Clinical Supervision Requirements in Florida

Licensing Board Overview

Florida regulates all three mental health professions under a single combined board: the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, operating under the Florida Department of Health. Requirements are defined in F.S. Chapter 491 and administrative rules in F.A.C. Division 64B4. Florida uses a "Registered Intern" system where pre-licensed professionals hold an intern registration while accruing supervised experience.

All three professions share the same core experience rule (F.A.C. 64B4-2.001 and 64B4-2.002): at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients, accrued over no less than 100 weeks, with at least 100 hours of supervision and at least 1 hour of supervision every two weeks.

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Florida)

Florida's LCSW is governed by F.S. §491.005(1). Candidates hold a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI) registration while accruing hours. The RCSWI is valid for 5 years (60 months for registrations issued after March 31, 2017).

Supervised Experience Requirements

• Total supervised experience: 2 years of post-master's clinical social work experience under a qualified supervisor (per §491.005(1)(d)). Board rule defines this as at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy over no less than 100 weeks
• Supervision: At least 100 hours of supervision, with at least 1 hour every two weeks. Individual supervision means one qualified supervisor with no more than 2 interns, and group supervision means 3 to 6 interns (F.A.C. Rule 64B4-2.002)
• Direct client contact: At least 50% of the hours worked must be spent providing psychotherapy and counseling services directly to clients (§491.003(3))
• Exams: ASWB Clinical Level exam, which the board approves only after 18 months of documented post-master's clinical experience, plus an 8-hour board-approved Florida laws and rules course with a course test

Supervisor Qualifications (Qualified Supervisor)

• Must hold an active Florida LCSW license (or qualify through one of the routes below) and be approved by the board as a Qualified Supervisor
• Clinical experience: 4 years total (2 during internship + 2 post-licensure)
• Supervision training: Must complete training per Rule 64B4-6.0025. Accepted pathways include a graduate supervision course, qualifying CE course, field instruction course, or AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation
• Cross-discipline: An LMFT or LMHC must show 9 semester hours (or 12 quarter hours) of social work theories and techniques from an accredited graduate school of social work. A social worker licensed in another state who meets Florida's LCSW education and experience requirements may also qualify

LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida)

Florida's LMHC is governed by F.S. §491.005(4). Candidates hold a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) registration. The master's program must include at least 60 semester hours, and effective July 1, 2025, must be accredited by CACREP, MPCAC, or an equivalent accrediting body (per Ch. 2022-29, CS/SB 566).

Supervised Experience Requirements

• Total supervised experience: 2 years of post-master's clinical experience in mental health counseling (per §491.005(4)(d)). Board rule defines this as at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy over no less than 100 weeks
• Supervision: At least 100 hours of supervision, with at least 1 hour every two weeks. Individual and group formats are defined in F.A.C. Rule 64B4-2.002
• Setting: Experience may occur in a variety of settings (private practice, agency, hospital, etc.). When a registered intern provides services in a private practice, a licensed mental health professional must be on the premises. Since July 6, 2026, that presence may be by telehealth if the intern's telehealth protocol and safety plan cover it
• Exams: NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination) plus the 8-hour board-approved Florida laws and rules course

Supervisor Qualifications (Qualified Supervisor)

• Must hold an active Florida LMHC license (or qualify through one of the routes below) and be approved by the board as a Qualified Supervisor
• Clinical experience: 5 years total (2 during internship + 3 post-licensure)
• Supervision training: Must complete training per Rule 64B4-6.0025. Accepted pathways include a graduate supervision course, qualifying CE course, field instruction course, ACS credential from CCE, or AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation
• Cross-discipline: An LCSW or LMFT must show a qualifying course in at least 3 of 6 specified content areas. A mental health counselor licensed in another state who meets Florida requirements may also qualify. Licensed psychologists may supervise RMHCI candidates if they have 3+ years of clinical experience and at least 750 hours of direct client contact per year

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Florida)

Florida's LMFT is governed by F.S. §491.005(3). Candidates hold a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (RMFTI) registration. The master's degree must come from a COAMFTE-accredited program, a CACREP-accredited program with an MFT emphasis plus board-approved courses, or an MFT-emphasis program at an institutionally accredited school plus approved courses. Ch. 2026-59 extended that last route to degrees conferred before September 1, 2032.

Supervised Experience Requirements

• Total supervised experience: 2 years of post-master's clinical experience (per §491.005(3)(d)). Board rule defines this as at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy over no less than 100 weeks
• Supervision: At least 100 hours of supervision, with at least 1 hour every two weeks. Group supervision is optional. If you use it, each hour of group supervision must alternate with an hour of individual supervision
• Case requirements: During the experience, 50% of your clients must be receiving marriage and family therapy services. Your cases must include unmarried dyads, married couples, separating and divorcing couples, and family groups that include children
• Exams: AMFTRB National MFT Examination plus the 8-hour board-approved Florida laws and rules course

Supervisor Qualifications (Qualified Supervisor)

• Must hold an active Florida LMFT license (or qualify through one of the routes below) and be approved by the board as a Qualified Supervisor. An AAMFT Approved Supervisor also qualifies
• Clinical experience: 5 years total (2 during internship + 3 post-licensure)
• Supervision training: Must complete training per Rule 64B4-6.0025. Accepted pathways include a graduate supervision course, qualifying CE course, or AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation
• Cross-discipline: An LCSW or LMHC must show 6 semester hours (or 8 quarter hours) of graduate coursework in marriage and family systemic theories and techniques, and 5 years of clinical experience in marriage and family therapy (2 may be internship). An MFT licensed in another state needs the same coursework and 5 years as an MFT

Documentation Requirements

Florida uses specific board forms for supervision verification. The primary form is the Verification of Clinical Experience Form (DH-MQA 1181), most recently revised May 2025. Supervisors and supervisees should maintain:

• Verification of Clinical Experience (DH-MQA 1181): Each qualified supervisor completes one form covering their own supervision of the intern. The rule says the supervisor submits it within 7 days after supervision ends. The board's intern page says it is not needed until the licensure application, so confirm timing with the board
• Qualified supervisor letter: Before supervision begins, each supervisor sends the board a letter agreeing to supervise the intern. Hours under that supervisor count only after the board approves them. Florida does not require a filed supervision agreement, but a supervision contract covering expectations, meetings, and cost is part of the written policy the rule recommends qualified supervisors keep
• Supervision Log (DH-MQA 5078): Required by rule. Each row records the date, group or individual, duration, in person or virtual, and face-to-face client hours, and the qualified supervisor signs each row. The intern and supervisor keep identical, up-to-date copies
• Hour tracking: The DH-MQA 1181 asks only for dates, total supervision hours, and total face-to-face psychotherapy hours. Keep your own breakdown so you can show the 50% in-person and group alternation rules were met
• Intern registration records: Copies of the active intern registration (RCSWI, RMHCI, or RMFTI) and expiration dates

Both the supervisor and supervisee should retain copies of all documentation. Digital records with timestamps and signatures provide the strongest evidence during board review.

Virtual Supervision in Florida

Florida has general telehealth legislation under F.S. §456.47 (effective July 1, 2019). The board also sets specific supervision rules in F.A.C. 64B4-2.002:

• At least 50% of supervision interactions must be in person and face to face
• The first supervision meeting must be in person before any online supervision
• Group supervision must be held with all participants present in person
• A qualified supervisor may move all supervision to video or telephone if they judge it necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the supervisor or intern and not harmful to clients

Electronic psychotherapy counts toward clinical hours only if the intern has a written telehealth protocol and safety plan with their current qualified supervisor.

Florida-Specific Details

Registered Intern System

Florida's intern registration is central to the supervised experience process. Unlike states that use "limited permits" or "associate" licenses, Florida issues a Registered Intern designation for each discipline (RCSWI, RMHCI, RMFTI). Intern registrations are valid for 5 years and, for registrations issued after March 31, 2017, expire exactly 60 months from the date of issuance (per §491.0045(5)-(6)). They cannot be renewed, but an intern may request a one-time 24-month hardship extension. Interns must stay under supervision until licensed, even after the experience requirement is met.

Qualified Supervisor Registration

Unlike states where any licensed clinician with sufficient experience can supervise, Florida requires supervisors to be approved by the board as a Qualified Supervisor (QS). The process involves submitting the Qualified Supervisor Statement (DH-MQA 5049) with proof of training, completing electronic fingerprinting, and waiting for the board's approval letter before supervising. QS holders must complete 4 hours of Qualified Supervisor training every 3rd biennium to maintain their status.

More Than One Supervisor

An intern may have more than one qualified supervisor at the same time, with no set limit. Each one must be approved by the board for that intern before their hours count. Face-to-face psychotherapy hours cannot be counted under two supervisors, and a week with supervision from two supervisors counts only once. A qualified supervisor may supervise no more than 25 registered interns at a time.

Supervisor Conflicts and Deadlines

A supervisor cannot be the intern's current or former therapist, a relative, a current or former employee, a member of the same household, or someone in a current or former romantic relationship with the intern (Rule 64B4-2.003, widened July 6, 2026). The qualified supervisor must notify the board within 7 days when a supervision relationship ends.

Provisional License

F.S. §491.0046 provides a provisional license for applicants who have completed the clinical experience requirement but are still completing coursework or the licensure exam. A provisional license is valid for 24 months and is non-renewable. The provisional licensee must meet face to face with a licensed mental health professional for supervision at least 1 hour per month.

HIV/AIDS Training

Florida requires an HIV/AIDS course as a condition of initial licensure for all three professions (per §491.0065). An HIV/AIDS Affidavit form is available on the board's resources page.

Background Screening (Effective July 1, 2025)

House Bill 975 (2024) introduced electronic fingerprinting and criminal history background screening for all three professions. Effective July 1, 2025, this applies to both new applicants and renewal applicants (per Ch. 2024-243 and §456.0135).

Counseling Compact (LMHC Only)

Florida is a member of the Professional Counselors Licensure Compact, enacted via F.S. §491.017 (Ch. 2022-63, HB 1521). Board rule 64B4-3.011 (April 2026) adopts compact forms for LMHCs. The compact does not cover LCSW or LMFT. Compact privileges are currently live only for licensees in Arizona, Minnesota, and Ohio, so confirm Florida's status with the board. As of our last review, no social work compact legislation has been enacted in Florida.

