Florida Law Exam
2026/2027
Questions and Answers (Verified Answers)
Florida Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination
Comprehensive Study Guide for Exam Preparation
Based on Chapter 486 (Physical Therapy Practice Act)
Chapter 456 (General Health Professions)
Rule 64B17 (Florida Administrative Code)
150 Questions | 7 Sections | Verified Rationales
Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall | 50% Application | 20% Analysis
Question Design: 70% Scenario-Based | 25% Direct Recall | 5% Regulatory Analysis
Florida Law Exam 2026/2027 - Page 1
,Section 1: Legislative Intent and Definitions (Q1-Q35)
Weight: 25% of Exam | Cognitive Levels: Recall, Application, Analysis
Q1: According to Chapter 486, what is the sole purpose for which the Florida Legislature enacted the
Physical Therapy Practice Act?
A. To promote the physical therapy profession and expand career opportunities for practitioners
B. To ensure every physical therapy practitioner in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe
practice [CORRECT]
C. To regulate fees charged by physical therapy practitioners across the state
D. To establish uniform continuing education standards for all healthcare providers
Correct Answer: B
The sole legislative purpose in enacting Chapter 486 is to ensure that every physical therapy practitioner in Florida meets
minimum requirements for safe practice. Practitioners who fall below minimum competency or who present a danger to the
public shall be prohibited from practicing in the state. This protective intent underpins all regulatory provisions within the statute.
Q2: A physical therapist in Florida is found to have demonstrated incompetence that poses a danger to
patients. Under the legislative intent of Chapter 486, what is the appropriate regulatory response?
A. The practitioner should be required to complete additional continuing education hours only
B. The practitioner should be placed on probation with a supervision requirement
C. The practitioner shall be prohibited from practicing in Florida [CORRECT]
D. The practitioner should receive a written warning with no further action
Correct Answer: C
The legislative intent of Chapter 486 explicitly states that practitioners who fall below minimum competency or who present a
danger to the public shall be prohibited from practicing. This is the strongest regulatory response provided in the statute, reflecting
the legislature's primary concern for public safety over professional interests.
Q3: How does Chapter 486 define the relationship between the terms 'physical therapy' and
'physiotherapy'?
A. The terms refer to different scopes of practice and are not interchangeable
B. Physiotherapy is a broader term that encompasses physical therapy
C. The terms are deemed identical and interchangeable with each other [CORRECT]
D. Physiotherapy is the older term no longer recognized in Florida law
Correct Answer: C
Under Chapter 486, the terms 'physical therapy' and 'physiotherapy' are deemed identical and interchangeable with each other.
This statutory definition ensures that regardless of which term is used in practice, referral, or documentation, the same regulatory
standards and scope of practice provisions apply uniformly.
Q4: Which of the following best defines a 'physical therapist' under Chapter 486?
A. Any person who performs physical therapy treatments under supervision
B. A person who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with Chapter 486
[CORRECT]
C. A person who has completed a physical therapy education program from an accredited institution
D. A person who is certified by the American Physical Therapy Association
Correct Answer: B
A 'physical therapist' is defined in Chapter 486 as a person who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance
with the provisions of Chapter 486. The key elements are both licensure by the state and practice consistent with the statute's
requirements, not merely education or certification.
Florida Law Exam 2026/2027 - Page 2
,Q5: A person graduated from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program but has not yet obtained
Florida licensure. They offer to treat a family friend's shoulder pain at no charge. Under Chapter 486, is
this permissible?
A. Yes, because no fee is being charged for the services rendered
B. Yes, because the person has graduated from an accredited program
C. No, because the person is not licensed to practice physical therapy in Florida [CORRECT]
D. No, unless the treatment is supervised by a licensed physical therapist
Correct Answer: C
Under Chapter 486, a person must be licensed to practice physical therapy in Florida. The definition of a physical therapist
requires both proper licensure and practice in accordance with Chapter 486. Practicing without a license, regardless of whether
fees are charged, constitutes unlawful practice of physical therapy.
Q6: Under Chapter 486, what is the defining characteristic of a 'physical therapist assistant'?
