The CEPlace

Continuing Education Units, known as CEUs, ensure respiratory therapists stay current on new therapies and topics related to patient care. For respiratory therapists practicing in Florida, understanding the state's specific requirements is essential to maintaining an active license and providing the highest quality patient care.

The Florida Board of Respiratory Care ensures that respiratory therapists comply with CEU requirements for respiratory therapists in Florida. The board also monitors, issues licenses, and disciplines Florida respiratory therapists, maintaining professional standards across the state. As a regulatory body under the Florida Department of Health, the board sets clear guidelines that all licensed RTs must follow.

You must meet the continuing education requirements to renew your Florida respiratory license. Failing to renew your license by the expiration date puts it in delinquent status, and you cannot practice respiratory therapy. Understanding the renewal process, deadlines, and specific course requirements is crucial for every Florida RT.

Understanding the 24-Hour CEU Requirement for Florida RTs

The state requires 24 respiratory therapist CEUs in Florida for license renewal. This 24-hour requirement represents a manageable commitment spread over two years, allowing respiratory therapists to balance continuing education with their demanding professional schedules.

Florida no longer limits the number of online or self-study courses you can take, meaning you can obtain all 24 CEU contact hours at your convenience through self-study online classes. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for RTs working irregular shifts, those in rural areas, or professionals balancing family responsibilities with career development.

The 24-hour CE requirement ensures that Florida respiratory therapists remain knowledgeable about:

Emerging respiratory care technologies and equipment
Updated clinical protocols and evidence-based practices
New pharmaceutical treatments and therapies
Patient safety standards and infection control measures
Professional ethics and legal considerations

Breaking down the 24-hour requirement over a two-year renewal cycle means respiratory therapists need to complete approximately one hour of continuing education per month—a realistic goal that promotes continuous professional development rather than last-minute cramming before license expiration.

CE Broker: Florida's Automated CEU Tracking System

One of the most significant advantages for Florida respiratory therapists is the state's use of CE Broker for automated CEU tracking and reporting. CE Broker Florida RT functionality streamlines the entire continuing education process, eliminating much of the administrative burden traditionally associated with license renewal.

How CE Broker Auto-Reporting Works

CE Broker auto-reporting is a game-changing feature that automatically records your completed continuing education hours directly with the Florida Department of Health. When you complete board-approved courses through AARC-accredited providers, your CEU credits are electronically transmitted to CE Broker, where they're automatically applied to your transcript.

This automated system offers several critical benefits:

Eliminates Manual Submissions: You no longer need to manually submit certificates or fill out paperwork for each completed course. Approved providers report directly to CE Broker, saving you valuable time.
Real-Time Tracking: You can log into your CE Broker account at any time to view your current CEU status, see which courses have been reported, and determine how many hours remain for license renewal.
Reduces Audit Stress: Because CE Broker maintains an official electronic record of your completed courses, you have automatic documentation if selected for a random audit by the Florida Department of Health Licensing and Auditing Services Unit.
Prevents Expiration Oversights: The system sends automated reminders as your license expiration date approaches, helping you avoid the complications of a lapsed license.

Verifying Your CE Broker Records

While CE Broker auto-reporting handles most of the heavy lifting, respiratory therapists should regularly verify their records. Log in to your CE Broker account several months before your license expires to confirm that all completed courses appear on your transcript. If any courses are missing, contact the course provider immediately to ensure proper reporting before your renewal deadline.

Courses and CEU Renewal Requirements in Florida

Although you can choose most of your respiratory therapist CEUs in Florida, the state requires some specific courses. These mandatory topics address critical areas that impact patient safety, legal compliance, and professional practice.

Required Courses for All Renewals

Prevention of Medical Errors (2 hours): This board-approved course addresses systematic approaches to reducing medical errors, implementing safety protocols, and creating a culture of safety in healthcare settings. Understanding error prevention is essential for protecting patients and maintaining quality care standards.

Florida Respiratory Laws and Rules (2 hours): This Florida-specific course covers state statutes, board rules, scope of practice regulations, and legal responsibilities for respiratory therapists. Staying current on Florida respiratory care laws ensures you practice within legal boundaries and understand your professional obligations.

First-Time Renewal Requirement

HIV/AIDS (3 hours): Only required for first-time Florida respiratory license renewals, this course provides essential information about HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, treatment advances, and patient care considerations. After your initial renewal, this course is not required again.

Flexible Elective Hours

After completing the mandatory courses, you have flexibility in selecting your remaining CEU hours. Florida respiratory therapists can choose from hundreds of AARC-approved courses covering:

Advanced ventilation strategies
Pediatric and neonatal respiratory care
Sleep medicine and diagnostics
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
Critical care management
Leadership and professional development

This flexibility allows you to tailor your continuing education to your specific practice area, career goals, and professional interests.

FL RT License Renewal: Timeline and Deadlines

Understanding when your license expires and planning accordingly prevents last-minute stress and potential practice interruptions.

