How to Become a Physical Therapists in Florida
Physical Therapists in Florida earn a median salary of $98,880/year, which is 2% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a physical therapists takes home approximately $5,084/month. Most positions require Doctoral or professional degree.
What a physical therapists can afford in Florida
Becoming a physical therapists in Florida
Meet education requirements
Physical Therapists positions in Florida typically require Doctoral or professional degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many physical therapists positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for physical therapistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 17,050 physical therapists. The highest concentrations are in Wildwood-The Villages and Naples-Marco Island.
Physical Therapists salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood-The Villages | $108K | $52.06/hr | 80 |
| Naples-Marco Island | $106K | $50.98/hr | 230 |
| Homosassa Springs | $103K | $49.42/hr | 150 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $102K | $49.16/hr | 1,550 |
| Port St. Lucie | $102K | $48.87/hr | 340 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $101K | $48.59/hr | 750 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $101K | $48.43/hr | 2,460 |
| Punta Gorda | $100K | $48.13/hr | 120 |
| Gainesville | $99K | $47.71/hr | 390 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $99K | $47.38/hr | 230 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $98K | $47.23/hr | 690 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $98K | $47.12/hr | 370 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $98K | $47.11/hr | 140 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $97K | $46.68/hr | 5,710 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $97K | $46.5/hr | 330 |
Physical Therapists salary range in Florida
Physical Therapists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a physical therapists make in Florida?▼
The median physical therapists salary in Florida is $98,880 per year ($47.54/hr). This is 2% below the national median of $101,020. Salaries range from $60,430 to $123,700.
What are the requirements to become a physical therapists in Florida?▼
Physical Therapists positions in Florida typically require Doctoral or professional degree. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a physical therapists afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $98,880, a physical therapists in Florida would take home approximately $6,496/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 21.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for physical therapists in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for physical therapists in Florida are Wildwood-The Villages ($108,280), Naples-Marco Island ($106,040), Homosassa Springs ($102,790). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for physical therapists?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means physical therapists keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.