What if we told you that with just a high school diploma, you could land a $42,000+ career that literally changes children’s lives in as little as 6 weeks?
Welcome to Florida’s red-hot Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) industry, where RBT certification Florida opportunities are booming.
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are in massive demand in Florida and making a real impact every single day.
Florida is experiencing an ABA boom which in return, is creating thousands of meaningful, well-paid opportunities for people ready to make a difference.
Here’s the thing….
Florida now has over 51,000 active RBTs, nearly double what it was just a few years ago.
With autism diagnoses rising and new laws recognizing RBTs as essential education personnel, there’s never been a better time to pursue RBT certification Florida offers.
The best part?
You don’t need years of college or mountains of debt to get started.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get your RBT certification Florida requires. You’ll get a step-by-step guide, along with the costs, how long it takes, and so much more.
Let’s dive in.
Want to test your readiness? Take our free RBT practice exam to see where you stand before starting your certification journey.
Benefits of Becoming an RBT in Florida
In many states, becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) offers stable work, but pursuing RBT certification Florida opens the door to exceptional opportunity, career mobility, and impact.
High Demand & Impact: Florida has one of the largest ABA markets in the country.
- Recent data show Florida with over 51,000 active RBTs.Â
- In 2022 there were about 26,659 RBTs with RBT certification Florida recognized due to rising autism prevalence and Medicaid coverage of ABA.
- Florida law now explicitly recognizes BACB-certified RBTs as “private instructional personnel” in schools (under BCBA/BCaBA supervision).
Competitive Pay: Registered Behavior Technicians with RBT certification Florida accepts earn roughly $18–$20 per hour on average (about $42k/year). Local agencies often pay $20–25/hr for qualified RBTs, especially with experience.
Meaningful Work & Career Growth: RBTs play a direct role in improving clients’ lives.
- Surveys note that RBTs “experience greater job fulfillment by more effectively improving the lives of those who need your help.”Â
- You can enter ABA with only a high school diploma and your RBT certification Florida provides, then under supervision, gain skills leading toward higher credentials (BCaBA/BCBA).
- Many RBTs use their RBT certification Florida offers to advance in the ABA field without immediately committing to a college degree.
RBT Certification Process Overview
The RBT certification Florida follows is a nationally recognized certification issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
RBTs work directly with clients, helping implement behavior plans under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). It’s an entry-level role — but one with serious impact and career potential.
- RBT Eligibility Requirements in Florida
The RBT certification Florida process in Florida follows the BACB’s national standards. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete a background check (similar to what schools and healthcare roles require)
- Finish a 40-hour ABA training course
- Pass a Competency Assessment (done with a BCBA/BCaBA supervisor)
- Apply and pass the BACB RBT exam
Florida doesn’t license RBTs separately, but it does require that RBTs always work under a licensed supervisor, especially when working in schools or billing Medicaid. That means you’re supported every step of the way, legally and professionally.
- How Much Does It Cost to Become an RBT in Florida?
Your total cost for RBT certification Florida requires depends on where you train, but here’s a general breakdown:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| BACB Application Fee | $50 |
| Exam Fee | $45 |
| Background Check | ~$50 |
| 40-Hour Training Program | $149 – $995 (varies by provider) |
| Competency Assessment | Free–$150 (often free via employer) |
Total Estimated Cost: $200 – $500 (out-of-pocket)
Tip: Some employers or agencies cover RBT certification Florida training costs entirely. Ask before you pay.
- How Long Does It Take?
Most people can finish the entire RBT certification Florida process in 2–3 months. In fact, if you’re fast-tracking your journey, it can be done in as little as 4–6 weeks. Here’s a quick timeline:
- 40-Hour Training: A few weeks (up to 6 months allowed)
- Competency Assessment: 1–2 days (once training is done)
- Application Review: ~7–14 days by BACB
- Exam Scheduling: Depends on test center availability (1–3 weeks)
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an RBT in Florida
Starting your career as a Registered Behavior Technician with RBT certification Florida offers is both achievable and rewarding. Here’s exactly how to go from zero to certified:
- Step 1: Complete a 40-Hour ABA Training Program
Your first step is enrolling in a BACB-approved 40-hour training course focused on the RBT Task List and Ethics Code. You can choose online or in-person training.
