Informed Consent Requirements for Therapists in Florida (FL)

Overview

Mental health professionals practicing in Florida must provide informed consent before initiating treatment. This page summarizes the key requirements under Fla. Stat. § 490.009; Fla. Admin. Code r. 64B19-18, including minor consent rules, mandatory reporting obligations, and telehealth consent requirements.

Informed Consent Requirements in Florida

Therapist's qualifications, license type, and license number
Nature and purpose of treatment, including methods and techniques
Client's right to ask questions and to refuse or withdraw from treatment
Limits of confidentiality, including mandatory reporting, duty to warn, and court orders
Fee schedule and billing practices, including policies for missed sessions

Governing Statute

Fla. Stat. § 490.009; Fla. Admin. Code r. 64B19-18

Minor Consent for Mental Health Treatment

Age of consent for minors: 13 years old in Florida.

Minors age 13 and older may consent to outpatient mental health treatment. Parents must be notified after a specified number of sessions unless doing so would be harmful to the minor.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Governing law: Fla. Stat. § 39.201

All persons, including psychologists, are mandatory reporters in Florida. Reports must be made immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline (DCF).

Telehealth Consent in Florida

Separate telehealth consent required: Not explicitly required, but recommended as best practice.

Florida does not have a specific telehealth consent statute beyond general informed consent requirements for treatment.

Modality requirements: Video-based synchronous telehealth is the standard. Audio-only and store-and-forward are also permitted by statute.

PSYPACT member: Yes — Florida participates in PSYPACT, allowing licensed psychologists from other PSYPACT states to provide telehealth services to clients in Florida.

PSYPACT member state. Florida also allows out-of-state practitioners to register for telehealth under certain conditions.