Get an ESA Letter in Florida
4,921 Reviews · Excellent100% refund if you’re not approved for an ESA letter
Most Trusted ESA Letter Company In America
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Meet the Florida Mental Health Experts Behind Your ESA Letter
Real, licensed clinicians with decades of experience.
Nancy SpitzerLMFT, ICGC-1, QS
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Qualified Supervisor with deep experience in trauma, couples, and family therapy. She offers individual and group sessions for Florida residents.
Corina K. SkentzouLMHC
Licensed psychotherapist with 15+ years specializing in trauma, attachment, anxiety, and depression. She recognizes the real therapeutic value ESAs bring to Florida residents.
Paul MeyerLCP
Licensed psychologist with 30+ years of experience specializing in trauma intervention (EMDR, ART). He enjoys helping Florida residents with their emotional support animals.
Many in Florida choose to obtain an ESA letter in person. They book an appointment several months in advance, travel to meet with a mental health professional licensed in Florida, and then discuss their mental health struggles to receive a prescription for an ESA.
However, as Florida ranks in the bottom five states for mental healthcare access, more and more are turning to telehealth, which is the easiest and fastest way to receive an ESA letter in Florida. No longer do you have to wait months for an appointment or travel for miles.
With US Service Animals, you will be put in touch directly with an appropriate mental health expert in Florida in as little as a day. They will be fully qualified and familiar with Florida’s ESA laws. Find out today if you qualify for an ESA letter.
Florida-Compliant ESA Letters
Florida abides by the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) with regard to ESAs, which states that an ESA letter is legal only if it is prescribed by a mental health professional licensed in the state of residence, and details how an ESA will alleviate the symptoms of the mental or emotional disability.
All ESA letters obtained through US Service Animals are legally recognized in the state of Florida, backed by our money-back guarantee.
Our Fast and 100% Legally Compliant 3-Step Process
If your ESA letter is not legally accepted, we will refund you 100% of your payment.
*For Arkansas, California, Iowa, Louisiana and Montana residents, new laws require those seeking an ESA letter to establish a client-provider relationship with the individual for at least 30 days prior to providing documentation. As a result, we require two consultations and you will not receive your ESA letter until day 30.
What Some of Our ESA Customers Are Saying
Verified reviews from Florida customers, collected by Shopper Approved:
I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and ptsd and my pets help me so much to stay calm. With the cost of living so high, this website helped me be able to have the help I needed without the fees added on to rent to make anxiety higher. Thanks to this work my therapy has been going a lot better. The staff is amazing and the doctor called me back within the first 24 hours of me submitting my application. App process was easy and the card and note came in the mail within the week! Amazing!
Moving is no easy task, I found myself relying on my pup Diesel for comfort. When deciding with my doctor to take the step to get ESA certification, the USSERVICEANIMALS website, more specifically the customer service line, was quick and easy. The process took less than one night and now I can travel to my new home with more reassurance that I can lean on Diesel in the process and new landlords will be accommodating.
I’ve been dealing with a lot with my mental health over the years. Like with many others, 2020 was the last straw. I couldn’t deal with it any more and got a dog to help me. Registering her was easy and support was quick to assist with the process. It took 12 days for the shipment (certificate and ID) to arrive. I can now rest assured that my ESA can live with me as I move on with my life.
I recently used USSERVICEANIMALS.ORG to register my new puppy as an emotional support animal. The process was quick, seamless and very professional. The doctor called me within four hours of submitting my application and I was approved the same day. I would 10 out of 10 recommend this service.
It was a pleasure working with US Service Animals. Dr. Toby was so very kind and tremendously supportive. He assured us that our dog was indeed an emotional support animal and was extremely helpful. It is so uplifting to know that US Service Animals and Dr. Toby are available to help people like my husband. Thank you again, Peter Pogrell
I appreciate the excellent customer service and the ability to speak with an agent and health care provider! As a person with anxiety (sometimes extreme) this process is very comfortable for me-though I always get nervous (lol anxiety) before a call. Thanks for helping me feel more comfortable, and making the process quick and easy!
Reviews collected and verified by Shopper Approved · 6 shown
Why an ESA Letter Makes Life Easier in Florida
An ESA letter provides you and your animal companion with many legal rights regarding housing.
