By: All Psychology Schools Staff
Updated: January 15, 2026
Marriage & Family Therapist Degree and Career Guide
Marriage & Family Therapist State Salary Guides
What can marriage and family therapists earn in Florida?
Florida has a surprisingly low number of MFTs working in the state, but this also presents opportunity for future therapists.
Becoming a marriage and family therapist (MFT) in Florida can be a rewarding career choice, especially given the state’s demographics and mental health needs. Here’s why it can be a great choice:
High demand due to population demographics:
Florida has a large retiree population, and many older adults seek therapy for relationship issues, grief counseling and family conflicts. The state also has a growing younger population, including families facing stressors related to work-life balance, parenting and financial struggles.
Strong job market:
In Florida, mental health services are in high demand, especially with increased awareness of mental health issues post-pandemic. Cities such as Miami, Orlando and Tampa have diverse populations that require specialized therapy, including bilingual therapists.
Variety of work settings:
MFTs in Florida can consider employment in several settings, besides private practice, including hospitals and healthcare clinics, substance abuse centers, schools and community organizations and government and non-profit agencies.
Quick view of MFTs in Florida
For a place as large as Florida, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported only 1,640 people employed as marriage and family therapists in the entire state. The median wage per hour is $24 and the national forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.6%.
Why are there so few MFTs in Florida?
Here are a few reasons why the number of MFTs practicing in Florida is relatively low:
- Florida favors LMHCs & LCSWs: Many professionals in Florida choose to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) instead of MFTs. These licenses offer broader career opportunities, including individual therapy and work in medical settings. Both of these areas have over 12,000 professionals working in Florida.
- Limited knowledge of the credential: Many potential therapists (and even some employers) are more familiar with LMHCs and LCSWs. Some insurance companies and agencies may prioritize hiring LMHCs and LCSWs due to reimbursement policies.
- Most work in private practice: Unlike LMHCs and LCSWs, who often work in community agencies, hospitals and schools, many MFTs operate private practices which could make them less visible in general mental health workforce statistics.
Despite the current low number of professionals, Florida’s population growth, mental health awareness and demand for relationship counseling suggest that the MFT field could expand. Teletherapy options and increased insurance coverage for therapy could make MFTs more visible in settings such as family services, outpatient care centers, state government agencies and educational institutions in the coming years.
That said, there are still opportunities for MFTs seeking a career in Florida to find employment now. Here are five employers in the state:
- Harmony United Psychiatric Care, Statewide:
- Provides comprehensive mental health services, including individuals, couples and family therapy, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety and relationship challenges.
- Smith Community Mental Health, Fort Lauderdale:
- Smith CMH offers counseling services to youth and adults, focusing on behavioral health, family dynamics and therapeutic interventions to improve overall well-being.
- Children’s Home Network, Largo:
- CHN provides therapeutic services to children and adolescents, addressing emotional and behavioral issues within the family dynamic.
- Hanley Center Foundation, Inc., West Palm Beach:
- Hanley specializes in addiction treatment, employing MFTs to offer therapy that addresses both substance use disorders and underlying family or relationship issues.
- Adapt Behavioral Services, Statewide:
- Adapt provides behavioral therapy and counseling services to individuals and families, focusing on improving mental health and family relationships.
Salary stats for Florida MFTs
While the national median salary for marriage and family therapists lands at $63,780 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education. However the BLS does not target any metro areas in Florida for either highest employment of MFTs, or for pay, in the U.S.
What are salaries like in Florida for marriage and family therapists?
Like all states, certain cities offer higher salaries for MFTs than rural areas. In Florida, cities such as Davie, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale offer annual salaries that are higher than the national median, while cities such as Jacksonville are considerable lower. Here’s what the BLS said Florida paid MFTs:
Marriage and Family Therapists
10%$34,860
25%$43,710
50%$50,220Median
75%$88,250
90%$156,570
Median Hourly Wage$24
Job growth12.6%
Total Employment760
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $55,430 | $35,720 | $114,400 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $49,570 | $38,750 | $87,680 |
| Jacksonville, FL | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
How does a marriage and family therapist’s salary compare to other counseling careers?
In Florida, marriage and family therapists (MFTs) earn an average salary of around $38,000–$55,000 per year said the BLS, depending on experience and location, though urban areas, particularly in South Florida, tended to offer higher salaries. MFT salaries in Florida are lower than in states like California, where demand for the profession is higher.
