To become a registered dietitian in Florida, you need a graduate degree (master’s or higher, required for anyone completing supervised practice after Jan 1, 2024) from an ACEND-accredited program (coordinated or DPD + DI), complete a minimum 1,000 supervised hours (most Florida programs provide 1,000–1,200), pass the CDR national examination, and apply for Florida state licensure. The process typically takes 5–6 years (degree + practice + exam + licensure) and requires ongoing continuing education to maintain both your RD credential and Florida license.
As of September 2025, the Commission on Dietetic Registration reported a total of 6,154 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Florida. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dietitians and nutritionists in the United States earned an average salary of $70,180 as of May 2024. Early-career professionals earned approximately $61,250, while those with extensive experience gained at least $86,330 during this period.
The vision of the Florida Department of Health is to help make Florida the healthiest state in the nation. Registered dietitians play a crucial role in achieving this goal. Completing the required registered dietitian education in Florida and earning a license as a dietitian/nutritionist can enable you to make a difference in the nutritional outcomes of Floridians of all ages.
Keep reading to learn how to become a dietitian in Florida.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose the situation that best describes you:
- Important 2024 Graduate Degree Requirement Update
- Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Florida
- Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Florida
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Apply for Licensure as a Dietitian in Florida
- Maintain Your Licensure and Registration as a Dietitian in Florida
2024 Graduate Degree Requirement for RD Credential
CRITICAL UPDATE (Effective January 1, 2024): The Commission on Dietetic Registration now requires a minimum of a graduate degree to be eligible for the RD credential. This applies nationally (CDR), not just Florida. If you’re beginning your dietetics education now or haven’t yet completed your supervised practice requirement, you must complete a master’s degree program or a combined bachelor’s/master’s coordinated program to sit for the RD exam.
This change affects all individuals who complete their supervised practice component on or after January 1, 2024. If your dietetic internship was completed before January 1, 2024, you may still sit for the exam with a bachelor’s degree.
Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Florida
Florida law requires state licensure (LD/N) for dietitians and nutritionists. To be eligible, you must first hold the national RD/RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Earning this credential begins with completing registered dietitian education in Florida from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND accreditation is required for all Florida RD pathways.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
Florida offers two main pathways to meet the educational requirements for becoming an RD. Understanding the differences between these program types will help you choose the best path for your situation.
| Program Type | Degree Level | Internship Included | Time to Complete | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinated Program (CP) | Bachelor’s (eligible if supervised practice completed before Jan 2024) / Master’s (required for new candidates) | Yes – integrated into curriculum | 4-5 years (bachelor’s) or 2-3 years (master’s) | Those who want a streamlined, all-in-one path |
| Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) | Bachelor’s (eligible if supervised practice completed before Jan 2024) / Master’s (required for new candidates) | No – must apply separately | 4 years (bachelor’s) + internship match | Those who want flexibility in choosing an internship location |
| Graduate Program | Master’s (requires DPD verification) | May be combined with an internship | 2 additional years after bachelor’s | Career changers with a non-dietetics bachelor’s degree |
Florida ACEND-Accredited Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)
These programs fulfill the CDR’s requirements for both education and supervised practice within a single, integrated curriculum. Florida CPs include:
- University of Florida, Gainesville – Master of Science in Nutrition (Coordinated Program)
- University of North Florida, Jacksonville – Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (Coordinated Program)
- Florida International University, Miami – Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition (Coordinated Program)
- Florida State University, Tallahassee – Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (Coordinated Program). Note: Students completing supervised practice after 2024 must also complete a graduate degree to be eligible for the RD credential.
