Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Florida 2026
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
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Florida
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, offered through the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, provides advanced clinical and research training focused on family processes and relational interventions. This COAMFTE-accredited program requires 86 credit hours, including clinical practicum at the Center for Couple and Family Therapy and community internships, typically completed in four years. Admission requires a clinical master's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and competitive GRE scores (with waiver options available), plus TOEFL/IELTS for international students. The program emphasizes faculty mentorship and research, with fall-only admission and a December 1 application deadline.
- Ph.D. degree level.
- Marriage and Family Therapy program.
- COAMFTE accredited.
- Minimum 86 credit hours.
- Clinical master's degree required.
- 3.0 GPA minimum.
- GRE scores considered.
- TOEFL/IELTS for international students.
- Fall admission only.
- December 1 application deadline.
Stetson University
DeLand, FL - Private 4-year - stetson.edu
Master's - Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Stetson University's Master of Science in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling combines individual psychotherapy with family systems approaches in a CACREP-accredited curriculum. The program prepares students for Florida LMFT licensure, incorporating comprehensive fieldwork supervision and adherence to American Counseling Association standards. Students can take the National Counselor Examination to become National Certified Counselors. This campus program requires an entrance exam and provides training in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and mood disorders within relational contexts, with faculty who are active practitioners.
- Master of Science degree
- Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling program
- Individual psychotherapy training
- Family systems approach
- CACREP accredited program
- Florida licensure preparation
- National Counselor Examination option
- Fieldwork supervision included
- American Counseling Association standards
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy standards
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Stetson University's CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling provides comprehensive training in systemic and individual psychotherapy techniques. The program prepares graduates for professional licensure, with expert faculty guiding students through holistic approaches to treating relational dynamics and mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and trauma. This campus-based program requires an entrance exam and emphasizes working with diverse populations while offering National Counselor Exam preparation and multiple career opportunities.
- Master of Science program
- CACREP accredited program
- Prepare for professional licensure
- Systemic and individual therapy focus
- Works with diverse populations
- Eligible for LMFT internship
- National Counselor Exam preparation
- Multiple career opportunities
- Expert practitioner faculty
- Comprehensive mental health training
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL - Private 4-year - ju.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (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, 60-credit hybrid program designed for working professionals. This two-year program meets Florida licensure requirements for both LMHC and LMFT, featuring 800 hours of clinical field experience. Admissions require transcripts, a statement of intent, resume, three letters of recommendation, and GRE/GMAT scores may be needed for GPAs below 3.0. The program offers flexible evening and daytime options through a cohort model.
- Full-time 2-year program.
- 60 credit hours required.
- Hybrid format available.
- Evening and daytime options.
- CACREP accredited program.
- Concentration in Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling.
- Meets Florida LMHC licensure requirements.
- Meets Florida LMFT licensure requirements.
- 800 hours clinical field experience.
- Admissions require completed application.
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Jacksonville University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage and Family Counseling concentration. This 60-credit hybrid program spans two years and fulfills Florida's LMHC and LMFT licensure requirements. Students complete 800 clinical hours while benefiting from flexible evening or daytime schedules. Admissions include application, transcripts, statement of intent, resume, and three recommendation letters. GRE or GMAT scores may be required for applicants with GPAs below 3.0, making it accessible for diverse candidates.
- CACREP accredited program.
- Concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling.
- Full-time two-year program.
- 60 credit hours required.
- Hybrid format with in-person classes.
- Evening and daytime options available.
- Meets Florida LMHC licensure requirements.
- Meets Florida LMFT licensure requirements.
- 800-hour clinical field experience.
- Cohort model for learning.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Florida's Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 15-credit hybrid program designed specifically for mental health professionals seeking advanced systemic therapy skills. This certificate provides comprehensive training in treating relationship and family disorders through theoretical understanding and practical therapeutic techniques. While it enhances capabilities for counselors, social workers, and psychologists, it does not qualify for licensure. The program requires an entrance exam for admission. With experienced faculty and flexible course offerings, it targets graduates in social work and related fields who want to strengthen their clinical approach to family systems.
- 15-credit hour program
- 6 required, 9 elective credits
- For mental health professionals
- Systemic therapy approach
- Not for licensure qualification
- Targets social work graduates
- Mental health counseling focus
- Clinical psychology compatible
- Multiple course offerings
- Experienced faculty experts
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's CACREP-accredited Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy Master of Arts program spans 63 credit hours and prepares graduates for Florida licensure. This campus-based program requires 800 clinical hours, beginning with practicum at the UCF Community Counseling and Research Center before advancing to internships throughout Central Florida. The curriculum balances 6 core credits with 45 specialization credits and 12 clinical experience credits, emphasizing practical skills for agency and private practice settings. Admission requires formal acceptance into the program, though no specific entrance exam is mentioned as required. In-state tuition is $369.65 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $1,276.48 per credit.
- 63 credit hours required
- CACREP accredited program
- Prepares for Florida licensure
- In-state tuition $369.65/credit
- Out-of-state tuition $1,276.48/credit
- Master of Arts degree
- 800 clinical hours required
- Practicum at UCF counseling center
- Internship in Central Florida
- 6 core course credits
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.
Related Articles
- From Student to Therapist: What to Expect in Your MFT Clinical Internship
- LMFT vs MFT: Is Licensure Necessary for Your Therapy Career?
- The ROI of an MFT Degree: Analyzing the Financial Investment in Your Therapy Career
- Who Will You Treat as a Marriage & Family Therapist? A Career Guide for Aspiring MFTs
- Support That Affirms: Navigating Mental Health as LGBTQ+
- MFT Doctorate Degrees: DMFT vs PhD – Who Should Pursue Each Path?