(1) Any person desiring to be licensed as a hearing aid specialist shall apply to the department on a form approved by the department.
1(2) The department shall license each applicant who the board certifies meets all of the following criteria:(a) Has completed the application form and remitted the required fees.
(b) Is of good moral character.
(c) Is 18 years of age or older.
(d) Is a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent.
(e)1. Has met the requirements of the training program; or
2.a. Has a valid, current license as a hearing aid specialist or its equivalent from another state and has been actively practicing in such capacity for at least 12 months; or
b. Is currently certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and has been actively practicing for at least 12 months.
(f) Has passed an examination, as prescribed by board rule.
(g) Has demonstrated, in a manner designated by rule of the board, knowledge of state laws and rules relating to the fitting and dispensing of prescription hearing aids.
(3) A person who fails the examination may make application for reexamination to the appropriate examining entity, as prescribed by board rule.
1Note.—Section 31, ch. 2024-243, amended subsection (2), effective July 1, 2025, to read:(2) The department shall license each applicant who the board certifies meets all of the following criteria:
(a) Has completed the application form and remitted the required fees.
(b) Has submitted to background screening in accordance with s. 456.0135.
(c) Is of good moral character.
(d) Is 18 years of age or older.
(e) Is a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent.
(f)1. Has met the requirements of the training program; or
2.a. Has a valid, current license as a hearing aid specialist or its equivalent from another state and has been actively practicing in such capacity for at least 12 months; or
b. Is currently certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and has been actively practicing for at least 12 months.
(g) Has passed an examination, as prescribed by board rule.
(h) Has demonstrated, in a manner designated by rule of the board, knowledge of state laws and rules relating to the fitting and dispensing of prescription hearing aids.
