FloridaFlorida license applicants must meet one of two veterinary exam routes
Veterinarians seeking a Florida license by endorsement must know state veterinary rules, pay a fee, and meet one of two exam and license routes.
What it does
The law provides two routes for veterinarians to qualify for a Florida license by endorsement. Applicants must also know Florida's veterinary rules and pay the board's fee.
Argument forVeterinarians with a qualifying license and exam could use their experience in another U.S. jurisdiction to qualify for a Florida license.
Argument againstApplicants who cannot meet either license and exam route may have trouble qualifying, even if they have practiced veterinary medicine elsewhere.
More detail
The department must issue a Florida license by endorsement to applicants who meet the listed requirements. These requirements cover veterinarians applying for a Florida license by endorsement. Applicants must pay the board's fee and show, as board rules require, that they know Florida's veterinary laws and rules. They must meet one of two routes: hold an active license in good standing in another U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory for the three years immediately before applying, and pass an exam at least as strict as the board requires; or meet section 474.207(2)(b)'s qualifications, pass an exam at least as strict as the department's, and pass a clinical skills exam accepted by board rule. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 13Chapter No. 2026-79Latest
- May 12Approved by Governor Ron DeSantisBecame Law
- May 11Signed by Officers and presented to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 10Ordered enrolledMinor
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10In Messages
- Mar 10Passed; YEAS 37 NAYS 0Passed Senate
- Mar 10Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 10Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 10Substituted for SB 1708
- Mar 10Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
- Mar 10Withdrawn from RulesMajor
- Feb 18ReceivedMinor
- Feb 12Referred to RulesMinor
- Feb 12In Messages
- Feb 11Passed; YEAS 113, NAYS 0Passed House
- Vote recorded Passage, Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 11Read 3rd timeMinor
- Feb 11Added to Third Reading Calendar
- Feb 11Read 2nd timeMinor
- Feb 5Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/11/2026)
- Feb 3Added to Second Reading Calendar
- Vote recorded Favorable (Commerce Committee). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 3Bill released to House Calendar
- Feb 3Reported out of Commerce Committee
- Feb 3Favorable by Commerce CommitteeMinor
- Jan 30Added to Commerce Committee agenda
- Jan 28Now in Commerce Committee
- Vote recorded Favorable (Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee). Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 28Reported out of Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee
- Jan 28Favorable by Industries & Professional Activities SubcommitteeMinor
- Jan 26Added to Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee agenda
- Jan 15Now in Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee
- Jan 15Referred to Commerce CommitteeMinor
- Jan 15Referred to Industries & Professional Activities SubcommitteeMinor
- Jan 131st Reading (Original Filed Version)Minor
- Jan 9FiledIntroduced
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