice and authorizes out-of-state health care practitioners to perform telehealth services for patients in Florida.
June 14, 2019
The Quarterly Performance Report for the third quarter of the 2018-2019 fiscal year is now available online.
June 12, 2019
The Annual Long Range Planning meeting has been scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2019. Please click here for more information.
May 16, 2019
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2019 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession.
February 12, 2019
The board approved Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002. Effective January 25, 2019, Licensees are now permitted to prescribe Rhopressa.
February 11, 2019
The board approved Cequa (cyclosporine) 0.09% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002. Effective January 25, 2019, Licensees are now permitted to prescribe Cequa.
February 11, 2019
The Board approved Inveltys (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 1% for addition to Rule 64B13-18.002, F.A.C. Formulary of Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents
February 11, 2019
The Board of Optometry voted to waive the 2-hour Florida Jurisprudence requirement for all out-of-state licensees for the current biennium only. Click Here for more information.
February 1, 2019
You may now register to attend a disciplinary board meeting for the purposes of receiving credit for Florida Jurisprudence continuing education. To Register, please click Here
January 18, 2019
We are currently experiencing a temporary delay in printing and mailing the hard copy of your license. Please click here for more information.
December 20, 2018
If you are seeking Florida jurisprudence CE credits for attending a disciplinary hearing please see the meeting site information for the upcoming February 8, 2019 board meeting.
November 1, 2018
The Annual Report & Long-Range Plan for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year is now available to view online.
October 8, 2018
During the September 28, 2018 Board of Optometry meeting, the board approved for addition to the Formulary of Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents the ophthalmic solution Cequa.
October 1, 2018
The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online.
August 6, 2018
Understand your requirements before you are authorized to prescribe oral ocular pharmaceuticals as a certified optometrist.
June 26, 2018
Click here to find out more about Rule 64B13-18.002 formulary of Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents, Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02%.)
June 8, 2018
The Quarterly Performance Report for the third quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online.
May 7, 2018
Click Here to be in the know on how Florida's new legislation on controlled substances affects you
April 17, 2018
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2018 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession.
April 17, 2018
In an effort to combat the national opioid epidemic in Florida, in March 2018 Governor Rick Scott signed HB 21 creating new limits on schedule II prescriptions for pain medication.
April 15, 2018
The Quarterly Performance Report for the first quarter of the 2017-2018 fiscal year is now available online.
March 16, 2018
Click here to find out more about Rule 64B13-18.002 Formulary of Topical Ocular Pharmaceutical Agents, Vyzulta (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution) 0.024%.
March 14, 2018
The Quarterly Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the 2016-2017 fiscal year is now available online.
January 29, 2018
The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public about criminals posing as DEA Special Agents or other law enforcement personnel as part of an international extortion scheme.
January 10, 2018
The Annual Long Range Planning meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, April 23, 2018. Please click here for more information.
November 3, 2017
Chronic Disease Prevention: A Public Health Perspective. Please click for details on how to register for this webinar.
October 16, 2017
Please Click for Details on the Urgent National Drug Shortage: Lidocaine with Epinephrine and Bupivacaine with Epinephrine
September 13, 2017
Due to impacts from Hurricane Irma, Governor Scott has issued an executive order regarding the state of Florida
August 2, 2017
The QPR contains revenue, expenditure and performance measure information from the Department of Health.
July 20, 2017
Click here to view a full list of bill summaries from the 2017 Florida Legislative Session that may impact your profession.
July 18, 2017
The use of telehealth technology by Florida licensed healthcare practitioners for the purpose of providing patient care within the state of Florida is not precluded by Florida law.
May 3, 2017
Attention: The Board of Optometry will be holding a special telephone meeting on May 11th, at 9:00 AM…
January 20, 2017
Rule 64B13-18.002, F.A.C. adds Xiidra (Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution) 5% to the formulary and allows Florida Optometrists to prescribe the medication to their patients.
