Best ABA Programs in Florida (2026)
The top accredited Applied Behavior Analysis programs in Florida — bachelor's through master's — with tuition, ABAI accreditation, BCBA certification paths, state licensure requirements, and behavior analyst salary data for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Florida has 14+ ABA master's programs with three ABAI-accredited institutions — University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, and Florida State University (Panama City) — giving the state one of the strongest ABA academic ecosystems in the country.
- Florida Tech's online ABA program reports a 71% first-time BCBA exam pass rate (2024), and its on-campus program historically achieves near-perfect rates — well above the 54% national average.
- Public university ABA master's tuition in Florida starts at approximately $384/credit at the University of West Florida (with out-of-state waivers covering up to 90% of nonresident fees) and $431/credit at USF.
- Florida requires state licensure through the Department of Health in addition to BACB certification — and has a unique historical credential: the Florida Certified Behavior Analyst (FL-CBA), a legacy designation from the state's original certification program now administered by the BACB.
- Behavior analysts in Florida earn a BLS median of $56,830 under the broader counselor category, but BCBA-specific salaries average $85,000–$101,000+ according to employer data — and Florida has no state income tax.
Florida is one of the top three ABA job markets nationally, with 24,680 professionals employed in the behavioral health counselor category according to BLS May 2024 data — one of the highest employment levels of any state. Florida's strong insurance coverage for ABA therapy, large and growing population, and high autism diagnosis rates create sustained demand for credentialed behavior analysts across the Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville metro areas.
For students looking at ABA master's programs in Florida, the state offers three ABAI-accredited programs — a concentration of accredited options rivaled only by a handful of states. USF, Florida Tech, and FSU Panama City provide the most streamlined paths to BCBA certification. Public universities like the University of West Florida and Florida Atlantic University offer affordable online options accessible statewide.
For ABA bachelor's programs in Florida, Florida Tech offers an ABAI-accredited B.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis — one of the few accredited undergraduate ABA programs in the country, preparing graduates for BCaBA certification.
Best ABA Programs in Florida — Accredited Master's & Bachelor's Degrees
All 9 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
University of South Florida — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$431/credit (~$19,414 total in-state, 45 credits)
Out-of-State
$877/credit (~$39,473 total, 45 credits)
Length
2 years (45 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours (practicum included)
Concentrations
- ABAI-accredited — renewed for 7 years in 2022 with no serious deficiencies
- Research-intensive: thesis required, with faculty mentorship in active research labs
- 45-credit interdisciplinary program in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences
- Tampa Bay location with extensive practicum placement network
- Also offers an online M.A. in ABA ($24,600 total for 41 credits regardless of residency)
- First year focuses on coursework, second year on thesis and advanced practicum
University of South Florida — Online M.A. in ABA
In-State
$600/credit (~$24,600 total, 41 credits)
Out-of-State
$600/credit (~$24,600 total, 41 credits)
Length
1.5 years (41 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Same USF faculty and curriculum as the ABAI-accredited on-campus program
- Flat $600/credit tuition regardless of residency — $24,600 total
- Completable in 1.5 years — faster than the on-campus thesis track
- No thesis required — focused on clinical preparation and BCBA exam readiness
- Supervised fieldwork at approved sites near the student's location
- Meets all upcoming 2027 BCBA certification standards
Florida Institute of Technology — M.A. in Behavior Analysis Professional Practice (Online)
In-State
$530/credit (~$17,490 total, 33 credits)
Out-of-State
$530/credit (~$17,490 total, 33 credits)
Length
2 years (33 credits, 6 semesters)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- 71% first-time BCBA exam pass rate (2024 online) — well above the 54% national average
- On-campus program has historically achieved near-perfect pass rates
- Flat $530/credit regardless of residency — $17,490 total for 33 credits
- Start any semester — no waiting for fall or spring enrollment cycles
- Home to the School of Behavior Analysis with internationally recognized faculty
- Meets all BACB 2027 degree and coursework requirements
Florida Institute of Technology — B.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
~$22,870/semester (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
~$22,870/semester (private, flat rate)
Length
4 years
Field Hours
Clinical practicum included
Concentrations
- ABAI-accredited B.A. in ABA — one of the few accredited undergraduate ABA programs in the country
- Prepares graduates to sit for the BCaBA certification exam immediately upon graduation
- Housed within Florida Tech's renowned School of Behavior Analysis
- Hands-on clinical experience through Florida Tech's Scott Center for Autism Treatment
- Direct pipeline to Florida Tech's top-ranked master's and doctoral ABA programs
- Small class sizes with faculty-led undergraduate research opportunities
