summary
Introduced
12/18/2025
12/18/2025
In Committee
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to music therapy; creating part XVII of ch. 468, F.S., entitled “Music Therapy”; creating s. 468.8501, F.S.; defining terms; creating s. 468.8502, F.S.; creating the Music Therapy Advisory Committee within the Department of Health for a specified purpose; providing for membership and meetings of the committee; authorizing the committee to facilitate the development of certain materials and act as a facilitator of statewide dissemination of information between certain entities; requiring the committee to provide an annual analysis of certain licensure data; requiring the department to seek the advice of the committee on issues relating to music therapy; providing for future legislative review and repeal of the committee; creating s. 468.8503, F.S.; requiring the department to issue a license to practice as a professional music therapist to applicants meeting specified criteria; providing for licensure by endorsement; providing for licensure renewal; providing that licensees are responsible for the timely renewal of their licenses; requiring licensees to inform the department of any change in their address within a specified timeframe; providing for expiration and termination of licenses; requiring the department to place an active license on an inactive status upon written request of a licensee; authorizing a license to remain on inactive status for a specified timeframe; providing for reactivation of such licenses; creating s. 468.8504, F.S.; specifying collaboration requirements for licensees engaging in the practice of music therapy; providing construction; creating s. 468.8505, F.S.; beginning on a specified date, prohibiting unlicensed individuals from using specified titles related to the practice of music therapy; providing exceptions; authorizing unlicensed individuals meeting specified criteria to practice without a license under the supervision of a licensed professional music therapist for a specified timeframe; creating s. 468.8506, F.S.; providing grounds for disciplinary action; authorizing the department to conduct investigations of alleged misconduct; providing administrative penalties; creating s. 468.8507, F.S.; requiring the department to adopt rules by a specified date; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for music therapy in Florida, creating a new part of the state statutes dedicated to defining, licensing, and governing the professional practice of music therapy. The legislation creates a Music Therapy Advisory Committee within the Department of Health to advise on professional standards and provide guidance, and establishes detailed requirements for becoming a licensed professional music therapist, including holding a bachelor's degree in music therapy, passing a board certification exam, and maintaining professional credentials. The bill outlines the specific scope of music therapy practice, which includes conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, implementing therapeutic interventions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, while explicitly prohibiting music therapists from screening, diagnosing, or assessing physical, mental, or communication disorders. Starting January 1, 2027, only licensed professionals will be able to use titles like "music therapist" or practice music therapy, with some exemptions for other licensed healthcare professionals and students in training. The bill also establishes disciplinary procedures, allowing the Department of Health to investigate misconduct and impose sanctions such as license suspension, revocation, fines, or reprimands for violations of professional standards. The legislation aims to ensure high-quality, professional music therapy services while protecting public safety and establishing clear professional guidelines for practitioners.
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/478 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/478/BillText/Filed/HTML |
Loading...