Florida ESA Certification / Documentation Requirements (2026)
Florida does not have an official state "ESA certification" or registration process. Instead, the rules focus on reliable documentation for housing accommodations under Florida Statute § 760.27.
Key Rules on ESA Documentation
#### No Internet Certifications Count
ESA registrations, certificates, IDs, patches, or cards obtained online are explicitly insufficient by themselves (§ 760.27(3)(c)).
#### Acceptable Documentation
For the Disability (if not obvious):
- Government determination of disability
- Proof of disability benefits or services
- Housing assistance/voucher based on disability
- Letter or information from a licensed health care practitioner (e.g., doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed therapist) who has personal knowledge of your condition
For the Need for the Specific ESA (if not obvious):
- Information from a qualified health care practitioner explaining how the animal provides therapeutic emotional support or alleviates symptoms of your disability.
#### Important Restrictions on Providers
- The practitioner must be acting within their scope of practice.
- Out-of-state providers generally need to have provided in-person care at least once.