A. A person who assists physical therapists with administrative tasks only
B. A person licensed to perform patient-related activities under the direction of a physical therapist,
whose license is in good standing [CORRECT]
C. A person who has completed a physical therapist assistant education program
D. A person who provides physical therapy services under the supervision of any licensed healthcare provider
Correct Answer: B
A 'physical therapist assistant' is defined as a person licensed to perform patient-related activities under the direction of a
physical therapist, and whose license is in good standing. Both the licensure requirement and the good standing provision are
essential elements of this definition under Chapter 486.
Q7: A physical therapist assistant's license has been placed on suspension by the Board. During the
suspension period, can the PTA perform patient-related activities?
A. Yes, if the supervising physical therapist assumes full responsibility
B. Yes, for non-complex tasks only
C. No, because the PTA's license is not in good standing [CORRECT]
D. No, unless the PTA obtains a temporary permit from the Board
Correct Answer: C
The definition of a physical therapist assistant under Chapter 486 specifically requires that the person's license be in good
standing. A suspended license does not meet this requirement, and therefore the PTA is not authorized to perform patient-related
activities during the suspension period.
Q8: Under Chapter 486, what is a 'license'?
A. A certificate of completion issued by an accredited physical therapy education program
B. A voluntary credential issued by a professional association
C. A document of authorization granted by the board and issued by the Department of Health
[CORRECT]
D. A contract between the licensee and the state of Florida
Correct Answer: C
A 'license' is defined as a document of authorization granted by the Board and issued by the Department of Health. This
definition establishes the Board's authority to grant licensure and the Department's role in the formal issuance process,
distinguishing it from educational certificates or professional association credentials.
Q9: How does Chapter 486 define 'endorsement'?
A. A recommendation letter from a licensed physical therapist supporting a license applicant
B. A formal approval of a physical therapy education program by the Board
Florida Law Exam 2026/2027 - Page 3
, C. Licensure granted by the board pursuant to provisions of s. 486.081 or s. 486.107 [CORRECT]
D. A credential that allows a physical therapist to practice in multiple states simultaneously
Correct Answer: C
'Endorsement' is defined in Chapter 486 as licensure granted by the Board pursuant to the provisions of s. 486.081 or s. 486.107.
This is a specific pathway to licensure distinct from examination-based licensure, typically available to licensees from other
jurisdictions who meet Florida's statutory criteria.
Q10: Which of the following best describes 'physical therapy assessment' under Chapter 486?
A. The use of standardized tests and measures to diagnose medical conditions
B. The performance of diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests
C. Observational, verbal, or manual determinations of movement system function [CORRECT]
D. The comprehensive evaluation of a patient's overall health status
Correct Answer: C
Physical therapy assessment is defined in Chapter 486 as observational, verbal, or manual determinations of movement system
function. This definition limits PT assessment to non-invasive evaluative methods focused specifically on the movement system,
distinguishing it from medical diagnosis that may involve laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging.
Q11: A physical therapist uses a goniometer to measure a patient's knee range of motion and asks the
patient to describe their pain level during movement. Which components of physical therapy assessment
do these represent?
A. Manual determinations and diagnostic testing
B. Observational determinations and verbal determinations [CORRECT]
C. Standardized testing and patient history taking
D. Functional evaluation and medical diagnosis
Correct Answer: B
Using a goniometer constitutes a manual determination of movement system function, while asking the patient to describe pain
during movement represents a verbal determination. Both are explicitly included in the definition of physical therapy assessment
under Chapter 486.
Q12: Under Chapter 486, the 'practice of physical therapy' includes which of the following?
A. Performing diagnostic imaging to identify musculoskeletal pathology
B. Performing physical therapy assessments and treatment of disability, injury, disease, or health
conditions [CORRECT]
C. Prescribing medications for pain management related to musculoskeletal conditions
D. Performing surgical procedures to correct musculoskeletal deformities
Correct Answer: B
The practice of physical therapy is defined as the performance of physical therapy assessments and the treatment of disability,
injury, disease, or other health conditions through the application of physical therapy methods and techniques. Diagnostic
imaging, medication prescription, and surgery are outside the scope of physical therapy practice.
Q13: Which of the following activities is included within the 'practice of physical therapy' under Chapter
486?
