By Unitedstatess 
To work as a pharmacy technician in Florida, you’ll need to obtain a pharmacy technician registration through the Florida Board of Pharmacy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get registered and meet all state requirements.
1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 17 years old to register as a pharmacy technician in Florida.
- Education Requirement: You should have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
2. Complete a Board-Approved Pharmacy Technician Training Program
- Enroll in an Approved Program: Florida requires pharmacy technicians to complete a training program approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). These programs cover essential topics like pharmacology, pharmacy law, and customer service.
- Training Program Options: You can complete the training at a community college, technical school, or online through an accredited provider.
- Exemption for Those Already Certified: If you have a valid, national certification from an approved body (such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board [PTCB]), you may meet Florida’s training requirements automatically.
3. Apply for Registration with the Florida Board of Pharmacy
- Create an Account: Visit the Florida Department of Health’s MQA Online Services
- Complete the Application: Fill out the pharmacy technician registration application, providing personal details and proof of your approved training program.
- Submit Required Documents: You’ll need to submit a copy of your training completion certificate or national certification.
4. Pay the Application Fee
- Fee: The registration application fee for a pharmacy technician in Florida is typically around $105, but check the latest fees on the Florida Board of Pharmacy website.
- Payment Methods: You can pay the fee online using a credit card or debit card.
5. Undergo a Background Check
- Fingerprinting: Florida requires pharmacy technicians to undergo a background check, which involves submitting your fingerprints.
- Approved Vendor: Use a Board-approved vendor for fingerprinting, like LiveScan. Your fingerprints will be checked against state and federal databases to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
- Fingerprint Costs: This service may cost an additional $50–$100, depending on the provider.
6. Wait for Application Approval
- Processing Time: The Florida Board of Pharmacy will review your application, which can take a few weeks.
- Check Application Status: You can log into the MQA Online Services portal to check your application status.
7. Receive Your Pharmacy Technician Registration
- Once approved, you’ll receive your pharmacy technician registration from the Florida Board of Pharmacy. This allows you to work as a pharmacy technician legally in Florida.
8. Maintain Your Registration
- Renewal Requirements: Florida pharmacy technician registrations must be renewed every two years.
- Continuing Education (CE): You must complete 20 hours of continuing education every renewal cycle, which includes two hours focused on medication errors and ten hours in live settings.
Additional Resources
For more details on requirements and the registration process, visit the Florida Board of Pharmacy website. Completing these steps will ensure you’re fully compliant and ready to start your career as a registered pharmacy technician in Florida.