Florida State University (Panama City) — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
~$431/credit in-state
Out-of-State
~$1,110/credit out-of-state
Length
5 semesters (39 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- ABAI-accredited master's program with strong research emphasis
- BACB-verified course sequence meeting all certification requirements
- 39-credit program completable in 5 semesters — efficient pathway to BCBA
- Part of FSU's Department of Psychology — rigorous research training
- Panama City campus provides smaller cohort experience with dedicated faculty
- Affordable public university tuition for Florida residents
Florida Atlantic University — M.Ed. in Special Education (ABA Concentration)
In-State
~$5,467/year in-state
Out-of-State
In-state rates available for all online students
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 clinical experience hours
Concentrations
- Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition rates — making this one of the most affordable options nationally
- Fully online delivery through FAU's College of Education
- BCBA course sequence with 1,500 hours of clinical experience
- South Florida location with extensive practicum site network in the Miami/Boca Raton area
- Strong special education foundation with ABA specialization
- Affordable public university pricing for all students regardless of residency
University of West Florida — M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis
In-State
$384/credit (~$15,360 total, 40 credits)
Out-of-State
$384/credit with tuition waiver (~$15,360 total)
Length
2 years (40 credits)
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Out-of-state tuition waiver covers up to 90% of nonresident fees — effectively in-state pricing for everyone
- Most affordable ABA master's in Florida for out-of-state students — ~$15,360 total
- Fully online with flexible scheduling for working professionals
- Prepares for three certifications: BCBA (BACB), QBA (QABA), and IBA (IBAO)
- Part of the Department of Special Education with strong practitioner focus
- Pensacola-based program accessible nationwide through online delivery
Florida International University — M.S. in ABA
In-State
$431/credit in-state
Out-of-State
$877/credit out-of-state
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Actively pursuing ABAI accreditation — expected to achieve it in the near future
- Located in Miami — the largest metro in South Florida with strong ABA employer demand
- BCBA course sequence and 1,500 hours of supervised fieldwork included
- First-hand experience with organizations that provide ABA services built into the curriculum
- Affordable public university tuition for Florida residents
- Growing program with strong connections to South Florida's ABA community
Nova Southeastern University — M.S. in ABA
In-State
$1,308/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$1,308/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2 years
Field Hours
1,500 supervised experience hours
Concentrations
- Large private university with established ABA program in South Florida
- Both on-campus and online delivery options for flexibility
- Fort Lauderdale location in the heart of South Florida's ABA therapy market
- Part of NSU's College of Education — comprehensive educator preparation
- Strong alumni network across Florida's ABA provider community
- Multiple start dates throughout the academic year
Florida Behavior Analyst Licensure Requirements
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Florida Department of Health — Board of Applied Behavior Analysis
Florida requires state licensure through the Florida Department of Health in addition to BACB certification. To practice as a behavior analyst in Florida, you must hold both active BCBA (or BCaBA) certification and a Florida license. The Florida licensure process involves submitting an application, proof of certification, and meeting additional state requirements.
Florida has a unique historical connection to behavior analyst certification: the state operated its own Florida Certified Behavior Analyst (FL-CBA) program through the Department of Children and Families until 2003, when the BACB assumed all certifying responsibilities. Individuals certified under the original FL-CBA program retain their designation, which carries the same responsibilities and privileges as the BCBA credential but is valid only in Florida.
Beginning February 2025, ABA services are reimbursed by the Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program, expanding access to ABA therapy for Medicaid recipients statewide. This change is expected to further increase demand for licensed behavior analysts in Florida.
Licensed Behavior Analyst (Florida DOH)
Independent practice of applied behavior analysis — assessment, treatment design, supervision
Hours
1,500
Duration
Associate
Exam: BCBA Exam (BACB) — no separate Florida exam
Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (Florida DOH)
Practice of ABA under licensed behavior analyst supervision
Hours
1,000
Duration
Associate
Exam: BCaBA Exam (BACB) — no separate Florida exam
Florida Certified Behavior Analyst
Same as BCBA — independent ABA practice (valid only in Florida)
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: N/A — legacy designation administered by BACB
Florida does not have a formal reciprocity agreement with other states. If you hold active BCBA certification, you can apply for a Florida license through the Department of Health. There is no separate Florida exam — the BCBA certification satisfies the examination requirement. The process is straightforward but requires a separate state application, fee, and background check. Processing times vary, so plan accordingly if relocating to Florida.
