Last verified against the Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health) (opens in a new tab). Sources: Licensure exams: official source (board page + Fla. Stat. §484.007); CLRE requirement: board page only.
Yes. Florida licenses opticians through the Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health). Exams: the licensure exam is the NOCE, the NCLE (CLRE), and the national ABO and NCLE practical exams. We checked the board’s official website on Oct 8, 2026; confirm current rules with the board before applying.
See Florida’s official board page (opens in a new tab)
Florida at a glance
| Licensed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| License types | Optician (licensure by examination or endorsement); registered apprentice |
| National exams | NOCE (passed within 3 years of application or current ABO certification) and CLRE (passed within 3 years or current NCLE certification); Florida licensure exam = NOCE + NCLE + national practical (ABO Practical and NCLE Practical) |
| State practical or law exam | National practical (ABO Practical and NCLE Practical) required as Part 3; no separate state-written law exam stated on the board’s page |
| Training routes | Associate degree (or equivalent) in opticianry from an accredited school OR registered apprenticeship with 6,240 hours of training under registered sponsor(s), completed within 5 years of registration (Rule 64B12-16.003, F.A.C.) |
| CE and renewal | Not stated on the board’s page; contact the board. |
| Board | Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health) (opens in a new tab) |
| Verified | Oct 8, 2026 · Licensure exams: official source (board page + Fla. Stat. §484.007); CLRE requirement: board page only |
Exams required in Florida
NOCE (passed within 3 years of application or current ABO certification) and CLRE (passed within 3 years or current NCLE certification); Florida licensure exam = NOCE + NCLE + national practical (ABO Practical and NCLE Practical)
State practical or law exam: National practical (ABO Practical and NCLE Practical) required as Part 3; no separate state-written law exam stated on the board’s page
Guides: ABO certification, NCLE certification, ABO/NCLE practical exams.
Training routes
Associate degree (or equivalent) in opticianry from an accredited school OR registered apprenticeship with 6,240 hours of training under registered sponsor(s), completed within 5 years of registration (Rule 64B12-16.003, F.A.C.)
Renewal and continuing education
Not stated on the board’s page; contact the board. optical.education does not offer continuing education.
How to apply
Apply through the Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health) (opens in a new tab). We don’t list application fees or forms; the board’s site has the current ones.
What state law says
- Florida Statutes §484.007 (Licensure of opticians) (opens in a new tab): The licensure examination includes portions purchased from the American Board of Opticianry or a similar national organization; the apprentice route is 6,240 hours of supervised training.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an optician in Florida?
Yes. Florida licenses opticians through the Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health), per the board’s official website (checked Oct 8, 2026). Check the board for who must hold a license and any exemptions.
Source: Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health) (official site) (opens in a new tab)
What exams are required for a Florida optician license?
NOCE (passed within 3 years of application or current ABO certification) and CLRE (passed within 3 years or current NCLE certification); Florida licensure exam = NOCE + NCLE + national practical (ABO Practical and NCLE Practical). (per the board, checked Oct 8, 2026).
Source: Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health) (opens in a new tab)
Does Florida have its own optician exam?
National practical (ABO Practical and NCLE Practical) required as Part 3; no separate state-written law exam stated on the board’s page.
Source: Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health) (opens in a new tab)
Can you become an optician in Florida through an apprenticeship?
Yes, per the board: Associate degree (or equivalent) in opticianry from an accredited school OR registered apprenticeship with 6,240 hours of training under registered sponsor(s), completed within 5 years of registration (Rule 64B12-16.003, F.A.C.).
Source: Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health) (opens in a new tab)
Who licenses opticians in Florida?
The Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health).
Source: Florida Board of Opticianry (Florida Department of Health) (official site) (opens in a new tab)
Official sources
- https://floridasopticianry.gov/optician/ (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- Florida Statutes §484.007 (Licensure of opticians) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)