Biennial Renewal Schedule

You must renew your CEUs every 24 months to renew your Florida respiratory license. Every respiratory license in the state expires on May 31 every two years, with the next expiration date in 2025. Florida uses a fixed expiration date system, meaning all RT licenses expire on the same date, regardless of when you initially obtained your license.

Renewal Process and Fees

You must complete all CEU hours within the current biennium dates and submit your completed CEUs to CE Broker before you can renew your Florida respiratory license. After meeting your state's CEU requirements, you can renew your license and pay the $75 fee online through the Florida Board of Respiratory Care. The online renewal system is available 24/7, allowing you to complete the process at your convenience.

Avoiding Delinquent Status

Licenses not renewed by the May 31 expiration date automatically enter delinquent status, meaning you cannot legally practice respiratory therapy in Florida. To avoid career interruptions and potential late fees, begin your continuing education at least six months before your expiration date.

Where to Find Respiratory Therapist CEUs in Florida

If you're looking for CEUs for respiratory therapists in Florida, look no further than TheCEPlace. We are the go-to source for continuing education for respiratory therapists and nurses, offering professional, engaging courses designed to help you stay up-to-date on the latest treatments and best practices.

Why Choose TheCEPlace for Your Florida RT CEUs?

We offer a wide range of affordable online respiratory therapy CEU courses. You'll obtain access to all of our AARC-approved courses after easily registering online. Once you register, our site offers the number of self-study online CEUs required in Florida, including all mandatory courses for license renewal.

Convenient Online Format: With our convenient online format, you can take live or self-study leadership and clinical courses. Learn at your own pace and get the most out of every course, fitting education into your busy schedule without sacrificing quality.

Automatic CE Broker Reporting: Our courses are approved for CE Broker auto-reporting, meaning your completed hours are automatically transmitted to your CE Broker transcript. This seamless integration eliminates manual paperwork and ensures your records are always current.

Comprehensive Course Selection: From required courses like Prevention of Medical Errors and Florida Respiratory Laws and Rules to specialized clinical topics, we provide everything you need to fulfill your 24-hour requirement and advance your professional knowledge.

How TheCEPlace Works

After choosing your courses, complete them at your own pace and take the tests. Our user-friendly platform allows you to start and stop as needed, with your progress automatically saved.

After each course, a certificate will automatically be emailed to you stating the AARC accreditation. Although Florida requires you to submit completed CEUs to CE Broker, and we handle this automatically, keeping your own records of course completions is essential. The Florida Department of Health Licensing and Auditing Services Unit performs random audits. You can prevent troubles with an audit by having your certificates readily available.

At TheCEPlace, we strive to help you with your online respiratory therapist CEUs in Florida so you can focus on your career. Contact us today for more information about how we can support your continuing education needs. Call 1-833-388-2600 or visit us online to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CEUs do Florida RTs need?

Florida respiratory therapists must complete 24 continuing education hours (CEUs) every two years for license renewal. This includes 2 hours of Prevention of Medical Errors, 2 hours of Florida Respiratory Laws and Rules, and 3 hours of HIV/AIDS (first renewal only). All 24 hours can be completed through self-study online courses, providing maximum flexibility for working professionals.

Does Florida use CE Broker for RTs?

Yes, Florida uses CE Broker as the official continuing education tracking system for respiratory therapists. CE Broker provides automated reporting, meaning approved course providers automatically transmit your completed CEU hours directly to your CE Broker transcript. This eliminates manual submission requirements and provides real-time tracking of your progress toward the 24-hour requirement. You can access your CE Broker account online at any time to verify completed courses, check remaining hours needed, and ensure your records are accurate before license renewal. The Florida Board of Respiratory Care and the Florida Department of Health rely on CE Broker records to verify compliance with continuing education requirements.

When do Florida RT licenses expire?

All Florida respiratory therapy licenses expire on May 31 of every odd-numbered year, with the next expiration date being May 31, 2025. To avoid delinquent status, you must complete all 24 required CEU hours and submit your renewal application with the $75 fee before this deadline. The Florida Board of Respiratory Care recommends completing requirements at least 60 days before expiration

Staying Compliant and Advancing Your Career

Meeting your Florida respiratory therapist CEU requirements is more than just a regulatory obligation; it's an investment in your professional competence and patient care quality. The state's 24-hour requirement, combined with CE Broker auto-reporting and flexible online learning, makes maintaining your license straightforward and manageable.

By choosing AARC-approved providers like The CEPlace and planning your continuing education throughout the biennium, you can turn the renewal requirement into an opportunity for meaningful professional growth. Whether you're approaching your first FL RT license renewal or you're a seasoned professional, staying informed about Florida respiratory care CEU requirements ensures uninterrupted practice and demonstrates your commitment to excellence in respiratory therapy.

Florida Respiratory Therapist CEUs: CEU Requirements & Approved Courses