Florida ACEND-Accredited Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)
These programs fulfill the CDR’s educational requirements only. If you complete a DPD, you must apply for and match with a dietetic internship separately after graduation. DPDs in Florida include:
- University of Florida, Gainesville – Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
- University of North Florida, Jacksonville – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Florida International University, Miami – Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition
- Florida State University, Tallahassee – Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
Alternative Path: Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR)
Would you rather become a Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR)? This option requires less education and experience, making it a quicker way to enter the field of dietetics in Florida. You must complete an ACEND-accredited DTR program in Florida, which combines an associate’s degree curriculum with a 450-hour internship, then pass the CDR Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) exam:
- Hillsborough Community College, Tampa – Associate of Science in Dietetic Technology
Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Florida
Once you have a degree in dietetics or a related area from a DPD program, you must complete the supervised practice requirement of the CDR through a dietetic internship. This requirement consists of a minimum of 1,000 hours (most programs provide 1,000–1,200 hours) of supervised practice in various areas of dietetics. In some instances, the DI may offer you the opportunity to complete a graduate degree while fulfilling the internship requirement.
As of 2025, most Florida DIs are graduate degree-granting institutions; non-degree tracks are available, but require that you already hold a graduate degree. The following ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internships (DI) are offered in Florida:
Degree-Granting Dietetic Internships in Florida
- Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Bay Pines – 20 months, full-time, degree program. The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is granted at the end of the DI—emphasis on Nutrition Therapy.
- Keiser University Distance Dietetic Internship, Fort Lauderdale – 11 months, full-time, degree program. The Master of Science in Nutrition is granted at the end of the DI—emphasis on Community Nutrition.
- University of Florida, Gainesville – 25 months, full-time, degree program. A Master of Science is granted at the end of the DI—emphasis on Nutrition Education and Wellness.
- University of North Florida, Jacksonville – 116-month full-time, degree program. TheMasterr of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is granted upon completion of the DI—emphasis on Applied Evidence-based Practice.
- Florida State University, Tallahassee – 24 months, full-time, degree program. Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science is granted at the end of the DI—emphasis on Clinical Nutrition and Sports Nutrition.
- University of South Florida Dietetic Internship, Tampa – 20 months, full-time, degree program. Master of Public Health degree granted at ethe nd of the I. Emphasis on Public Health/Community Nutrition—internship in Panama (international).
Non-Degree Dietetic Internships in Florida
- Mayo Clinic of Florida, Jacksonville – 8 months, full-time, non-degree program. Emphasis on Clinical Nutrition.
- Florida International University, Miami – 8 months, full-time, non-degree program. Emphasis on Research.
- Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, New Port Richey – 9 months, full-time, non-degree program or 12 months, part-time, non-degree program. Emphasis on Community in both programs.
- AdventHealth Dietetic Internship, Orlando – 9 months, full-time, non-degree program. Emphasis on Clinical Dietetics.
- Sarasota District Schools, Osprey – 10 months, full-time, non-degree program. Emphasis on Foodservice Systems Management.
- Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami – 8 months, full-time, non-degree program. Emphasis on Clinical Nutrition.
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Tallahassee – 9 months, full-time, non-degree program. Emphasis on School Foodservice and Child Nutrition Programs.
- Anne Brezina Dietetic Internship Program at James A Haley Tampa VA Hospital, Tampa – 11 months, full-time, non-degree program. Emphasis on Application of Evidence-Based Practices in the VA.
Important: Before applying for licensure to practice as a dietitian in Florida, you must complete a Florida Board of Dietetics and Nutrition-approved two-hour course related to the prevention of medical errors. This course may be offered in your CP, DPD, or DI.
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
The next challenge on your way to becoming a registered dietitian in Florida is to pass the CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians. This computer-based exam takes approximately 2.5 hours (variable-length) to complete and consists of 125 to 145 multiple-choice questions (all scored). You must answer at least 125 questions and may not skip, change, or go back to review answers.
The CDR’s Comprehensive Study Outline and Study Guide and the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates can help you prepare for and apply for the exam.
Necessary: You must complete your supervised practice and have ACEND verification of both your education and supervised practice before receiving exam eligibility from CDR.
