Yes. Florida law requires licensed psychologists to report criminal charges to the Board of Psychology within a strict deadline. Many psychologists do not know this until after the window has passed. Missing it can make a difficult situation far worse.
Florida Psychologists Only Need to Report Criminal Charges After a Conviction
Many psychologists assume they only need to act if convicted. In reality, the reporting obligation is much broader.
Florida law requires licensees to report to the Board in writing within 30 days after being convicted of, found guilty of, or entering a plea of nolo contendere to a crime, regardless of adjudication. That last phrase matters. Even if a judge withholds adjudication, the clock still runs.
For renewal applications, the Board’s guidance makes clear that all convictions, guilty pleas, and nolo contendere pleas must be reported. This includes misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, and DWI. The only narrow exception covers minor traffic violations unrelated to drugs or alcohol.
For more on how Florida licensing boards treat criminal history in general, see what Florida licensed professionals must know about reporting crimes.
“My Charges Were Dismissed, So There Is Nothing to Report”
This is one of the most common misunderstandings, and it carries real risk.
The Florida Board of Psychology’s own guidance states that offenses must be reported even when a suspended imposition of sentence was received and the record is now considered closed. A dismissal after probation does not erase the reporting obligation.
If you are unsure whether a past matter needs to be disclosed, that question alone is worth reviewing with an attorney before submitting any paperwork to the Board. Felony conviction and Florida license applications affect many health professions, and the rules are narrow.
“A Criminal Charge Will Automatically Cost Me My License”
No. A charge or conviction does not automatically end a psychology career.
The Board evaluates each situation individually. Factors it typically considers include:
- The nature and seriousness of the offense;
- Whether it involved dishonesty or harm to others;
- The outcome of the criminal case;
- Evidence of rehabilitation; and
- Prior disciplinary history.
Many cases resolve with outcomes well short of revocation. What drives outcomes is how the matter is handled, including whether reporting and response deadlines are met. Cases involving professional boundary issues often raise separate concerns; see dual relationship allegations and Florida psychology licenses for related context.
“Discipline in Another State Does Not Affect My Florida License”
This assumption is also incorrect. The Board requires psychologists to report all prior disciplinary action taken against any professional license, whether it occurred in Florida or another state.
Florida participates in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), and information about adverse actions can flow between participating states. Acting as though out-of-state discipline is invisible is a mistake that can surface during renewal or after a complaint is filed.
For a look at how discipline plays out across related mental health professions in Florida, disciplinary actions against Florida mental health counselors offers useful background.
What to Do If You Are Facing a Criminal Charge or Conviction
Act quickly. Identify the 30-day reporting window and do not let it lapse. Gather certified court documents before contacting the Board. Avoid submitting a written explanation without legal advice, as what you say in that response becomes part of the record. An attorney with experience in Florida professional licensing defense can help you prepare an accurate, complete response and present any mitigating information to investigators. Obtaining advice early gives you more options. Every case is different, and no outcome can be predicted.
Visit the Florida Board of Psychology for official licensing and complaint information.
FAQ
Do Florida psychologists have to report criminal charges to the Board of Psychology?
Yes. Florida law requires licensed psychologists to report convictions, guilty pleas, and nolo contendere pleas to the Board in writing within 30 days, regardless of whether adjudication was withheld.
Does a dismissed charge still need to be reported to the Florida Board of Psychology?
Yes. The Board’s guidance states that offenses must be reported even when charges were dismissed after probation or when the record is considered closed.
Will a criminal conviction automatically result in losing a Florida psychology license?
No. The Board evaluates each case individually, considering the nature of the offense, rehabilitation, and other factors; many cases resolve with outcomes short of revocation.
Does discipline from another state affect a Florida psychology license?
Yes. Florida requires psychologists to report all prior disciplinary action from any state, and PSYPACT participation means adverse action information may be shared across member states.
If you are under investigation or have questions about how a complaint, criminal matter, or other conduct may affect your professional license, the attorneys at Soreide Law Group, PLLC represent licensed professionals throughout Florida in administrative and professional licensing matters. We can help you understand the disciplinary process, evaluate your options, and advocate for your interests. Contact us for a free consultation. Every case is different, and no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome. This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice.