The bill establishes the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, designed to facilitate the interstate practice of regulated social workers and enhance public access to competent social work services. It aims to reduce duplicative licensing requirements, promote mutual recognition of licenses among member states, and support military families. The compact outlines the criteria for state participation, including the designation of eligible social work licensure categories for multistate licenses, and establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission to oversee implementation, enforce provisions, and manage data related to licensees and disciplinary actions.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Florida Statutes to improve the regulation of clinical social work and related fields. It mandates that the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling appoint a delegate to the Compact Commission and introduces exemptions from licensure for individuals licensed in other states practicing under the compact. The bill also expands the grounds for disciplinary action against licensed professionals to include violations related to the compact and clarifies the status of delegates as state agents during their duties. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 74 Filed: 456.073, 456.076, 491.005, 491.009