Florida PTA Laws & Rules Examination 2026/2027
Florida Physical Therapist Assistant Laws & Rules Examination — 2026/2027
Jurisprudence Competency Assessment Aligned with Chapter 486 F.S., Rule 64B17 F.A.C.,
and Chapter 456 F.S.
Florida Board of Physical Therapy Examination Preparation Series
Aligned with Florida Board of Physical Therapy Examination Specifications, Florida
Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code
50 Questions (40 Scored + 10 Pilot) | Testing Time: 60 Minutes | Passing Score: 75% (30/40
Scored)
1
, Florida PTA Laws & Rules Examination 2026/2027
Abstract
This academic paper presents a comprehensive 50-question examination designed to
assess the jurisprudence competency of physical therapist assistant (PTA) candidates seeking
licensure in the State of Florida. The examination is aligned with the Florida Physical Therapy
Practice Act (Chapter 486, Florida Statutes), the Florida Administrative Code (Rule 64B17),
and the Health Professions and Occupations provisions (Chapter 456, Florida Statutes).
Questions are organized across eleven content domains encompassing the scope of practice
and licensure requirements, administrative rules governing continuing education and license
renewal, disciplinary procedures and grounds for sanction, patient rights and confidentiality
obligations, supervision and delegation standards, continuing competency mandates, ethical
practice and professional conduct, billing and reimbursement compliance, telehealth
regulations, emergency and disaster response provisions, and scenario-based integration of
multiple legal frameworks. Each question includes four answer choices with a identified
correct response and a detailed rationale referencing the applicable Florida statutes and
administrative rules. The examination follows the format and content weighting specified by
the Florida Board of Physical Therapy, comprising 40 scored items and 10 pilot items, with a
passing criterion of 75% on scored questions. This assessment tool serves as a preparation
resource for candidates and a reference for educators teaching Florida PT jurisprudence.
Keywords: Florida PTA, laws and rules, Chapter 486 F.S., Rule 64B17 F.A.C., physical
therapy jurisprudence, supervision standards, continuing education
1. Introduction
The practice of physical therapy in the State of Florida is governed by a
comprehensive legal framework that establishes the qualifications, scope of practice,
supervision requirements, and professional standards for both physical therapists (PTs) and
physical therapist assistants (PTAs). The primary statutory authority, Chapter 486 of the
Florida Statutes, known as the Florida Physical Therapy Practice Act, defines the regulatory
structure under which the profession operates, while Rule 64B17 of the Florida Administrative
Code provides the detailed administrative procedures implementing the statute. Additionally,
Chapter 456 of the Florida Statutes establishes general provisions applicable to all health
professions regulated under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, including
disciplinary processes, impairment programs, and reporting obligations.
Licensure as a PTA in Florida requires the successful completion of a physical
therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in
Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), passage of the National Physical Therapy Examination
for PTAs (NPTE-PTA), and successful completion of the Florida Laws and Rules Examination.
This latter examination ensures that candidates demonstrate competency in the legal and
regulatory framework specific to Florida jurisprudence, distinguishing it from the national
examination that tests clinical knowledge. The Florida Board of Physical Therapy administers
this examination as a condition of initial licensure and may also require it for license
reinstatement under certain circumstances.
This paper presents a 50-question examination aligned with the content domains and
specifications published by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy. The questions are
distributed across eleven domains reflecting the breadth of legal knowledge required for
competent practice. Each question includes a rationale citing the relevant statutory or
regulatory authority, thereby serving not only as an assessment instrument but also as an
educational resource for candidates preparing for the jurisprudence examination. The
academic format of this paper follows scholarly conventions to facilitate its use in educational
settings and professional development programs.
2. Examination Content
The following sections present the examination questions organized by content
domain. Each domain addresses a distinct area of Florida physical therapy jurisprudence,
reflecting the relative weight assigned by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy. Questions
range from direct knowledge of statutory provisions to scenario-based application requiring
2
, Florida PTA Laws & Rules Examination 2026/2027
integration of multiple legal principles. Candidates are advised to consult the referenced
statutes and rules for complete understanding of the legal framework.
2.1 Domain 1: Florida Physical Therapy Practice Act — Chapter 486, F.S.
This domain addresses the foundational statutory provisions governing physical
therapy practice in Florida, including licensure requirements, scope of practice distinctions
between PTs and PTAs, supervision standards, delegation protocols, and prohibited acts as
defined in Chapter 486, Florida Statutes.