LMHC Accreditation Change (Effective July 1, 2025)

Under Ch. 2022-29 (CS/SB 566), effective July 1, 2025, LMHC applicants' master's programs must be accredited by CACREP, MPCAC, or an equivalent accrediting body. This tightens the previous accreditation standard.

Key Florida Board Contact Information

• Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling: floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov
• Phone: (850) 488-0595
• Governing statute: F.S. Chapter 491
• Administrative rules: F.A.C. Division 64B4
• Application portal: MQA Online Services Portal

How to Become a Clinical Supervisor in Florida

Florida's Department of Health, through the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, sets supervisor requirements. Here is a summary by discipline. Always confirm current standards with the board.

Becoming a Qualified Supervisor for LMHC Candidates

• Licensure: An active Florida LMHC license in good standing. An LCSW or LMFT with qualifying coursework, an out-of-state mental health counselor who meets Florida requirements, or a qualifying licensed psychologist may also supervise RMHCIs
• Clinical experience: A minimum of 5 years of clinical experience, 2 of which may come from a post-master's clinical internship, with the remaining 3 years earned post-licensure (per Florida Board Qualified Supervisor requirements)
• Supervision training: Must complete supervision training meeting Rule 64B4-6.0025, F.A.C. Options include a graduate-level supervision course, a qualifying CE course, a post-graduate field instructor course, an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credential from CCE, or AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation
• Registration: Submit the Qualified Supervisor Statement and complete electronic fingerprinting, then wait for the board's approval letter. For each intern, send the board a signed letter agreeing to supervise and wait for the board's approval before hours count

Becoming a Qualified Supervisor for LCSW Candidates

• Licensure: An active Florida LCSW license in good standing. An LMFT or LMHC with qualifying social work coursework, or an out-of-state social worker who meets Florida's LCSW education and experience requirements, may also supervise RCSWIs
• Clinical experience: A minimum of 4 years of clinical social work experience, 2 of which may come from a post-master's clinical internship, with the remaining 2 years earned post-licensure
• Supervision training: Must complete supervision training meeting Rule 64B4-6.0025, F.A.C. Options include a graduate-level supervision course, a qualifying CE course, a post-graduate field instructor course, or AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation
• Cross-license note: Non-LCSW supervisors must also show 9 semester hours (or 12 quarter hours) of social work theories and techniques coursework from an accredited graduate school of social work
• Registration: Submit the Qualified Supervisor Statement, complete fingerprinting, and wait for the board's approval letter. Each intern also needs board approval of you as their supervisor before hours count

Becoming a Qualified Supervisor for LMFT Candidates

• Licensure: An active Florida LMFT license in good standing, or AAMFT Approved Supervisor status. An LCSW or LMHC, or an out-of-state MFT, with qualifying coursework and 5 years of MFT experience may also supervise RMFTIs
• Clinical experience: A minimum of 5 years of clinical experience, 2 of which may come from a post-master's clinical internship, with the remaining 3 years earned post-licensure
• Supervision training: Must complete supervision training meeting Rule 64B4-6.0025, F.A.C. Options include a graduate-level supervision course, a qualifying CE course, or AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation
• Cross-license note: Non-LMFT supervisors must show 6 semester hours (or 8 quarter hours) of graduate coursework in marriage and family systemic theories and techniques, plus 5 years of clinical experience in marriage and family therapy
• Registration: Submit the Qualified Supervisor Statement, complete fingerprinting, and wait for the board's approval letter. Each intern also needs board approval of you as their supervisor before hours count

Florida-Specific Rules

• Registered intern system: Florida uses a "Registered Intern" system for pre-licensed professionals. Supervisees must hold an active intern registration (RCSWI, RMHCI, or RMFTI) to accrue hours. Intern registrations are valid for 5 years (60 months)
• One combined board: Unlike states with separate boards per discipline, Florida's single board covers CSW, MFT, and MHC under F.S. Chapter 491 and F.A.C. Division 64B4
• Cross-discipline supervision: Florida allows cross-discipline supervision, but supervisors from a different discipline must meet additional coursework requirements specific to the supervisee's profession (see each section above)
• Uniform structure: All three professions share the same core requirement: 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy over at least 100 weeks, with 100 hours of supervision. The main variation is in the LCSW and LMFT share rules, QS experience thresholds (4 years for LCSW vs. 5 years for LMHC/LMFT), and cross-discipline coursework requirements
• Laws and rules course: All three professions require an 8-hour board-approved Florida laws and rules course, with a course test, in addition to the national clinical exam

How Guidara Helps Florida Supervisors

Guidara keeps your supervision records organized: signed supervision notes, hour logs by category, and timesheets approved by each supervisor. Everything is stored digitally with timestamps and audit trails. You can export PDF records that a qualified supervisor can use when completing the board's Verification of Clinical Experience. Florida's Supervision Log (DH-MQA 5078) is a board form with a supervisor signature on every row, so keep that log as the board requires.