- The Right to Reside in No-Pet Policy Housing. You can live with an ESA in almost any housing with a valid ESA letter, regardless of their pet policies. This includes residences like condos and college dorms.
- The Right to Exemption from Pet Fees and Deposits. Landlords cannot charge extra to accommodate your ESA in their housing, including pet deposits.
- The Right to Bypass Breed and Size Restrictions. Your ESA can be any breed or size and still live with you, regardless of any restrictions in place for the building.
Any ESA letter obtained through US Service Animals guarantees you access to these rights in Florida. What’s more, we’ll remind you to renew your prescription every year to ensure you stay protected by our ESA letter.
Emotional Support Animals in Florida
ESAs help individuals with mental health disabilities, alleviating their symptoms through companionship, affection, and routine.
Anyone with a disability listed in the DSM-5 can qualify for an ESA in Florida. They are commonly prescribed as part of a treatment plan alongside therapy and medication.
If you suffer from a condition and think you would benefit from an ESA, get in touch with us to find out if you qualify. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional in Florida.
How Do You Qualify for an ESA in Florida?
You can obtain an ESA letter from a mental health professional licensed in Florida by having a conversation with them about the struggles of your mental or emotional disability, either in person or over the phone, and discussing how an ESA could alleviate the symptoms.
Qualifying mental or emotional disabilities for an ESA include but are not limited to depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and severe phobias.
US Service Animals can help with this process. Our licensed and qualified mental health professionals will assist you with any concerns you have, and make the process as simple and accessible for you as possible.
ESA Travel Laws in Florida
In January 2021, the Air Carrier Access Act was changed to exclude ESAs, meaning that your ESA no longer has the legal right to travel in the cabin of an airline in Florida, unlike a psychiatric service dog. The choice to allow an ESA onboard is up to the discretion of the airline. Learn more about the differences between ESAs and service dogs below.
If you want to fly with your ESA, check the airline’s policies. Most (if not all) treat ESAs as pets. Small dogs or other pets may be allowed to travel in the cabin if kept in a small carrier, or they may be required to travel in cargo if they are allowed on the plane. They are not, however, guaranteed access, even with an ESA status.
This applies to other forms of public transport too. Check with trains, buses, or taxi services to understand their policies on traveling with animals.
ESA Housing Laws in Florida
In Florida, ESAs are protected by the Fair Housing Act. ESAs can live with you in almost any housing in Florida, even if there are no-pet policies in place. Also, landlords can’t charge pet fees or deposits, as ESAs are part of a disability treatment plan and are not pets.
ESA Employment Laws in Florida
ESAs don’t have the right to access your workplace in Florida like service dogs. Individual employers can decide to allow your ESA to accompany you to work if they believe it is a reasonable accommodation, but they are not legally required to.
If you want to take your ESA into work with you in Florida, talk to your HR department about disability accommodations.
Get an ESA Letter in Your Florida City
Learn more about ESA laws in your Florida City, and how to get an ESA letter there.
Common Misunderstandings About ESAs in Florida
With so much information floating around the internet, it can be hard to discern truth from myth with regard to ESA laws. We’ll set the record straight.
You can get an ESA letter by completing an online quiz.
An ESA letter must be prescribed by a mental health professional licensed to practice in your state to be legal and valid.
ESA registration is enough to get ESA rights.
An ESA letter is the only legal form of documentation when applying for housing with your ESA. Registration is helpful, but not necessary. Any sites that claim otherwise are scams.
ESAs have as many rights in public as service dogs.
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, whereas ESAs provide support through companionship. They are not protected by the same rights. ESAs only have housing rights in Florida.
What’s the Difference Between an ESA and a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) in California?
While ESAs and PSDs have some overlapping rights, there are major differences between the two types of support animals in California.
| ESA | PSD |
|---|---|
| Can be almost any animal | Must be a dog |
| Has the right to live in almost any pet-free housing | Has the right to live in almost any pet-free housing |
| Free from breed, weight, and size restrictions | Free from breed, weight, and size restrictions |
| Exempt from pet fees and deposits | Exempt from pet fees and deposits |
| Requires no specific training (short of basic obedience) | Must undergo intensive psychiatric service dog training |
| No public access rights | Public access rights |
| No legal right to fly for free in an airplane cabin | Legally allowed to fly for free with you in an airplane cabin without being in a carrier |
If you think a PSD is the right option for you, you can find out more about our online PSD training course.
