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Bill

SB 220

Social Work Licensure Compact

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gayle Harrell

Allows Florida-licensed social workers to practice across member states without separate state licenses, improving professional mobility and access to mental health services.

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Bill Summary · SB 220

Legislative bill overview

SB 220 would establish Florida's participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement allowing licensed social workers to practice across participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The bill facilitates professional mobility through mutual recognition of credentials while maintaining state-specific regulatory oversight.

Why is this important

Social work licensure compacts address workforce shortages in underserved areas by enabling practitioners to serve clients across state lines, particularly beneficial for telehealth services and rural communities. The compact standardizes baseline qualifications across states while preserving each state's authority to enforce disciplinary actions and practice standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory consistency concerns: Questions about whether uniform standards adequately address variations in state mental health regulations, client privacy laws, and disciplinary frameworks
  • Consumer protection debate: Disagreement over whether interstate recognition sufficiently protects consumers or whether direct state licensure provides stronger accountability and oversight
  • Implementation costs: Uncertainty about administrative expenses for Florida to participate in the compact system and manage multi-state licensing coordination

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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