A. Ordering radiographs for a patient with suspected fracture
B. Administering corticosteroid injections for inflammatory conditions
C. Performing therapeutic exercise and functional movement training [CORRECT]
D. Prescribing custom foot orthotics for a patient with plantar fasciitis
Correct Answer: C
Florida Law Exam 2026/2027 - Page 4
2026/2027
Questions and Answers (Verified Answers)
Florida Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination
Comprehensive Study Guide for Exam Preparation
Based on Chapter 486 (Physical Therapy Practice Act)
Chapter 456 (General Health Professions)
Rule 64B17 (Florida Administrative Code)
150 Questions | 7 Sections | Verified Rationales
Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall | 50% Application | 20% Analysis
Question Design: 70% Scenario-Based | 25% Direct Recall | 5% Regulatory Analysis
Florida Law Exam 2026/2027 - Page 1
,Section 1: Legislative Intent and Definitions (Q1-Q35)
Weight: 25% of Exam | Cognitive Levels: Recall, Application, Analysis
Q1: According to Chapter 486, what is the sole purpose for which the Florida Legislature enacted the
Physical Therapy Practice Act?
A. To promote the physical therapy profession and expand career opportunities for practitioners
B. To ensure every physical therapy practitioner in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe
practice [CORRECT]
C. To regulate fees charged by physical therapy practitioners across the state
D. To establish uniform continuing education standards for all healthcare providers
Correct Answer: B
The sole legislative purpose in enacting Chapter 486 is to ensure that every physical therapy practitioner in Florida meets
minimum requirements for safe practice. Practitioners who fall below minimum competency or who present a danger to the
public shall be prohibited from practicing in the state. This protective intent underpins all regulatory provisions within the statute.
Q2: A physical therapist in Florida is found to have demonstrated incompetence that poses a danger to
patients. Under the legislative intent of Chapter 486, what is the appropriate regulatory response?
A. The practitioner should be required to complete additional continuing education hours only
B. The practitioner should be placed on probation with a supervision requirement
C. The practitioner shall be prohibited from practicing in Florida [CORRECT]
D. The practitioner should receive a written warning with no further action
Correct Answer: C
The legislative intent of Chapter 486 explicitly states that practitioners who fall below minimum competency or who present a
danger to the public shall be prohibited from practicing. This is the strongest regulatory response provided in the statute, reflecting
the legislature's primary concern for public safety over professional interests.
Q3: How does Chapter 486 define the relationship between the terms 'physical therapy' and
'physiotherapy'?
A. The terms refer to different scopes of practice and are not interchangeable
B. Physiotherapy is a broader term that encompasses physical therapy
C. The terms are deemed identical and interchangeable with each other [CORRECT]
D. Physiotherapy is the older term no longer recognized in Florida law
Correct Answer: C
Under Chapter 486, the terms 'physical therapy' and 'physiotherapy' are deemed identical and interchangeable with each other.
This statutory definition ensures that regardless of which term is used in practice, referral, or documentation, the same regulatory
standards and scope of practice provisions apply uniformly.
Q4: Which of the following best defines a 'physical therapist' under Chapter 486?
A. Any person who performs physical therapy treatments under supervision
B. A person who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with Chapter 486
[CORRECT]
C. A person who has completed a physical therapy education program from an accredited institution
D. A person who is certified by the American Physical Therapy Association
Correct Answer: B
A 'physical therapist' is defined in Chapter 486 as a person who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance
with the provisions of Chapter 486. The key elements are both licensure by the state and practice consistent with the statute's
requirements, not merely education or certification.
Florida Law Exam 2026/2027 - Page 2
,Q5: A person graduated from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program but has not yet obtained
Florida licensure. They offer to treat a family friend's shoulder pain at no charge. Under Chapter 486, is
this permissible?
A. Yes, because no fee is being charged for the services rendered
B. Yes, because the person has graduated from an accredited program
C. No, because the person is not licensed to practice physical therapy in Florida [CORRECT]
D. No, unless the treatment is supervised by a licensed physical therapist
Correct Answer: C
Under Chapter 486, a person must be licensed to practice physical therapy in Florida. The definition of a physical therapist
requires both proper licensure and practice in accordance with Chapter 486. Practicing without a license, regardless of whether
fees are charged, constitutes unlawful practice of physical therapy.
Q6: Under Chapter 486, what is the defining characteristic of a 'physical therapist assistant'?