Popular Florida-based options include:
- Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) – Self-paced, online, $149
- University of South Florida (USF)
- University of Central Florida (UCF) – Higher-priced, includes extras
- Private ABA training firms
Note: These RBT certification Florida courses must be completed within 180 days of starting, so pace yourself accordingly. Once you’ve finished the course and passed the included quizzes/exams, you’ll receive a certificate of completion.
- Step 2: Find Qualified Supervisor for Your RBT Competency Assessment
After completing your RBT certification Florida training, you’ll need to demonstrate your hands-on ABA skills through a Competency Assessment, supervised by a BCBA or BCaBA who has completed the BACB’s supervision training.
Most candidates complete this step through their employer (ABA clinics, agencies, or schools). If you’re not yet employed, you may need to reach out to local providers to find a qualified assessor.
- Step 3: Pass the Competency Assessment
This RBT certification Florida assessment covers 20 key skills from the RBT Task List like:
- Implementing behavior intervention plans
- Collecting accurate data
- Using prompts and reinforcements effectively
- Responding to challenging behavior appropriately
You must complete the 40-hour training before beginning this step. You’ll perform these tasks under observation.
The assessor will complete the official BACB Competency Assessment form, which you’ll include in your certification application.
- Step 4: Apply for RBT Certification
Once your assessment is complete, you’re ready to apply for RBT certification Florida through the BACB website.
Submit the following:
- Proof of age (18+)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Background check results
- 40-hour training certificate
- Completed competency assessment form
Pay the application fee: $50
BACB Review Time: 3–14 days (varies)
After approval, you’ll receive instructions to schedule your RBT exam through Pearson VUE.
- Exam Cost: $45
- Format: 75 multiple-choice questions
- Time Limit: 90 minutes
Nervous about the 75-question exam? Practice with our free RBT mock tests and walk into your certification exam with confidence.
Pass the exam, and you’ll be officially listed in the BACB’s RBT Registry.
So, what will come next?
Once you’ve earned your RBT certification Florida recognizes, your responsibilities don’t end there. To stay compliant and active as an RBT, you must:
- Work under ongoing supervision (at least 5% of your hours per month)
- Renew your certification every year
- Complete 20 continuing education units (CEUs) every 2 years
Florida Board of Behavior Analysis Info
Florida doesn’t issue a separate state license for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Instead, once you earn your national RBT certification from the BACB, you are eligible to work in Florida—as long as you’re supervised by a licensed professional.
Who regulates ABA in Florida?
Behavior analysis in Florida is governed by the Florida Board of Psychology, not a separate ABA board. That means:
- BCBAs must be licensed by the Florida Board of Psychology.
- RBTs must work under the supervision of a Florida-licensed BCBA or other qualified mental health professional.
- RBTs cannot operate independently. Supervision is legally required in all settings.
Where can RBTs work in Florida?
With your RBT certification Florida offers, you can work in a wide range of settings, including:
- ABA clinics
- Public or private schools
- In-home therapy programs
- Telehealth services (if compliant with supervision rules)
To be eligible for work, your employer must have at least one Florida-licensed BCBA or other approved supervisor on staff. This is a strict requirement, especially if the services are being billed to Medicaid.
Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) recognizes the BACB RBT credential. However, Medicaid billing rules require:
- RBTs to work within a provider group
- The group to be led by a Florida-licensed BCBA
- RBT services to be part of a supervised care plan
Additionally, Florida Statute §1003.572 now explicitly allows certified RBTs to provide ABA services in K–12 schools, as long as they’re properly supervised.
Stay Informed: Licensing & Rule Changes
RBTs and their supervisors should stay up to date on:
- Florida Board of Psychology regulations
- Background screening requirements for healthcare workers
- Updates to Medicaid billing policies
- Any changes to ABA supervision or CEU requirements
You can find the latest guidance on the Florida Board of Psychology website.
Wrap Up
The numbers don’t lie.
Florida’s ABA market is growing with opportunities for people who want to make a genuine difference while building a stable career.
RBT certification Florida is your entry point into a field where your daily work directly improves a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and connect with the world around them.
The path is straightforward. The investment is modest.
The timeline is achievable (as little as 6 weeks from start to finish).
Florida needs more qualified RBTs.
Children with autism and their families need advocates who understand evidence-based interventions.
And perhaps most importantly, you deserve a career that combines financial stability with genuine purpose.
Your RBT certification Florida journey can begin today. The question isn’t whether this field needs you, it’s whether you’re ready to answer the call.
Start preparing today with our free RBT practice exams and take the first step toward your certification success.