Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Florida 2025
Florida is home to some of the most established and well-regarded Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs in the country. With its large and diverse population, strong mental health infrastructure, and broad range of accredited degree options, Florida offers students a variety of ways to obtain the education and clinical experience necessary for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Several Florida universities provide COAMFTE-accredited master’s and doctoral programs, ensuring that graduates meet Florida’s LMFT licensure standards and are fully prepared for clinical practice.
Students in Florida’s MFT programs have the opportunity to gain hands-on training through university-affiliated therapy clinics, hospital partnerships, and community mental health organizations. Schools like Florida State University, Nova Southeastern University, and the University of Miami offer specialized training in family systems therapy, addiction counseling, and trauma-informed care, allowing students to develop the skills necessary for working with individuals, couples, and families facing complex mental health challenges. Many programs also offer bilingual training for therapists working with Spanish-speaking populations, reflecting the state’s diverse cultural demographics.
One of the advantages of pursuing an MFT degree in Florida is the flexibility in program formats. Students can choose from traditional campus-based programs, hybrid options with a mix of online and in-person coursework, or fully online programs for working professionals. Some schools, such as Nova Southeastern University, Rollins College, and Barry University, provide weekend or evening courses to accommodate students who are balancing work and education. Additionally, certain universities, such as Stetson University and Palm Beach Atlantic University, offer smaller class sizes and more personalized mentorship, making them ideal choices for students looking for a close-knit academic environment.
In this guide
2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Florida
Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Florida? marriagefamilytherapist.org has done the research for you. We ranked top programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting out or advancing your skills, Florida offers great options. Check out our rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we picked them https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy (Ph.D.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out for its commitment to developing scholarly leaders through a blend of advanced clinical training and rigorous research. The program is tailored for those aiming to deepen their understanding of diverse family dynamics and enhance their skills in evidence-based interventions. Students benefit from hands-on experience at the Center for Couple and Family Therapy, a cutting-edge facility. This COAMFTE-accredited program demands a minimum of 83 credit hours, including 21 in clinical supervision and 24 dedicated to dissertation work. Prospective students must have a clinical master's degree, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and are encouraged to submit GRE scores. The application deadline is December 1 for this competitive 4-year program.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 4-year program length
- Minimum 83 credit hours
- Clinical Master's prerequisite
- 21 clinical supervision credits
- 24 dissertation credits
- December 1 application deadline
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
- GRE score recommended
- Competitive doctoral program
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu
Master's - Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (MA)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Florida offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, setting a foundation for a successful career in counseling. This rigorous program requires 63 credit hours, combining academic coursework with practical clinical training at the UCF Community Counseling and Research Center. Aimed at preparing students for MFT licensure, it emphasizes multicultural counseling and serves over 1400 community clients annually. With an affordable in-state tuition rate of $369 per credit hour, the program is designed for those seeking to make a significant impact in diverse counseling settings. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and has a fall application deadline of February 1.
- CACREP accredited program
- 63 credit hours minimum
- In-state tuition $369/credit
- Fall application deadline: Feb 1
- 800 total clinical hours
- On-campus and field experiences
- Prepare for MFT licensure
- Serve 1400+ community clients
- Maximum 3 courses/semester
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Comprehensive counseling courses
- Multicultural counseling focus
Stetson University
DeLand, FL - Private 4-year - stetson.edu
Master's - Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Stetson University offers a Master of Science in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, designed for those aiming to become licensed therapists. This CACREP-accredited program emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health, focusing on relationships and systemic interventions. Students learn to address issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma across diverse populations. The curriculum prepares graduates for various settings, including private practice, community agencies, and healthcare systems, with a strong foundation in both individual and family therapy. Faculty members are active practitioners, ensuring real-world relevance. The program also supports students in meeting state licensure requirements, paving the way for professional certification.
- Master of Science degree
- CACREP accredited program
- State licensure preparation
- Holistic relational approach
- Diverse career opportunities
- Active practitioner faculty
- Individual and systemic training
- Multiple employment settings
- Professional therapy certification
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL - Private 4-year - ju.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Jacksonville University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program. This two-year, 60-credit curriculum is designed for professionals seeking licensure in Florida, blending online coursework with in-person sessions. The program emphasizes practical experience through an 800-hour clinical field experience, preparing graduates for diverse counseling roles. With a focus on marriage and family therapy, students engage in a cohort model for personalized learning. Highlights include flexible scheduling for working professionals and a comprehensive approach to mental health counseling.
- CACREP accredited program
- Full-time, 2-year 60-credit program
- Hybrid learning format
- Florida licensure preparation
- Marriage and Family Counseling emphasis
- 800-hour clinical experience
- Application deadline: February 15, 2025
- Requires 3 recommendation letters
- Weekly class attendance
- Non-degree course options available
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Jacksonville University offers a flexible hybrid format, ideal for aspiring counselors. This CACREP-accredited program spans two years, covering 60 credits, and includes an 800-hour clinical field experience for hands-on learning. While it emphasizes Marriage and Family Counseling, the curriculum is broad, preparing students for licensure as LMHC or LMFT in Florida. The program stands out for its optional GRE/GMAT policy for applicants with lower GPAs and weekly in-person sessions to enhance learning. It's tailored for those seeking a balance between academic rigor and practical experience.
