summary
Introduced
12/18/2025
12/18/2025
In Committee
01/05/2026
01/05/2026
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 hb829-00 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 state law that defines the profession, sets licensing requirements, and establishes oversight mechanisms. The legislation creates a Music Therapy Advisory Committee within the Department of Health, consisting of five members appointed by the State Surgeon General, including licensed music therapists, a healthcare practitioner, and a consumer. The bill defines music therapy as a clinical practice using evidence-based music interventions to help individuals accomplish personalized goals, and outlines specific requirements for becoming a licensed professional music therapist, including holding a bachelor's degree in music therapy, being board-certified, and passing a certification examination. Starting January 1, 2027, only licensed professionals can use titles like "music therapist" and practice music therapy, with some exceptions for other licensed healthcare professionals and students. The bill also establishes practice standards requiring collaboration with other healthcare providers, sets disciplinary guidelines for misconduct, and provides for license renewal, suspension, and revocation. The Department of Health is required to adopt implementing rules by October 1, 2026, with the entire act taking effect on July 1, 2026, thus creating a structured approach to regulating and professionalizing music therapy in the state.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
1st Reading (Original Filed Version) (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/829 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/829/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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