Florida

Summary:

Florida licenses dietitians and nutrititonists as licensed dietitian nutritionists .Only licensed individuals may use the titles: "Dietitian," "Nutritionist," "Nutrition Counselor," "LD," "LN," "LNC," "or any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that he or she is a dietitian, nutritionist, or nutrition counselor, or otherwise hold himself or herself out as such". As of July 1, 2020, there is no licensure requirement for providing nutrition services that are not defined as medical nutrition therapy. Click on the state statute and rules for more information, and view the newly effective law, on pages 16-17 here.

Out of state practitioners holding another state's license may apply to become a registered Florida telehealth provider here.

Special State of Emergency Summary:

Practitioners licensed in another state may provide volunteer services without first obtaining a Florida license, under the auspices of the Red Cross or Department of Health. https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-52.pdf

Individuals may also be able to apply to the Board of Medicine's Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council for a temporary license if working under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Florida Statutes 468.511

Click the buttons below to read the state statute and rules, or to navigate to the state regulatory entity's website.

Practice Act/Statute Rules & Regulations Regulatory Body

Qualification Requirements for State Licensure or State Certification:
  • Academic: Bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution with a major course of study in human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics, or food management, or an equivalent major course of study.
  • Experience: Completion of at least 900 hours of preprofessional experience that must include a minimum of 200 hours each in clinical nutrition and community nutrition, or have education and experience determined to be equivalent by the Medical Board. Experience must be completed under the supervision of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or someone equivalently prepared if the supervised practice was in another jurisdiction.
  • Examination: Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam or Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Registered Dietitian (RD) exam.

Disclaimer: This is a preliminary interpretation of language of state statutes and regulations, and cannot substitute for legal counsel.