Florida Optician License
Florida requires opticians to obtain state licensure to practice. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a licensed optician in the Sunshine State.
State licensure mandatory
Annual average (2026)
Depends on pathway
Is a License Required in Florida?
Yes, Florida is a licensed state. To practice as an optician or ophthalmic dispenser in Florida, you must obtain a license from the Florida Board of Opticianry. This is a legal requirement—you cannot dispense eyeglasses or contact lenses to the public without proper licensure.
The Florida Board of Opticianry operates under the Florida Department of Health and is responsible for regulating the optical dispensing profession in the state. The board ensures that all practicing opticians meet minimum education, training, and competency standards to protect public health and safety.
Important Note
Working as an unlicensed optician in Florida is illegal and subject to fines and penalties. If you're currently training or employed in an optical setting without a license, you must be registered as an apprentice or trainee under direct supervision.
Florida Optician License Requirements
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
You must complete ONE of the following:
- Associate Degree: Complete an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Ophthalmic Dispensing from an accredited institution
- Apprenticeship: Complete a 2-year (4,000 clock hours) apprenticeship under a licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist in Florida
Pass all three of the following exams:
National written exam covering optical theory, lens fabrication, and dispensing
National written exam covering contact lens theory, fitting, and problem-solving
Hands-on skills assessment administered by the Florida Board (frame adjustments, measurements, lensometry)
Level 2 background screening required, including fingerprinting. The board will review any criminal history for moral character determination.
Education Pathways in Florida
Option 1: Associate Degree
The most structured path is to complete a 2-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from an accredited college. Florida has several community colleges offering these programs, which combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work and clinical externships.
Typical Curriculum Includes:
Florida Programs:
- • Hillsborough Community College (Tampa)
- • Miami Dade College (Miami)
- • Several other community colleges offer hybrid/online options
Option 2: Apprenticeship
If you prefer hands-on learning and want to earn an income while training, an apprenticeship is an excellent option. You'll need to complete 4,000 clock hours (approximately 2 years full-time) under the direct supervision of a licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
Apprenticeship Requirements:
- Registration: You must register your apprenticeship with the Florida Board of Opticianry BEFORE starting. Hours worked before registration do not count.
- Supervisor: Your supervising optician/optometrist must have an active Florida license for at least 2 years and be in good standing.
- Hour Tracking: Keep detailed logs of all hours worked, tasks performed, and supervisor signatures. The board audits these logs during your application.
- Scope: Hours must include meaningful training in lens fabrication, frame dispensing, measurements, adjustments, and contact lens basics.
Common Apprenticeship Mistake
Many apprentices forget to register with the board before starting work, assuming their employer will handle it. This is YOUR responsibility. Always confirm your registration status within the first week of employment. Failing to register means you'll need to start your 4,000-hour clock over from scratch.
Florida Optician Exam Requirements
1. ABO Exam (American Board of Opticianry)
The ABO is a comprehensive written exam covering optical theory, lens design, frame fitting, and dispensing procedures. It's a computer-based exam with 125 multiple-choice questions, and you have 3 hours to complete it.
70%
88 correct answers minimum
$75
Per attempt (retakes allowed)
2. NCLE Exam (National Contact Lens Examiners)
The NCLE exam focuses specifically on contact lens theory, fitting, troubleshooting, and patient education. It's also computer-based with 125 questions and a 3-hour time limit.
70%
88 correct answers minimum
$75
Per attempt (retakes allowed)
3. Florida Practical Examination
After passing the ABO and NCLE, you must take Florida's hands-on practical exam. This is administered by the Florida Board of Opticianry and tests your ability to perform essential dispensing tasks in real-world scenarios.
Skills Tested:
- Lensometry (reading an existing prescription from finished lenses)
- Frame measurements and adjustments
- Pupillary distance and segment height measurements
- Optical calculations and transpositions
Note: The practical exam is typically offered quarterly. Check the Florida Board of Opticianry website for current schedules and registration deadlines.