1. Under Chapter 486, F.S., which of the following is a requirement for initial
licensure as a physical therapist assistant in Florida?
A. Graduation from any two-year allied health program
B. Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passage of the NPTE-PTA, and
passage of the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
C. Completion of a bachelor's degree in a health-related field and 500 hours of clinical
experience
D. Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and passage of the NPTE-PTA
only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Section 486.081, F.S., establishes that licensure as a PTA requires graduation
from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, successful passage of the NPTE-PTA, and
successful passage of the Florida Laws and Rules Examination. The Laws and Rules
Examination is a Florida-specific requirement that distinguishes the state's licensure process
from states that rely solely on the national examination. Option D is incorrect because it
omits the Florida Laws and Rules Examination requirement.
2. According to Chapter 486, F.S., which of the following activities falls within
the scope of practice of a physical therapist but NOT within the scope of a
physical therapist assistant?
A. Implementing a therapeutic exercise program established by the PT
B. Performing gait training with a patient using a prescribed assistive device
C. Conducting an initial evaluation and establishing a plan of care
D. Providing patient education on a home exercise program
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under Section 486.021, F.S., the definition of physical therapy includes
evaluation, treatment planning, and re-evaluation, which are reserved for the physical
therapist. The PTA's scope is limited to implementing the treatment plan under the direction
and supervision of a PT. Conducting an initial evaluation and establishing a plan of care are
fundamental PT responsibilities that cannot be delegated to a PTA. Options A, B, and D
describe implementation activities within the PTA scope.
3. What is the minimum supervision standard required for a PTA practicing
under a PT's direction in Florida under Chapter 486, F.S.?
A. The PT must be physically present in the same room at all times
B. The PT must be on the same premises whenever the PTA is treating patients
C. The PT must be available at minimum via telecommunications
D. The PT is only required to review charts on a monthly basis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Section 486.021(13), F.S., defines supervision of a PTA as requiring that the PT be
available at minimum via telecommunications. This is characterized as general supervision
for most practice settings. The PT does not need to be physically present or on-site, though
certain settings such as school-based therapy may require direct supervision. Option D
describes inadequate oversight and would not meet statutory requirements.
4. Under Chapter 486, F.S., which of the following constitutes a prohibited act
for a PTA?
3
Florida Physical Therapist Assistant Laws & Rules Examination — 2026/2027
Jurisprudence Competency Assessment Aligned with Chapter 486 F.S., Rule 64B17 F.A.C.,
and Chapter 456 F.S.
Florida Board of Physical Therapy Examination Preparation Series
Aligned with Florida Board of Physical Therapy Examination Specifications, Florida
Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code
50 Questions (40 Scored + 10 Pilot) | Testing Time: 60 Minutes | Passing Score: 75% (30/40
Scored)
1
, Florida PTA Laws & Rules Examination 2026/2027
Abstract
This academic paper presents a comprehensive 50-question examination designed to
assess the jurisprudence competency of physical therapist assistant (PTA) candidates seeking
licensure in the State of Florida. The examination is aligned with the Florida Physical Therapy
Practice Act (Chapter 486, Florida Statutes), the Florida Administrative Code (Rule 64B17),
and the Health Professions and Occupations provisions (Chapter 456, Florida Statutes).
Questions are organized across eleven content domains encompassing the scope of practice
and licensure requirements, administrative rules governing continuing education and license
renewal, disciplinary procedures and grounds for sanction, patient rights and confidentiality
obligations, supervision and delegation standards, continuing competency mandates, ethical
practice and professional conduct, billing and reimbursement compliance, telehealth
regulations, emergency and disaster response provisions, and scenario-based integration of
multiple legal frameworks. Each question includes four answer choices with a identified
correct response and a detailed rationale referencing the applicable Florida statutes and
administrative rules. The examination follows the format and content weighting specified by
the Florida Board of Physical Therapy, comprising 40 scored items and 10 pilot items, with a
passing criterion of 75% on scored questions. This assessment tool serves as a preparation
resource for candidates and a reference for educators teaching Florida PT jurisprudence.
Keywords: Florida PTA, laws and rules, Chapter 486 F.S., Rule 64B17 F.A.C., physical
therapy jurisprudence, supervision standards, continuing education
1. Introduction
The practice of physical therapy in the State of Florida is governed by a
comprehensive legal framework that establishes the qualifications, scope of practice,
supervision requirements, and professional standards for both physical therapists (PTs) and
physical therapist assistants (PTAs). The primary statutory authority, Chapter 486 of the
Florida Statutes, known as the Florida Physical Therapy Practice Act, defines the regulatory
structure under which the profession operates, while Rule 64B17 of the Florida Administrative
Code provides the detailed administrative procedures implementing the statute. Additionally,
Chapter 456 of the Florida Statutes establishes general provisions applicable to all health
professions regulated under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, including
disciplinary processes, impairment programs, and reporting obligations.