Behavior Analyst Salary in Florida
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Florida's BLS data shows a median below the national average for the broader counselor category, but BCBA-specific salaries are significantly higher according to employer-reported data. The key advantage: Florida has no state income tax, making take-home pay substantially better than states with similar or even higher nominal salaries. The BLS May 2024 data employs 24,680 professionals in this category — one of the highest state-level employment figures nationally.
Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors (incl. Behavior Analysts)
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $62,500 (Jacksonville)
BCBA-Certified Professionals (employer-reported)
National median: $78,000
Top metro: $102,000 (Jacksonville)
RBT / Behavior Technicians (employer-reported)
National median: $37,800
Florida ABA Job Market and Workforce Demand
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Florida is one of the largest ABA markets in the country by employment volume, with 24,680 professionals employed in the BLS behavioral health counselor category — among the highest state-level figures nationally. The state's large population (22+ million), warm climate attracting relocating professionals, and expanding insurance coverage for ABA therapy drive sustained demand across all major metros.
Beginning February 2025, Florida's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program began reimbursing ABA services, significantly expanding access to ABA therapy for Medicaid recipients. This change is expected to create thousands of additional positions statewide, particularly in underserved areas of Central and North Florida where Medicaid enrollment is highest.
Major ABA employers in Florida include ABA Centers of Florida, Action Behavior Centers, Autism Learning Partners, Behavioral Health Works, Trumpet Behavioral Health, and The Learning Tree ABA, alongside hundreds of local and regional ABA practices. The Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville metros each have robust employer networks, and Florida's population growth ensures long-term demand stability.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Behavior analysts at public school districts, state agencies, or nonprofit providers in Florida qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments.
No State Income Tax — Florida's lack of state income tax means more of your salary goes toward loan payments, accelerating repayment compared to high-tax states like California or New York.
UWF Out-of-State Tuition Waiver — The University of West Florida covers up to 90% of nonresident fees for online students, making its ~$15,360 total tuition accessible regardless of where you live.
Florida Tech Online Affordability — At $17,490 total for 33 credits, Florida Tech's online M.A. in Behavior Analysis Professional Practice is one of the most affordable ABAI-affiliated options nationally.
How to Choose the Best ABA Program in Florida
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Florida's 14+ ABA programs range from ABAI-accredited research institutions to affordable online public university options. Your best choice depends on your career goals, budget, and preferred format.
If you want the best-accredited ABA program in Florida: USF, Florida Tech, and FSU (Panama City) all hold full ABAI accreditation. USF's on-campus M.S. is the most research-intensive; Florida Tech offers both on-campus and online; FSU Panama City provides a 5-semester focused pathway.
If you want the cheapest ABA master's in Florida: University of West Florida (~$15,360 total with out-of-state waiver) and Florida Tech online (~$17,490 total) are the most affordable. FAU also charges in-state rates for all online students.
If you want an online ABA master's in Florida: USF Online ($24,600 flat), Florida Tech Online ($17,490 flat), UWF ($15,360 with waiver), FAU (in-state rates for all), and Nova Southeastern all offer fully online programs.
If you want the highest BCBA pass rate in Florida: Florida Tech's on-campus program has historically achieved near-perfect rates, and its online program hit 71% in 2024 — both well above the 54% national average. UH-Clear Lake (a Texas program) reports 100%, but among Florida institutions, Florida Tech leads.
If you want an ABA bachelor's degree in Florida: Florida Tech is the standout choice — its B.A. in ABA is ABAI-accredited and prepares graduates for BCaBA certification. It's one of the few accredited undergraduate ABA programs in the entire country.
If you're in South Florida: FIU (Miami), FAU (Boca Raton), and Nova Southeastern (Fort Lauderdale) all serve the South Florida market. FIU is most affordable for residents; Nova offers the most flexible scheduling.
If you're in the Tampa Bay area: USF's on-campus M.S. (research-focused) or its online M.A. (clinical-focused) are the top choices, with extensive practicum networks throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Related Pages
Best Online ABA Programs
National ranking of the top online ABA master's programs
BCBA Career Guide
What BCBAs actually do day-to-day
BCBA Salary Data
Salary data by state, experience, and employer type
ABA Programs in Texas
ABA programs in Texas
ABA Programs in California
ABA programs in California
ABA Programs by State
Browse ABA programs in all 50 states
Sources
- ABAI — Verified Course Sequence Directory
- BACB — Verified Course Sequences
- BACB — Certificant Data and Exam Pass Rates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024
- BACB — U.S. Licensure of Behavior Analysts by State
- BACB — Florida Certified Behavior Analysts (FL-CBAs)
- Florida Department of Health — Behavior Analysis
- NCES College Navigator — U.S. Department of Education