October 5, 2016
Due to impacts from Hurricane Matthew, Governor Scott has issued an executive order regarding the state of Florida
September 14, 2016
Until the new rule becomes effective, Florida Optometrists are not allowed to prescribe the medication. A notification will advise when the rule is effective.
September 9, 2016
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) announces the following meetings:
July 19, 2016
The Complaint Portal is a way for consumers to find the correct agency to submit health care complaints in an electronic and secure format.
July 19, 2016
Learn how to add your license to your Online Services Portal account or report your continuing education/continuing medical education (CE/CME) requirements.
July 12, 2016
During the 2016 Legislative Session, HB 221 passed and was signed into law on April 14, 2016, as Chapter 2016-222, Laws of Florida. The bill prohibits […]
June 17, 2016
As we mourn the tragic events that occurred in Orlando over the weekend, the Division of Medical Quality Assurance joins friends and colleagues in Central Florida […]
June 9, 2016
During the 2016 Legislative Session, HB 1175 passed and became law on April 14, 2016, as Chapter 2016-234, Laws of Florida. Starting July 1, 2016, health […]
February 26, 2016
Recognize when every-day stressors lead to burnout or depression. Learn more about self-care strategies and how to get help by clicking here.
February 25, 2016
Services will be unavailable on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 9 AM to 4 PM Eastern Standard Time for system upgrades.
February 25, 2016
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance is excited to announce the launch of the new and improved MQA Search Services Portal.
February 24, 2016
The Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) remains committed to developing and implementing strategies to better serve health care practitioners, license applicants and […]
February 15, 2016
Not knowing does not alleviate accountability. Become familiar with the Grounds for Discipline found in Section 456.072(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.), and...
January 11, 2016
Adults are encouraged to discuss their health screenings and immunization schedule with their health care professionals
June 18, 2015
Effective August 1, 2015, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) will no longer be sending eligibilities to Prometric for applicants who are required to sit for […]
June 10, 2015
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance announces its annual Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and Associations' meeting.
May 28, 2015
The Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) remains committed to developing and implementing strategies to better serve health care practitioners, license applicants and […]
May 7, 2015
In March 2015, CE Broker updated their system to a newer technology that would make it faster and more secure. As a result however, some old […]
February 27, 2015
Measles is a highly contagious disease, transmitted by respiratory aerosols when an infected person coughs or sneezes...
February 13, 2015
As of March 13, 2014, Rule 64B13-16.002, F.A.C., was repealed and Optometrists are no longer required to renew their Branch office license.
February 9, 2015
Roughly 86 million American adults have prediabetes and 9 out of 10 people with prediabetes don't know they have it.
January 14, 2015
The Department encourages you to log in to the tracking system before applying for renewal to ensure your information is complete and accurate.
December 29, 2014
Healthy Promise is a campaign sponsored by the Florida Department of Health to encourage people in Florida to make more informed choices about healthy eating and active living this year.
November 10, 2014
The Florida Department of Health honors and supports veterans, members of the military and their families on Veterans Day.
October 17, 2014
The state of Florida is prepared to identify and treat patients who may have Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
July 15, 2014
The Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance announces the first combined Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and Associations annual meeting
June 13, 2014
This meeting includes a review of how the Health Care Boards and Councils
will each play an integral role in Florida’s Healthiest Weight Initiative
May 20, 2014
Retinoblastoma is a life threatening rare type of cancer, usually caused by a defective gene found in children between the ages of 2 and 6.
April 4, 2014
The Department of Health has partnered with certain CE/CME providers using this seal to eliminate the need for licensees to self-report course completion.
December 6, 2013
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is aware that documents purportedly originating from DOH requesting information of a sensitive nature have been received by members of […]
October 18, 2013
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law
October 18, 2013
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law
October 18, 2013
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law
October 18, 2013
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law
October 18, 2013
The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law
October 16, 2013
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...
June 3, 2013
The Florida Board of Optometry plays a leading role in the State’s ever-changing health care environment. This is accomplished through...
June 2, 2013
The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, will now review your continuing education records in the electronic tracking system...