CDR Exam Registration and Testing
The CDR will email you instructions on registration and paying the exam fee online once you’re eligible to take it. The fee is currently $200 (subject to change). After Pearson VUE Exam Centers receives your online payment, they’ll email you to schedule your exam at one of the Florida testing locations, including:
- Lakeland
- Tampa
- Orlando
- Port Charlotte
- Altamonte Springs
- St. Petersburg
- Deerfield Beach
- Plantation
- Pembroke Pines
- Gainesville
- Tallahassee
- Jacksonville
- Miami
Exam Content Areas
Questions on the exam are derived from the information you’ve studied and include these sub-disciplines of dietetics and nutrition:
- Food and Nutrition Sciences
- Management of Food and Nutrition Services and Programs
- Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups
- Food Service Systems
Your score on the exam will be given to you at the test center on the same day. You must receive a scaled score of at least 25 to pass. If you don’t pass, you may retake it after 45 days. Reauthorize to test again by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (312) 899-4859. Once you pass the exam, you can use the credentials RD (Registered Dietitian).
Apply for Licensure as a Dietitian in Florida
Once you’ve passed the CDR Registered Dietitian Examination, you’re ready to apply for a license to work as a dietitian in Florida. The Florida Board of Dietetics and Nutrition administers licensure for dietitians/nutritionists in the state. Florida also requires a 2-hour medical errors prevention course before initial licensure (this can be completed as part of your DI or separately through a Board-approved provider).
Florida Licensure Application Process
- Apply online at the Florida Department of Health Online Portal.
- Pay necessary fees (outlined in the application instructions).
- Complete the application in its entirety, including proof of passing the CDR exam.
- Your application will be reviewed, and you should be contacted by the Department within 30 days of its receipt via postal mail or email, whichever you specify.
- If your application is incomplete, you’ll be notified of what additional information is required.
- Once you receive your Florida license, you may use the credentials LD/N (Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist) in the state of Florida. This is the protected title under Florida law.
Maintain Your Licensure and Registration as a Dietitian in Florida
As a licensed dietitian in Florida, you must maintain both your CDR registration as an RD and your Florida state license. Each has separate renewal requirements and timelines.
Maintaining Your Florida Dietitian License
Your Florida dietitian license must be renewed every odd year on May 31. Renew via the Florida DOH MQA (Medical Quality Assurance) online portal. During each license renewal period, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) consisting of:
- 2-hour course in the prevention of medical errors
- 30 hours of approved CE that follow these rules:
- 10 hours must be live courses
- No more than 20 hours from home study
- No more than 10 hours may come from educational techniques, personal growth, risk management, or education management
- For first-time license renewal, you must complete 25 general CE hours (including 10 live hours), 2 hours of medical error training, and 3 hours on HIV/AIDS.
CE may be obtained through board-approved providers as well as through other approved methods.
Maintaining Your CDR Registration as a Registered Dietitian
You must renew your registration with the CDR as a Registered Dietitian every five years. During each five years, you must complete 75 hours of CPEUs (continuing professional education units). The CDR’s PDP Guide and CDR’s online CPE database can help you find suitable courses and activities that comply with the CPE rules of the CDR.
| Credential | Renewal Frequency | CE/CPEU Required | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Dietitian License (LD/N) | Every odd year (May 31) | 30 hours CE | 2 hours medical errors, 10 hours live courses |
| CDR Registration (RD/RDN) | Every 5 years | 75 CPEUs | Must maintain throughout career |
Nutrition Careers in Florida
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS, May 2024), dietitians and nutritionists in Florida earned competitive salaries across the state. As of May 2024, the average salary was $70,180, with early-career professionals earning approximately $61,250 (25th percentile) and experienced professionals earning at least $86,330 (90th percentile).
Many metro areas of Florida report average salaries for nutritionists and dietitians that exceed the state average (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area reported an average salary of $73,830 as of May 2024, while Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater reported $69,640, and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford reported $68,920.
| Florida Area | Average Annual Salary (May 2024) | Entry-Level (25th percentile) | Experienced (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (Statewide) | $70,180 | $61,250 | $86,330 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $73,830 | $63,920 | $89,510 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $69,640 | $60,330 | $84,220 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $68,920 | $59,780 | $83,190 |
Florida’s growing and diverse population creates strong demand for registered dietitians across various practice settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, community health programs, and private practice. The state’s emphasis on public health and wellness initiatives continues to expand career opportunities for qualified nutrition professionals.
View how to become a nutritionist in Florida here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Florida?
