➢Veterinarians, please see our Hot Topics for information on Recovery Efforts and Temporary Licensing.

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medicine

Ruthanne Christie, Executive Director

The Board of Veterinary Medicine is responsible for licensing and regulating veterinarians. The board meets regularly to consider applications for licensure, to review disciplinary cases, and to conduct informal hearings relating to licensure and discipline. The board engages in rulemaking to implement the provisions set forth in its statutes and conducts other general business, as necessary.

Reciprocity and Substantially Equivalent Exams

Online Licensing Examinations Now Available Through Pearson VUE

Getting Started in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarian

VM – A “veterinarian” means a person who is licensed to engage in the following activities:

  • diagnosing of medical conditions of animals;
  • prescribing, dispensing, or administering drugs, medicine, appliances, applications, or treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease thereof;
  • performing any manual procedure for the diagnosis of or treatment for pregnancy or fertility or infertility of animals; or
  • determining the health, fitness, or soundness of an animal; and
  • surgery, acupuncture, obstetrics, dentistry, physical therapy, radiology, theriogenology, and other branches or specialties of animal medicine.
Veterinary Establishment (Premises Permit)

VE – a “premises permit” is required for an establishment, permanent or mobile, where a licensed veterinarian practices.

Limited-Service Veterinary Medical Practice Permit

VL – A “limited-service veterinary medical practice” means offering or providing veterinary services at any location that has a primary purpose other than that of providing veterinary medical service at a permanent or mobile establishment permitted by the board; providing veterinary medical services for privately owned animals that do not reside at that location; operating for a limited time; and providing limited types of veterinary medical services.

The requirements for becoming licensed in Florida are described in the statutes and rules. Choose a license type to apply.

Veterinary Establishment (Premises Permit)

Examination Information

Applicants for licensure as a veterinarian must take and pass both the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) developed by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA), as well as the Florida laws and rules examination developed by the department. For more information, including scheduling and the laws and rules examination study guide, visit the Veterinary Medicine Examinations Information page.


Fee Waiver Applications


Veterinarians

Licenses expire May 31st every even year.

DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.

Before midnight EST on the expiration date, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:

  • Complete the continuing education requirement; and
  • Pay the renewal fee

See the “CE Requirements” tab for further information on Continuing Education to renew your license.

For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:


Limited-Service Veterinary Medical Practice Permits

Licenses expire May 31st every even year.

DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license(s). This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.

Before midnight EST on the expiration date, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:

  • Pay the renewal fee

For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:

Limited-Service Veterinary Medical Practice Clinics

Clinics registered under a Limited-Service Veterinary Medical Practice Permit expire May 31st every year.

Before midnight EST on the expiration date, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license:

  • If you wish to continue offering these clinics, you must re-register each clinic location and pay a $25 per location fee. Once approved, the registration will be valid until May 31, 2024.

For more information concerning your license’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:


Veterinary Establishments (aka Premises Permits)

Premises permits have no expiration date. They are valid for the life of the clinic as long as the clinic does not change ownership or change location.


Continuing Education Providers

Continuing Education Provider licenses expire May 31st every other even year.

DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license. This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.

Before midnight EST on the expiration date, you will need to complete the renewal requirements.


We encourage you to renew online. However, you can mail your renewal form and fee to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Print a Blank Renewal Form


Education Course List

Continuing Education Courses (Drug Dispensing, Laws & Rules, General)

Drug Dispensing Courses

Laws & Rules Courses

General Courses

You may also use the department’s Find a CE Course tool to locate specific subject areas or course topics.

License Types Continuing Education Requirements Fee Expiration Date
Veterinarian Completion of 30 hours of continuing professional education in veterinary medicine every biennium. Of the 30 hours one credit must be in drug dispensing and two credits must be in laws and rules governing the practice of veterinary medicine. $265 5/31 Even Year
Veterinary Establishment (aka Premise Permit) N/A N/A N/A
Limited Service Permit N/A $255 5/31 Even Year

See the Continuing Education FAQ for more information.

Need Help?

All requests for publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.

Division of Professions
Board of Veterinary Medicine
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783

Telephone: 850.487.1395
Facsimile: 850.488.8040