Florida Pharmacy Technician Licensing Guide

How to Get Your Florida Pharmacy Technician License

Everything you need to know about training, certification, and licensing in Florida.
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Pharmacy technicians play an essential role in supporting patient care. They work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to help prepare prescriptions, assist patients, process insurance claims, and ensure medications are dispensed safely and accurately.

In Florida, pharmacy technicians must be licensed by the Florida Board of Pharmacy. To obtain a license, you’ll need to meet several specific requirements, including the completion of a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program.

This guide will walk you through the entire licensing process. We’ll explain Florida’s requirements in detail, outline your approved training options, and show you the fastest and most affordable ways to complete your training and become a licensed pharmacy technician in Florida.

Florida Board of Pharmacy
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Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Florida pharmacy technician licensing requirements
  2. Approved training programs for Florida pharmacy technicians
  3. How to get licensed quickly and affordably in Florida
  4. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Florida Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

Before you can begin working as a pharmacy technician in Florida, you must first obtain a license from the Florida Board of Pharmacy. Below is a summary of the key requirements:
  • Application process
    • You must apply for licensure through the Florida Board of Pharmacy’s online licensing portal. 
  • Application fees
    • As of 2025, the total cost to apply is $105, which includes:
      - $50 non-refundable application fee
      - $50 licensure fee
      - $5 unlicensed activity fee
    • Certified checks or money orders should be made payable to the Florida Department of Health.
  • Minimum age requirement
    • You must be at least 17 years old to apply.
  • Education requirements
    • Florida does not require a high school diploma or GED for licensure.
    • High school students who are at least 17 years old may apply before graduation.
  • Criminal history
    • If you have a prior criminal conviction, you must include the following with your application:
      - Final court disposition or arrest records
      - Proof of completion of any probation, parole, or sanctions
      - A personal letter explaining the circumstances of the offense
    • A criminal history does not automatically disqualify you. Applications are reviewed individually.
  • Training requirement
    • To be licensed in Florida, you must complete a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.
    • National certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or completion of a PTCB-recognized program does NOT satisfy this requirement.
    • Completion of our program alone does NOT meet Florida’s training requirement. If you are located in Florida and applying for the first time, you must also complete a Florida Board-approved program.
For complete and up-to-date information, visit the Florida Board of Pharmacy pharmacy technician registration page.

Florida pharmacy technician training programs

The Florida Board of Pharmacy has strict training requirements for pharmacy technicians. Unlike most other states, Florida does not accept Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification as a substitute for formal training. To obtain a Registered Pharmacy Technician license, applicants must complete a Board-approved training program as outlined in Section 465.014, Florida Statutes.

This training requirement is a statutory mandate and cannot be waived or petitioned. Even if you are nationally certified through the PTCB or have completed a PTCB-recognized course, you must still complete a training program specifically approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

Approved training options

To meet Florida’s training requirement, your training must come from one of the following types of Board-approved programs:

Approved employer-based pharmacy training programs

In Florida, many pharmacy employers (e.g., national retail chains, grocery store pharmacies, and large hospital systems) offer Board-approved, employer-based training programs. These programs are designed to train new pharmacy technicians on the job while meeting the state’s formal education requirements.

Employer-based programs typically combine structured instruction with hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Some may include online learning modules, classroom-style training, or mentorship as part of the curriculum.

To meet Florida’s licensing requirements, the employer’s training program must be registered and approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy. You can view a list of approved employer-based programs by using the license verification search tool on the Florida Department of Health’s website.

ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician programs

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is a national organization that represents pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in hospitals and health systems.

Pharmacy technician programs accredited by ASHP are held to high educational standards and are widely recognized for their quality. These programs must include a minimum of 130 hours of hands-on, practical training, which means fully online programs typically do not qualify for ASHP accreditation.

You can explore available options by browsing the official directory of ASHP-accredited pharmacy technician programs.

Regionally or nationally accredited institutions

Pharmacy technician training programs may also qualify for Florida Board of Pharmacy approval if they are offered by institutions accredited by a recognized regional, national, or specialized accrediting agency. These agencies must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Programs that fall under this category can be found at many community colleges, career institutes, vocational schools, and universities. You can check an institution’s accreditation status by visiting the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

Colleges and schools accredited by SACS

Pharmacy technician training programs may also qualify for Florida Board of Pharmacy approval if they are offered by institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Programs under this category are commonly offered at colleges, universities, and technical schools located primarily in the southeastern United States. 

You can view a full list of SACS-accredited institutions by visiting the SACSCOC Membership Directory.

Career and technical schools accredited by COE

Pharmacy technician training programs may also qualify for Florida Board of Pharmacy approval if they are offered by institutions accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). COE is a national accrediting agency that specializes in career and technical education. Programs in this category are typically found at career colleges, technical institutes, and vocational schools that focus on workforce development and hands-on training. 

You can view a list of COE-accredited institutions by visiting the Council on Occupational Education Directory.

Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE) approved programs

Pharmacy technician training programs may also qualify for Florida Board of Pharmacy approval if they are approved by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE). The CIE oversees and licenses many of the private postsecondary institutions operating within the state of Florida. These programs are commonly offered by career colleges, technical schools, and private training providers that focus on job-specific education and skill development. 

You can search for CIE-approved schools and programs by using the Florida Department of Education’s CIE Directory.

U.S. Armed Services based pharmacy training

Pharmacy technician training programs may also qualify for Florida Board of Pharmacy approval if they are offered by a branch of the United States Armed Services, provided the curriculum was developed on or before June 1, 2018.

These programs are typically designed to train military personnel for pharmacy technician roles within the military healthcare system. If you completed military pharmacy technician training, you may be eligible for licensure in Florida as long as the training program meets the June 1, 2018 curriculum requirement. Documentation of your training may be required during the application process.

Florida public school system pharmacy programs

Pharmacy technician training programs may also qualify for Florida Board of Pharmacy approval if they are offered through the public school system of the State of Florida and follow the Florida Department of Education Curriculum Framework for Pharmacy Technician (2018–2019).

These programs are typically available at public high schools and are designed to prepare students for entry-level pharmacy technician roles upon graduation.

Institutions eligible for Title IV federal student aid

Pharmacy technician training programs may also qualify for Florida Board of Pharmacy approval if they are offered by institutions accredited by an agency whose accreditation makes the institution eligible to participate in Title IV federal student financial aid programs.

These programs are typically found at colleges, universities, career schools, and vocational institutions. Title IV eligibility allows students to access financial aid, such as Pell Grants and federal student loans, to help fund their education.
For more information about Board-approved pharmacy technician training programs, visit the Florida Board of Pharmacy’s technician registration page. 

Fastest and least expensive path to becoming a pharmacy technician in Florida

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If you’re looking for the most affordable and efficient way to start your pharmacy career in Florida, a Board-approved employer-based training program is a great option. These programs are offered by many large chain pharmacies and health systems. These programs offer paid, hands-on training, allowing you to earn income while completing your required coursework.

Instead of paying tuition to a college or vocational school, you’ll receive paid, on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Once you complete your employer’s approved training program, you’ll meet Florida’s licensing requirement, all while earning income along the way.

You can find pharmacies that offer Board-approved training programs by using the Florida Department of Health’s license verification tool. Simply select “Pharmacy Technician Training Programs” from the “Profession” drop-down menu, then click Search to view a list of approved providers.

Strengthen your job application with PTCB certification

Although employer-based training programs are a great pathway, they can be competitive. Many pharmacy managers prefer candidates who already have some pharmacy knowledge or training. If you’re new to the field, breaking in can be tough.

That’s where PTCB certification can give you an edge.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is the leading national organization for pharmacy technician credentialing. While PTCB certification does not replace Florida’s formal training requirement, it shows employers that you’re knowledgeable, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one. Being certified can improve your chances of getting hired, reduce the amount of training you’ll need, and lead to a higher starting wage.

How Pharmacy Technician Academy can help

If you’re having difficulty securing a pharmacy position that offers employer-based training, Pharmacy Technician Academy can help.

Our 1st Pass CPhT Course is a PTCB-recognized, fully online training program that prepares you to pass the PTCB exam and earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. It’s designed for beginners so no prior pharmacy experience is required to enroll.
Although this course doesn’t fulfill Florida’s Board-approved training requirement on its own, it shows employers that you’re serious, well-prepared, and require less onboarding. Completing the course qualifies you to take the PTCB certification exam and provides a strong foundation that can set you apart from other entry-level applicants.

Submitting your CPhT credential along with a 1st Pass CPhT Course Certificate of Completion is a great way to make your application stand out when applying to competitive employer-based programs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Florida?

Yes. All pharmacy technicians in Florida must be registered and licensed with the Florida Board of Pharmacy.

What are the requirements to get a pharmacy technician license in Florida?

To become licensed in Florida, you must:
  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Complete a Florida Board-approved training program
  • Submit an application through the Florida Board of Pharmacy’s online portal and pay the required licensing fees

What is the minimum age to work as a pharmacy technician in Florida?

You must be at least 17 years old to apply for licensure as a pharmacy technician in Florida.

Do I need a high school diploma to become licensed in Florida?

No. Florida does not require a high school diploma or GED to apply for a pharmacy technician license. Students who are 17 or older can apply even before graduating.

What’s the cheapest way to complete pharmacy technician training in Florida?

The most cost-effective way to complete your training is through a Board-approved employer-based program. These programs are offered by many major pharmacy chains and health systems across Florida. They allow you to earn a paycheck while you train, with no tuition or out-of-pocket training costs. Your employer typically covers all training materials and supervision, so you can complete your required training at no cost to you while gaining real-world experience.

Is PTCB certification required to work as a pharmacy technician in Florida?

No. Florida does not require PTCB certification for licensure. However, earning your CPhT credential shows that you are highly trained and competent and can make you more competitive when applying for jobs.

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