In Florida, you can visit a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment without needing a physician’s referral.

Florida is one of 28 states that allow direct access to physical therapy, with certain provisions:

• If your condition is outside the scope of physical therapy, the PT must refer you to or consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
• If treatment extends beyond 30 days without a physician’s prior assessment, a practitioner of record must review and sign the care plan—unless:
  • A physician in another state has examined and diagnosed you with a condition requiring physical therapy, and
  • The PT is treating that specific condition.

• Physical therapists cannot implement treatment plans for patients in acute care settings such as hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, or mobile surgical facilities.

* While Florida law permits direct access, a referral may still be required by corporate policies, personal insurance, or other regulations. Some states also impose time limits on treatment without a referral.