Staying compliant with the Florida Board of Acupuncture’s licensure requirements is essential for practicing acupuncturists who wish to continue providing care without interruption. As we move through 2025, it's important to understand the key steps and updates involved in maintaining your Florida acupuncture license. This guide outlines everything you need to know about the renewal process, continuing education requirements, and updates involving CE Broker and fingerprinting.
License Renewal Cycle and Expiration
Florida acupuncture licenses must be renewed every two years. The current cycle ends on February 28, 2026, and all licensees must complete renewal before midnight Eastern Time on that date to remain in active status. Missing the deadline may result in delinquency status, penalties, and potential disruption of practice.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
To maintain an active license, Florida acupuncturists must complete 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education (CE) within each two-year renewal cycle. The CE hours must be distributed as follows:
- General CE Hours (21 hours): Courses directly related to acupuncture, herbal medicine, clinical techniques, and patient care.
- Biomedical Sciences (5 hours): Education focused on anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, or other biomedical topics.
- Florida Laws and Rules (2 hours): Instruction on the legal and regulatory aspects of practicing acupuncture in Florida.
- Prevention of Medical Errors (2 hours): Covers strategies to reduce risk and improve patient safety.
For first-time license renewals, slightly different or prorated requirements may apply depending on the length of licensure prior to the renewal deadline.
CE Broker: The Official CE Tracking System
Florida uses CE Broker as its official system for tracking continuing education. All completed CE hours must be reported through CE Broker in order for a license to be renewed successfully.
There are two main account types available to licensees:
- Free Basic Account: Allows licensees to search approved courses, upload certificates, and view basic CE transcripts.
- Professional Account (Subscription): Offers more detailed features, including a compliance tracker that automatically calculates how many hours you’ve completed and what remains.
Using CE Broker helps ensure accurate, real-time tracking of CE compliance, and is essential for a smooth renewal experience. Acupuncturists are encouraged to self-report missing CE and verify that all hours are recorded well before attempting renewal. However, ACEU Masters automatically reports all your course completions for you to CE Broker. They also offer no-hassle packages that include all the requirements licensees need to renew.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Log In to the Renewal Portal: Visit Florida Health’s official license renewal portal and log in using your secure credentials.
- Update Your Information: Make sure your email and contact information are current.
- Verify CE Hours in CE Broker: Ensure all CE is reported and complete, including any mandatory topics.
- Submit the Renewal Application: Follow the prompts to confirm your renewal eligibility and complete the required steps.
- Pay the Renewal Fee: The standard fee for active license renewal is $279. Additional fees apply if the renewal is submitted late.
It is highly recommended to renew well before the deadline to avoid technical issues or delays caused by incomplete CE reporting.
Inactive and Retired License Options
Florida offers flexibility for acupuncturists who are not actively practicing:
- Inactive Status: Allows licensees to maintain a license without completing CE or practicing. To reactivate, the required CE must be completed and submitted.
- Retired Status: For those stepping away from the profession permanently. This option requires submission of a formal request, and reactivation requires Board approval and compliance with current standards.
Inactive licenses held for over four years may be subject to additional reactivation requirements.
New in 2025: Fingerprinting and Background Checks
Beginning July 1, 2025, all Florida health care practitioners, including licensed acupuncturists, will be required to submit fingerprints for updated state and federal background screening during the license renewal process. This is part of a broader public safety and practitioner verification initiative.
Practitioners should prepare for this new requirement by scheduling their fingerprinting appointment early and using a Board-approved provider.
Renewing your Florida acupuncture license in 2025 involves more than just paying a fee. By proactively managing your continuing education, staying current in CE Broker, and preparing for the new fingerprinting requirement, you can avoid last-minute stress and maintain a seamless transition into the next licensing period. Prioritize early action to protect your professional standing and continue serving your patients with confidence.