- CACREP accredited program
- Two-year, 60-credit program
- Hybrid learning format
- Marriage and Family Counseling emphasis
- Meets Florida LMHC/LMFT licensure requirements
- 800-hour clinical field experience
- Final application deadline: February 15, 2025
- Applicants need transcripts, recommendations
- Optional GRE/GMAT for low GPA
- Weekly in-person class sessions
Other MFT Programs Available in Florida
Florida offers a wide selection of accredited MFT programs, ranging from large public universities to private institutions with specialized training tracks. These programs emphasize clinical excellence, ethical practice, and culturally responsive therapy, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for licensure and career opportunities in the state.
Some of the best MFT programs in Florida include:
- Nova Southeastern University – Provides both master’s and doctoral programs in Family Therapy, with options for campus-based and distance learning formats.
- University of Miami – Features a research-driven MFT program, focusing on evidence-based practices and hands-on clinical experience in university-affiliated therapy clinics.
- Rollins College – Offers a small, intensive MFT program, known for one-on-one faculty mentorship and a personalized approach to training.
- Barry University – Provides a comprehensive MFT curriculum, with an emphasis on multicultural counseling and working with diverse populations.
These universities have strong clinical training partnerships with local hospitals, mental health organizations, and private practice networks, allowing students to gain real-world experience before entering the workforce.
Florida's Quickest MFT Programs
For students looking to complete their degree in a shorter timeframe, Florida offers several accelerated MFT programs that allow students to graduate in as little as two years. Programs with year-round enrollment, intensive coursework, and structured clinical training help students finish their degree faster while meeting Florida’s LMFT requirements.
Students in these fast-track programs typically begin clinical internships earlier, allowing them to accumulate supervised experience while completing coursework. Some universities also offer summer sessions or accelerated course formats, enabling students to finish required credits in a condensed timeline. Schools like Nova Southeastern University and Florida State University offer cohort-based intensive training, allowing students to progress through their degree with a structured curriculum that meets licensure requirements more efficiently.
Although faster-paced, these programs maintain rigorous academic and clinical standards, ensuring that students receive the necessary training to practice as licensed professionals in Florida.
Florida's Cheapest MFT Programs
Affordability is a key consideration for many students pursuing an MFT degree. Florida has several public universities that offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents, making them an attractive option for those looking to minimize student debt. Institutions like Florida State University and the University of South Florida offer some of the most cost-effective MFT programs, with tuition rates significantly lower than those of private institutions.
In addition to lower base tuition, many universities provide financial aid options, assistantships, and scholarships for MFT students. Some schools also offer tuition discounts for students working in mental health-related fields, making it possible for those already employed in community counseling, social work, or related areas to pursue their degree at a reduced cost.
For students who require more flexibility or affordability, hybrid and online programs can help reduce commuting and housing expenses while still providing the necessary clinical training required for licensure. Schools like Palm Beach Atlantic University and Rollins College offer competitive tuition rates combined with hybrid learning formats, giving students an opportunity to study in a more cost-effective manner while still receiving high-quality training.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Florida
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Florida, students must complete a combination of academic coursework, supervised clinical training, and licensing exams. The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling oversees licensure requirements, ensuring that candidates meet state-mandated education and experience criteria.
Students must first complete a master’s or doctoral degree in MFT from a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited institution, ensuring that their coursework meets Florida’s curriculum standards in areas such as family systems therapy, ethics, and mental health assessment. After completing their degree, candidates must accumulate 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience, working under a licensed MFT or other approved supervisor.
The final step in licensure is passing the National MFT Examination, which tests candidates on their knowledge of clinical practice, therapy techniques, and ethical standards. Once licensed, LMFTs in Florida must complete ongoing continuing education to maintain their certification, ensuring that they stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in family therapy.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Florida
Florida has a high demand for marriage and family therapists, particularly in urban areas like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, where mental health services are expanding. The state’s diverse population and growing need for family-based counseling have created a strong job market for LMFTs, with opportunities available in private practice, hospitals, community health centers, and schools.
Salaries for LMFTs in Florida range from $52,000 to $72,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Therapists who work in private practice or specialize in high-demand areas like addiction counseling or trauma therapy often earn salaries on the higher end of the scale. Additionally, Florida’s expanding mental health initiatives and increasing insurance coverage for therapy services have led to a rise in job opportunities across state-funded mental health programs, veterans’ support services, and teletherapy platforms.
With strong job prospects, a variety of accredited degree programs, and an increasing focus on mental health awareness, Florida is an excellent place to pursue a career in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether students choose a traditional campus-based program, a hybrid learning option, or a cost-effective public university, Florida provides ample opportunities for aspiring LMFTs to gain training, obtain licensure, and build successful careers in the field of family therapy.
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