A. A person who assists physical therapists with administrative tasks only
B. A person licensed to perform patient-related activities under the direction of a physical therapist,
whose license is in good standing [CORRECT]
C. A person who has completed a physical therapist assistant education program
D. A person who provides physical therapy services under the supervision of any licensed healthcare provider
Correct Answer: B
A 'physical therapist assistant' is defined as a person licensed to perform patient-related activities under the direction of a
physical therapist, and whose license is in good standing. Both the licensure requirement and the good standing provision are
essential elements of this definition under Chapter 486.
Q7: A physical therapist assistant's license has been placed on suspension by the Board. During the
suspension period, can the PTA perform patient-related activities?
A. Yes, if the supervising physical therapist assumes full responsibility
B. Yes, for non-complex tasks only
C. No, because the PTA's license is not in good standing [CORRECT]
D. No, unless the PTA obtains a temporary permit from the Board
Correct Answer: C
The definition of a physical therapist assistant under Chapter 486 specifically requires that the person's license be in good
standing. A suspended license does not meet this requirement, and therefore the PTA is not authorized to perform patient-related
activities during the suspension period.
Q8: Under Chapter 486, what is a 'license'?
A. A certificate of completion issued by an accredited physical therapy education program
B. A voluntary credential issued by a professional association
C. A document of authorization granted by the board and issued by the Department of Health
[CORRECT]
D. A contract between the licensee and the state of Florida
Correct Answer: C
A 'license' is defined as a document of authorization granted by the Board and issued by the Department of Health. This
definition establishes the Board's authority to grant licensure and the Department's role in the formal issuance process,
distinguishing it from educational certificates or professional association credentials.
Q9: How does Chapter 486 define 'endorsement'?
A. A recommendation letter from a licensed physical therapist supporting a license applicant
B. A formal approval of a physical therapy education program by the Board
Florida Law Exam 2026/2027 - Page 3
, C. Licensure granted by the board pursuant to provisions of s. 486.081 or s. 486.107 [CORRECT]
D. A credential that allows a physical therapist to practice in multiple states simultaneously
Correct Answer: C
'Endorsement' is defined in Chapter 486 as licensure granted by the Board pursuant to the provisions of s. 486.081 or s. 486.107.
This is a specific pathway to licensure distinct from examination-based licensure, typically available to licensees from other
jurisdictions who meet Florida's statutory criteria.
Q10: Which of the following best describes 'physical therapy assessment' under Chapter 486?
A. The use of standardized tests and measures to diagnose medical conditions
B. The performance of diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests
C. Observational, verbal, or manual determinations of movement system function [CORRECT]
D. The comprehensive evaluation of a patient's overall health status
Correct Answer: C
Physical therapy assessment is defined in Chapter 486 as observational, verbal, or manual determinations of movement system
function. This definition limits PT assessment to non-invasive evaluative methods focused specifically on the movement system,
distinguishing it from medical diagnosis that may involve laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging.
Q11: A physical therapist uses a goniometer to measure a patient's knee range of motion and asks the
patient to describe their pain level during movement. Which components of physical therapy assessment
do these represent?
A. Manual determinations and diagnostic testing
B. Observational determinations and verbal determinations [CORRECT]
C. Standardized testing and patient history taking
D. Functional evaluation and medical diagnosis
Correct Answer: B
Using a goniometer constitutes a manual determination of movement system function, while asking the patient to describe pain
during movement represents a verbal determination. Both are explicitly included in the definition of physical therapy assessment
under Chapter 486.
Q12: Under Chapter 486, the 'practice of physical therapy' includes which of the following?
A. Performing diagnostic imaging to identify musculoskeletal pathology
B. Performing physical therapy assessments and treatment of disability, injury, disease, or health
conditions [CORRECT]
C. Prescribing medications for pain management related to musculoskeletal conditions
D. Performing surgical procedures to correct musculoskeletal deformities
Correct Answer: B
The practice of physical therapy is defined as the performance of physical therapy assessments and the treatment of disability,
injury, disease, or other health conditions through the application of physical therapy methods and techniques. Diagnostic
imaging, medication prescription, and surgery are outside the scope of physical therapy practice.
Q13: Which of the following activities is included within the 'practice of physical therapy' under Chapter
486?
A. Ordering radiographs for a patient with suspected fracture
B. Administering corticosteroid injections for inflammatory conditions
C. Performing therapeutic exercise and functional movement training [CORRECT]
D. Prescribing custom foot orthotics for a patient with plantar fasciitis
Correct Answer: C
Florida Law Exam 2026/2027 - Page 4
