Howell, Buchan & Strong’s Guide to Florida Board of Psychology Hearings

Few situations are more stressful for a licensed psychologist than receiving notice to appear before the Florida Board of Psychology.

Whether you’re an applicant whose file has been pulled for review, a licensee resolving a disciplinary case, or a psychologist seeking modification of a prior order, understanding how Board meetings work and how to prepare can make a meaningful difference in both your confidence and your outcome.

Our guide explains when and why appearances happen, what the Board can and cannot do, how a case moves from investigation to hearing, and practical preparation steps, along with why working with experienced legal counsel, like the team at Howell, Buchan & Strong, can protect both your reputation and your right to practice.

When Are Appearances Required

The Board of Psychology meets quarterly for “full Board” business, which includes disciplinary cases, application reviews, rule discussions, and other actions. If your appearance is required, you’ll receive notice from the Board office with the date, location, and time frame. Meetings generally begin at 8 a.m., and agendas can change, so review your notice carefully and monitor Board communications.

Common reasons for required appearances include:

• Disciplinary resolution. You may appear for consideration of a Settlement Agreement after you have not disputed material facts at an informal hearing, or for sanctions and conditions following a finding of violation.
• Application issues. If the credentials committee or full Board has questions about your training, supervised experience, testing history, or fitness, your file can be placed on the agenda and you may be asked to attend and answer questions.
• Compliance and modification. If you’re under a Final Order, such as probation with conditions, the Board may require you to appear to review compliance or consider modification or termination of those conditions.

What Authority Does the Board Have

The Board’s powers are rooted in Chapters 456 and 490 of the Florida Statutes, as implemented by rules in Chapter 64B19 of the Florida Administrative Code. The Board may impose sanctions including fines, reprimand, continuing education, probation, suspension, or revocation. It can also assess costs of investigation and prosecution. Rule 64B19-17.002 provides the disciplinary guidelines that outline penalty ranges tied to specific statutory violations.

How Does a Case Get to the Board

Most disciplinary cases begin with a Department of Health investigation. If a complaint proceeds, it is reviewed by a probable cause panel. A finding of probable cause directs the Department to file an Administrative Complaint. Once filed, the licensee elects rights…to dispute facts (formal hearing at DOAH) or not dispute facts (informal hearing before the Board).

Election of Rights. If you do not dispute material facts and pursue a negotiated settlement, your case typically returns to the Board for an informal hearing and consideration of a proposed Settlement Agreement. If you do dispute facts, you proceed to a formal hearing before an administrative law judge; the Board later imposes penalties consistent with that recommended order.

Guidelines vs. discretion. While disciplinary guidelines provide penalty ranges, the Board has discretion to adjust sanctions within legal limits and may impose “lesser included” penalties such as additional education or probation based on mitigating circumstances.

Dive Deeper: Read our blog on 5 Stumbling Blocks for Florida Licensed Psychologists.

What Happens at the Meeting

If your matter is set for a meeting, expect the following process:

1. Sign in and wait. Arrive early and professionally dressed. Agendas are often long, and cases may not be heard in exact order.

2. Staff introduction. Prosecution counsel (Department of Health) and Board counsel summarize the case and its posture.

3. Your presentation. You and your attorney will be invited to speak. This is your opportunity to clarify the record, present mitigation, and answer Board questions.

4. Board questions. Expect direct questions centered on public protection, remediation, and your plan for avoiding recurrence.

5. Deliberation and vote. The Board will discuss conditions and vote in public session. A Final Order will be issued after the meeting, outlining deadlines for compliance.

Preparation Checklist

1) A concise, credible narrative. Own what is undisputed, avoid minimizing the situation, and demonstrate what has changed.

2) Documentation of remediation.

• Certificates of targeted continuing education on ethics, boundaries, supervision, or recordkeeping.

• Updated practice policies such as informed consent and documentation templates.

• Supervision or consultation logs that show accountability and oversight.

• Redacted patient records illustrating corrective actions taken.

3) Proof of good standing. Ensure your license status, renewals, and CE compliance are up to date.

4) Character references. Letters from supervisors, peers, or employers demonstrating your professionalism and remediation efforts.

5) A clear compliance plan. If you’re agreeing to probation or other conditions, show how you will meet those requirements, such as education deadlines, reports, or payment schedules.

Professional Demeanor and Practical Tips

Arrive early, stay respectful, and answer questions directly. Board members are tasked with protecting the public and ensuring professional competency, so focus on showing accountability, compliance, and patient safety.

Do not argue facts at an informal hearing—those belong in a formal hearing under Chapter 120. Avoid over-promising, bring only necessary redacted information, and be realistic about compliance timelines.

Finally, bring qualified legal counsel. Having an attorney experienced with the Florida Board of Psychology can make a crucial difference in how your case is presented and resolved.

Why Work with Howell, Buchan & Strong

When it comes to appearing before the Florida Board of Psychology, experience and relationships matter. Howell, Buchan & Strong has decades of experience working directly with Florida’s regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH), the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

• We know how these agencies think because some of our attorneys used to work for them. Our firm’s deep understanding of the administrative process gives clients a strategic advantage, knowing what questions the Board will ask, what documentation to provide, and how to present mitigation effectively.
• We are headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida—the center of state government and regulation. Being based near these agencies allows us to stay closely connected to the people, policies, and evolving regulatory environment that shape professional licensing. Our attorneys routinely appear before boards and agencies on behalf of psychologists, physicians, nurses, and other licensed professionals.
• We have relationships with regulators inside DOH, AHCA, and DBPR. These connections don’t mean favoritism; they mean insight. We understand how to navigate procedures, communicate effectively, and anticipate the expectations of those reviewing your case.
• Avoid the DIY trap. Trying to handle your Board appearance or investigation on your own often leads to costly mistakes. The rules of administrative procedure are nuanced, the expectations high, and the consequences of a misstep significant. What seems like a simple explanation can become an admission that impacts your case outcome. We know what works (and what doesn’t) because we’ve seen both.
• We understand strategy. Whether you’re negotiating a settlement, seeking to mitigate penalties, or presenting compliance documentation, we know how to tailor your case presentation to achieve the best possible outcome. We’ve successfully represented hundreds of healthcare professionals in disciplinary hearings, licensing applications, and compliance reviews across Florida.

Appearing before the Florida Board of Psychology is a serious matter. But with the right preparation and guidance, it’s manageable. Howell, Buchan & Strong’s attorneys combine government insight, agency relationships, and decades of regulatory experience to protect your professional license and reputation.

Don’t navigate this process alone. Contact Howell, Buchan & Strong to schedule a consultation and develop a strategy tailored to your case. Our Tallahassee-based team stands ready to help you move forward with confidence and protect what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.