Here’s how the BLS compared national median pay rates among different types of psychology professionals:
Salary range for MFTs in Florida
The salary range for MFTs in Florida typically spans from $34,860 for the lowest 10% to well over $156,570 for the upper 10% of professionals in the field per year.
Overall, while they earn a decent wage, MFTs in Florida may be able to supplement their income by offering teletherapy services, running workshops or seminars, teaching at local colleges or contracting with multiple agencies. Additionally, specializing in high-demand areas such as couples therapy, trauma counseling or addiction recovery may attract private clients willing to pay higher rates.
What is the job growth for the field?
Employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 12.6% through 2034, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. Take a look at the highest level of employment metro areas in the country according to the BLS. As you can see, Florida does not rank for highest employment.
National employment numbers by metro area
Factors affecting MFT salaries in Florida
Several Florida-specific factors influence what an MFT could earn there. These may include:
- Retirement population’s Medicare limits:
- Florida’s large senior population increases demand for therapy related to aging, grief and family dynamics, but Medicare’s limited coverage for MFT services can affect reimbursement rates.
- Seasonality and tourism:
- The transient nature of Florida’s economy means some potential clients (snowbirds, tourists) may not seek long-term therapy, impacting consistent income.
- Cost of living and pay gaps:
- MFTs in high-cost cities like Miami and Tampa can charge more than those in rural areas, where lower costs often mean lower rates.
- Specializing:
- Florida has a significant need for therapists specializing in addiction recovery, PTSD and crisis counseling, potentially leading to higher earnings in these areas.
- Telehealth options:
- With Florida attracting remote workers and retirees, MFTs may expand income via teletherapy, catering to clients both in-state and nationwide.
Requirements to become an MFT in Florida
Becoming a marriage and family therapist (MFT) in Florida is a relatively straightforward path, as the state has very specific requirements for licensure and practice.
- Education:
- You’ll need a master’s degree in MFT or a related field.
- Supervised experience:
- You must complete 1,500 direct client hours that are supervised. You must also complete two years of supervised clinical experience, 100 hours of which must be under direct supervision.
- Pass the required exams:
- You must pass the National MFT Exam and the Florida state-specific exam. The state exam covers state laws and ethical guidelines related to MFT practice in Florida, and ensures you understand licensing requirements, professional conduct and state-specific regulations.
- Apply for licensing:
- Apply for licensure through the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
Florida cost of living
World Population Review stated that Florida’s cost of living index is 102.3, which means it is approximately 2.3% over the national average. This would include housing and rents, utilities and staples such as food, clothing and healthcare.
Three higher-cost metropolitan areas for MFTs:
Miami: High housing costs and general expenses make Miami an expensive city to live and practice in.
Orlando: The cost of housing in Orlando is 3% higher than the national average, contributing to a higher cost of living.
Tampa: As a major city, Tampa has higher therapy costs, reflecting its elevated cost of living, said SonderMind.
Three more affordable areas for MFTs:
Jacksonville: Offers more affordable housing options compared to cities like Miami, while still providing opportunities for MFTs, however pay is also lower than the national average.
Tallahassee: As a smaller city, Tallahassee generally has a lower cost of living, making it more affordable for MFTs.
Gainesville: Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville offers a lower cost of living and may offer opportunities in educational and community settings.
Resources for MFTs in Florida
Here are three state-based professional groups for marriage and family therapists to join. These groups can help with advocacy, networking, continuing education and licensing.
Florida Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (FAMFC): A division of the Florida Counseling Association, FAMFC aims to enhance marriage and family counseling through education, research and public awareness. They offer programs to promote high standards in marriage and family counseling, public policy advocacy, educational opportunities and partnerships with other professional stakeholders.
Central Florida Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CFAMFT): A professional organization representing MFTs and other mental health practitioners in Central Florida, the group provides education, supervision and advocacy for the profession, operating as an autonomous not-for-profit entity.
Florida Family Therapy Alliance (FFTA): A non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the growth of the MFT profession in Florida, FFTA offers training, networking, advocacy and more to help MFT professionals in the state.
Becoming an MFT in Florida may be shaped by location, specialization and career choices. While wages may not always be as high as other states, the lower cost of living and access to diverse populations in many areas may help stretch salaries. Use this salary guide to help make an informed decision about becoming an MFT in the state.