What you need to do to get your Florida pharmacist license back

To reinstate a Florida pharmacist license, you file a reinstatement process with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Pharmacy. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you meet continuing education requirements. Most pharmacists can reinstate within 30 to 60 days if their paperwork is complete and they have no disciplinary history.

The state treats reinstatement differently based on whether your license expired while you were still in Florida or whether you let it lapse years ago. A license that expired recently is simpler to restore than one that has been inactive for five years or longer. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, submit proof of continuing education hours, and sometimes pass a jurisprudence exam depending on how long you have been out of practice.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file a reinstatement process directly with the Florida DBPR Division of Pharmacy, not through a third party.
  • Continuing education requirements vary: licenses inactive for less than two years need fewer hours than those inactive for five years or more.
  • The reinstatement fee is separate from the renewal fee and must be paid when you submit your process.
  • If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you may need to pass the Florida pharmacy jurisprudence exam in addition to meeting education requirements.

Timeline and fees for reinstatement

The Florida DBPR processes reinstatement applications within 30 to 60 days of receiving a complete submission. "Complete" means all required documents are included, your continuing education hours are verified, and any fees are paid. If your process is missing information, DBPR will send you a notice and the clock stops until you respond.

Reinstatement fees vary depending on how long your license has been inactive. As of the most recent fee schedule, reinstatement typically costs between $150 and $300, though you should confirm the current amount on the DBPR website or by calling the Division of Pharmacy directly at (850) 245-4292. You will also owe a renewal fee if your license is being reinstated during a renewal period. Some pharmacists must pay both the reinstatement fee and the biennial renewal fee in the same year.

Continuing education requirements based on how long you have been inactive

Florida requires different amounts of continuing education depending on how long your license lapsed. If your license expired less than two years ago, you typically need to complete 15 continuing education hours specific to pharmacy practice. These hours must come from accredited providers and cover topics relevant to current pharmacy practice.

If your license has been inactive for two to five years, you usually need 30 continuing education hours. For licenses inactive longer than five years, the requirement jumps to 60 hours, and you may also be required to pass the Florida pharmacy jurisprudence exam. Some pharmacists in this category are asked to complete additional supervised practice hours or pass a practical competency assessment, though this is less common.

You can complete continuing education through online courses, live seminars, or self-study programs, as long as the provider is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) or approved by the Florida DBPR. Keep documentation of all courses you complete—transcripts, certificates, or course completion records—because you will need to submit proof with your reinstatement process.

The jurisprudence exam requirement

If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, Florida may require you to pass the Florida pharmacy jurisprudence exam before reinstatement is granted. This exam tests your knowledge of Florida pharmacy law, regulations, and ethical standards. It is not the same as the NAPLEX or FPGEC exam you took to become licensed; it focuses only on Florida-specific rules.

You schedule the jurisprudence exam through Pearson VUE, the testing vendor used by Florida. The exam costs approximately $100 to $150 and can be taken at a testing center near you. You must pass with a score of at least 75 percent. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it, though you will pay the fee again. Some pharmacists complete this exam before submitting their reinstatement process; others wait to see if DBPR requires it based on their specific circumstances.

Documents and information you will need to submit

Your reinstatement process requires several pieces of documentation. You will need your current Florida pharmacist license number, your Social Security number, and a completed reinstatement form from the DBPR website. You must also provide proof of continuing education—either official transcripts from the course provider or ACPE completion certificates showing the course name, hours, and date completed.

If you have worked as a pharmacist in another state during the time your Florida license was inactive, bring documentation of that licensure and any disciplinary history from that state. If you have not worked in pharmacy at all, you may need to explain the gap. You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee by check, money order, or credit card, depending on which method DBPR accepts at the time you explore.

Submit your process by mail to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pharmacy, or check the DBPR website to see if online submission is available. Keep copies of everything you send for your records.

What happens if you have a disciplinary history

If your license was suspended or revoked due to disciplinary action, reinstatement is more complicated and may not be possible. A voluntary surrender or lapsed license due to non-renewal is different from a license suspended for cause. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to contact the DBPR directly to understand whether reinstatement is an option and what additional steps or conditions may explore.

The Division of Pharmacy will review your disciplinary file and may require you to appear before the Board of Pharmacy or meet additional conditions before reinstatement is considered. This process can take several months and may involve legal representation. If you are unsure whether your license was suspended for cause or straightforward expired, call the DBPR at (850) 245-4292 and provide your license number; they can tell you the status and what it means for reinstatement.

After your reinstatement is approved

Once the DBPR approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license certificate or a notice that your license is active in the system. Your license number remains the same. You can then work as a pharmacist in Florida when ready, though some employers may ask to see your approval letter or verify your status directly with the DBPR before your first day.

Your reinstated license will be subject to the same renewal cycle as all Florida pharmacist licenses. Depending on when you are reinstated, your next renewal may be due within a few months or up to two years away. The DBPR will send you a renewal notice before your license expires again. To avoid another lapse, mark your renewal date on your calendar and submit your renewal process and continuing education hours before the important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a pharmacist while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?

No. You cannot legally practice pharmacy in Florida with an inactive or expired license. You must wait for DBPR approval before you begin work. Some employers will not hire you until your reinstatement is complete and your license is verified as active in the state system.

What if I completed continuing education in another state—does Florida accept it?

Yes, as long as the course provider is accredited by ACPE or approved by the Florida DBPR. Many online pharmacy courses are nationally accredited and accepted by all states. Bring your course completion certificate or transcript showing the provider's accreditation number.

How long does the jurisprudence exam take, and when can I schedule it?

The exam is typically two to three hours long and covers Florida pharmacy law and regulations. You schedule it through Pearson VUE, usually within one to two weeks of requesting a test date. You can take it at a testing center in your area or, in some cases, online. Check the Pearson VUE website for current availability in your location.

Do I have to pay both a reinstatement fee and a renewal fee?

It depends on the timing. If your license is reinstated during a renewal period, you may owe both fees in the same year. The DBPR will tell you what you owe when you submit your process. Some pharmacists choose to reinstate early in a renewal cycle to spread the costs across two years.

What if DBPR rejects my reinstatement process?

DBPR will send you a letter explaining why your process was denied or incomplete. Common reasons include missing continuing education hours, incomplete documentation, or a disciplinary history. You can address the issues and resubmit, or contact the Division of Pharmacy to discuss your options.