Licensure as a PTA in Florida requires the successful completion of a physical
therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in
Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), passage of the National Physical Therapy Examination
for PTAs (NPTE-PTA), and successful completion of the Florida Laws and Rules Examination.
This latter examination ensures that candidates demonstrate competency in the legal and
regulatory framework specific to Florida jurisprudence, distinguishing it from the national
examination that tests clinical knowledge. The Florida Board of Physical Therapy administers
this examination as a condition of initial licensure and may also require it for license
reinstatement under certain circumstances.
This paper presents a 50-question examination aligned with the content domains and
specifications published by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy. The questions are
distributed across eleven domains reflecting the breadth of legal knowledge required for
competent practice. Each question includes a rationale citing the relevant statutory or
regulatory authority, thereby serving not only as an assessment instrument but also as an
educational resource for candidates preparing for the jurisprudence examination. The
academic format of this paper follows scholarly conventions to facilitate its use in educational
settings and professional development programs.
2. Examination Content
The following sections present the examination questions organized by content
domain. Each domain addresses a distinct area of Florida physical therapy jurisprudence,
reflecting the relative weight assigned by the Florida Board of Physical Therapy. Questions
range from direct knowledge of statutory provisions to scenario-based application requiring
2
, Florida PTA Laws & Rules Examination 2026/2027
integration of multiple legal principles. Candidates are advised to consult the referenced
statutes and rules for complete understanding of the legal framework.
2.1 Domain 1: Florida Physical Therapy Practice Act — Chapter 486, F.S.
This domain addresses the foundational statutory provisions governing physical
therapy practice in Florida, including licensure requirements, scope of practice distinctions
between PTs and PTAs, supervision standards, delegation protocols, and prohibited acts as
defined in Chapter 486, Florida Statutes.
1. Under Chapter 486, F.S., which of the following is a requirement for initial
licensure as a physical therapist assistant in Florida?
A. Graduation from any two-year allied health program
B. Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passage of the NPTE-PTA, and
passage of the Florida Laws and Rules Examination
C. Completion of a bachelor's degree in a health-related field and 500 hours of clinical
experience
D. Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and passage of the NPTE-PTA
only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Section 486.081, F.S., establishes that licensure as a PTA requires graduation
from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, successful passage of the NPTE-PTA, and
successful passage of the Florida Laws and Rules Examination. The Laws and Rules
Examination is a Florida-specific requirement that distinguishes the state's licensure process
from states that rely solely on the national examination. Option D is incorrect because it
omits the Florida Laws and Rules Examination requirement.
2. According to Chapter 486, F.S., which of the following activities falls within
the scope of practice of a physical therapist but NOT within the scope of a
physical therapist assistant?
A. Implementing a therapeutic exercise program established by the PT
B. Performing gait training with a patient using a prescribed assistive device
C. Conducting an initial evaluation and establishing a plan of care
D. Providing patient education on a home exercise program
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under Section 486.021, F.S., the definition of physical therapy includes
evaluation, treatment planning, and re-evaluation, which are reserved for the physical
therapist. The PTA's scope is limited to implementing the treatment plan under the direction
and supervision of a PT. Conducting an initial evaluation and establishing a plan of care are
fundamental PT responsibilities that cannot be delegated to a PTA. Options A, B, and D
describe implementation activities within the PTA scope.
3. What is the minimum supervision standard required for a PTA practicing
under a PT's direction in Florida under Chapter 486, F.S.?
A. The PT must be physically present in the same room at all times
B. The PT must be on the same premises whenever the PTA is treating patients
C. The PT must be available at minimum via telecommunications
D. The PT is only required to review charts on a monthly basis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Section 486.021(13), F.S., defines supervision of a PTA as requiring that the PT be
available at minimum via telecommunications. This is characterized as general supervision
for most practice settings. The PT does not need to be physically present or on-site, though
certain settings such as school-based therapy may require direct supervision. Option D
describes inadequate oversight and would not meet statutory requirements.
4. Under Chapter 486, F.S., which of the following constitutes a prohibited act
for a PTA?
3