It typically takes 5–6 years to become a registered dietitian in Florida for most new candidates due to the 2024 graduate degree requirement. This includes completing a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program (2-3 years if you already have a bachelor’s in dietetics, or 5-6 years total if starting from scratch), completing a supervised dietetic internship (8-24 months, often concurrent with or after your degree), passing the CDR exam, and applying for Florida licensure.
Is a master’s degree required to become an RD in Florida?
Yes, if you complete your supervised practice on or after January 1, 2024, you must have at least a graduate degree (master’s level) to be eligible for the RD credential. This is a national CDR requirement, not specific to the state of Florida. If you completed your supervised practice before January 2024, the bachelor’s degree requirement still applies.
What’s the difference between coordinated programs and didactic programs?
Coordinated Programs (CP) integrate both coursework and the required supervised practice hours into one program, so you graduate with both requirements completed. Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) provide only the coursework, and you must separately apply for and match with a dietetic internship after graduation to complete your supervised practice hours. CPs offer a streamlined path, while DPDs provide flexibility in choosing your internship location.
How much does the CDR exam cost?
The CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians currently costs $200 (subject to change). This fee is paid online after you receive authorization to test. Additional costs may include study materials and preparation courses, which vary by provider.
Do I need a Florida license if I’m already an RD in another state?
Yes, Florida requires state licensure to practice as a dietitian, even if you hold an RD credential from the CDR and are licensed in another state. You must apply for Florida licensure through the Florida Board of Dietetics and Nutrition. Florida does not have reciprocity agreements; however, your existing RD credential and completion of the requirements in another state typically streamline the application process. You’ll still need to meet Florida-specific requirements, including the medical errors prevention course.
Can I take the CDR exam before completing my internship?
No, you must complete both your ACEND-accredited education program and your supervised practice requirement (dietetic internship or coordinated program) before you’re eligible to take the CDR exam. Once both are complete and verified by ACEND, you’ll receive authorization to schedule your exam.
What’s the average salary for dietitians in Florida?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024), dietitians and nutritionists in Florida earned an average annual salary of $70,180. Entry-level professionals (25th percentile) earn about $61,250, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn at least $86,330. Salaries vary by location, with metro areas like Miami often offering higher compensation.
How many continuing education credits are required to maintain my Florida license?
You must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to renew your Florida dietitian license. This includes a mandatory 2-hour course on prevention of medical errors, at least 10 hours of live classes, and no more than 20 hours of home study. For first-time renewal, you also need 3 hours on HIV/AIDS education. Additionally, you must maintain your CDR registration, which requires 75 CPEUs every five years.
Can I practice as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) in Florida?
No. Florida only licenses dietitians and nutritionists via the CDR RD/RDN credential. The CNS credential (Certified Nutrition Specialist) from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists does not meet Florida’s licensure requirements. To practice as a licensed dietitian/nutritionist in Florida, you must hold the RD or RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Key Takeaways
- Graduate degree now required: As of January 1, 2024, you need at least a master’s degree to earn the RD credential if completing supervised practice on or after this date.
- Florida requires state licensure: In addition to the national RD credential, you must obtain a Florida LD/N license to practice as a dietitian in the state.
- Choose your educational path: Coordinated Programs integrate education and internship, while Didactic Programs require a separate internship matching process.
- 1,000+ supervised practice hours: Complete a dietetic internship of at least 1,000 hours in various practice areas.
- Pass the CDR national exam: The computerized exam, which costs $200, assesses knowledge across four domains of dietetics practice.
- Maintain both credentials: Renew Florida license every odd year (30 CE hours) and CDR registration every 5 years (75 CPEUs).
- Competitive Florida salaries: Average salary of $70,180 (May 2024), with experienced professionals earning $86,330+.
- Medical errors course required: Complete a 2-hour Florida-approved medical errors prevention course before licensure.
Ready to Start Your Dietitian Career in Florida?
With the proper education and dedication, you can join over 6,000 registered dietitians making a positive impact on Florida’s health and wellness. Explore ACEND-accredited programs in Florida and take the first step toward your rewarding career in nutrition.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed September 2025.