Prepare for Your Florida Optician Exams
Passing the ABO and NCLE on your first attempt requires dedicated preparation. Opterio offers Florida-specific study tools including 500+ practice questions, AI-powered explanations, intelligent spaced repetition, and timed practice exams that simulate the real testing environment.
Start Studying with OpterioHow to Apply for Your Florida Optician License
Complete Your Education
Finish your associate degree or 4,000-hour apprenticeship. Ensure all documentation is complete and signed by supervisors.
Pass ABO & NCLE Exams
Register and pass both national exams through the ABO-NCLE website. You'll receive digital certificates upon passing.
Complete Level 2 Background Screening
Submit fingerprints and undergo a Level 2 background check through an approved vendor. This typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Submit Application Online
Create an account on the Florida Department of Health's online portal and complete the optician license application. Upload all required documents:
- • Official transcripts (if degree pathway)
- • Apprenticeship completion certificate and hour logs (if apprenticeship pathway)
- • ABO and NCLE certificates
- • Background screening clearance letter
- • Application fee payment ($200)
Schedule & Pass Practical Exam
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you'll receive authorization to schedule the Florida practical exam. Register early as slots fill quickly.
Receive Your License
After passing the practical exam, pay the initial license fee ($100). Your license will be issued within 2-3 weeks and is valid for 2 years.
Processing Time
From application submission to final license issuance, expect 8-12 weeks (assuming all documents are complete and you pass the practical exam on your first attempt). Incomplete applications can delay the process by several months.
Florida Board Contact
Florida Board of Opticianry
Florida Department of Health
Website: floridasopticianry.gov
Phone: (850) 245-4355
Continuing Education Requirements
Florida requires licensed opticians to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. This ensures opticians stay current with advances in optical technology, lens materials, and industry best practices.
Per 2-year renewal cycle
- • Optical theory & dispensing
- • Contact lens technology
- • Florida laws & ethics
- • Practice management
Approved CE Providers:
- ABO-NCLE: Offers online and in-person CE courses specifically for Florida opticians
- Vision Expo: Annual optical trade show with hundreds of CE-approved seminars
- State & Regional Optical Associations: Often host local CE events
- Online CE Providers: Various platforms offer board-approved online courses (verify approval before enrolling)
CE Audit Warning
Florida randomly audits license renewals for CE compliance. You must keep certificates and proof of attendance for at least 4 years. Failure to provide documentation during an audit can result in license suspension and fines.
License Renewal
Licenses expire on your birth month every two years. The renewal fee is $115. You'll receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration. Renew online through the Florida DOH portal.
Florida Optician Salary & Job Outlook
Annual average (2026)
Starting range
Experienced opticians
Salary by Region
| Florida Metro Area | Average Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale | $45,800 | Higher |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg | $43,500 | Moderate |
| Orlando | $42,900 | Moderate |
| Jacksonville | $41,200 | Lower |
Major Employers in Florida
Retail Optical Chains
LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Visionworks, Walmart Vision Centers, Target Optical
Private Optometry Offices
Independent optometry practices throughout the state (often offer higher pay and better benefits)
Ophthalmology Clinics
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Florida Eye Specialists, SouthEast Eye Specialists
Online Retailers
Warby Parker, Zenni Optical (remote customer service and quality control positions)
Job Growth Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4-6% growth in optician jobs through 2032. Florida's large retiree population and growing healthcare sector make it one of the strongest states for optician employment. With an aging population comes increased demand for vision correction services.
Florida currently employs approximately 4,200 licensed opticians, making it one of the largest optician markets in the Southeast.
Related Resources
Official licensing board website with application forms, exam schedules, and regulations.
Visit Website →Register for the ABO and NCLE national exams and access study materials.
Visit Website →General optician career information, salary data, and training guides.
View Resources →Comprehensive ABO & NCLE study platform with Florida-specific practice questions.
Start Studying →Ready to Start Your Florida Optician Career?
Now that you understand Florida's requirements, the next step is preparing for your ABO and NCLE exams. Get started with Opterio's proven study system used by thousands of successful opticians.