Why Choose US Service Animals?
Since US Service Animals was founded by lawyers, you can feel confident that every step of our ESA letter process is legally valid. Not only that, we've put together an extraordinary legal team to assist you if you encounter any ESA-related legal issues.
Our Customer Support Team Can't Be Beat
If you have questions about us or ESAs in general, or if you need help with any step of the process, our customer support team is always there for you. Every member is well-versed in Florida ESA laws – and even better, each one is empathetic, patient, and eager to help everyone get the support they deserve.
You'll Be Given a Legitimate Evaluation
The only way to obtain an ESA legally in Florida is to form a client-patient relationship with a licensed mental health worker. Thanks to our telehealth services, you'll be paired with a fully qualified and licensed mental health worker in Florida who will take the time to properly diagnose you and make sure you're getting the exact support you need.
Our ESA Letters Are Backed by a Money-Back Guarantee
We never want you to worry that your letter won't work for you, or that you'll pay for a service that won't actually help you. This is why we offer a full, 100% money-back refund if your ESA letter fails you.
Licensed in Florida – and Nationwide
At US Service Animals, we know the ins and outs of Florida's ESA laws and have a network of mental health professionals licensed in Florida ready to assist you. We also have mental health professionals in all 50 states, so if you ever need to relocate, we can help make sure your ESA can come with you.
Our Process Is Simple, Transparent, and Stress-Free
We believe in making every step of our process as easy, clear, and straightforward as possible. After all, our goal is to help reduce your stress – not add to it. On top of that, our legal and customer support teams are here to help if you have any issues whatsoever. With US Service Animals, you're never alone.
Licensed Mental Health Providers in Florida
US Service Animals works with many mental health professionals licensed in Florida. You can be assured that any of the experts we connect you with are fully qualified, legitimate mental health workers of the highest quality.
Why US Service Animals Is the Best Online ESA Letter Service
US Service Animals is the best ESA letter service because we are deeply committed to doing everything we can to help those with mental or emotional disabilities get the support they deserve. Not only does this mean we offer legally valid and legitimate ESA letters to those who qualify, but we also make the process easy, have an empathetic customer service team, offer the best legal support, and will refund your letter if it doesn't work for you.
Plus, our outstanding 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, with over 6,000 reviews, speaks for itself. We've helped thousands of people get the support they deserve – and we're eager to help you as well.
| Service Provider | Money Back Guarantee | Legal Support | Live Consultations | BBB Ratings | TrustPilot Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Service Animals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | A+ | |
| Pettable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | A+ | |
| ESA Doctors | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | A+ | |
| American Service Pets | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | A+ |
Get Your Official ESA Letter in Florida Today
Will you benefit from an ESA in Florida? Get in touch with us to discover whether you qualify for an ESA letter today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for an ESA in Florida?
You may qualify if you have a mental or emotional disability recognized in the DSM‑5. A licensed mental health professional authorized to practice in Florida must evaluate your condition and determine whether an emotional support animal is appropriate for your treatment.
Who is qualified to write an ESA letter in Florida?
A licensed mental health professional or another healthcare provider authorized to practice, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions in Florida can write an ESA letter in Florida. The letter must be based on a legitimate clinical evaluation.
Can a landlord deny my ESA in Florida?
Generally, no. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must usually provide reasonable accommodation for tenants with a valid ESA letter. They can deny a request only in limited situations, such as when the animal poses a direct threat or would cause significant property damage.
How can I get my animal certified as an ESA in Florida?
There is no legally required certification or registration for emotional support animals in Florida or anywhere else in the U.S. The only document legally required to establish an ESA is a valid ESA letter from an Florida-licensed mental health professional (LMHP). While some owners choose to register their ESA for added convenience, organization, or identification, registration is optional and does not replace the need for a valid ESA letter.
How do you get an ESA in Florida?
To get an ESA in Florida, complete a mental health evaluation with a licensed provider. If you qualify, you'll receive an ESA letter that can be used to request housing accommodations under the Fair Housing Act.
How many ESAs can I have in Florida?
There is no federal or Florida law that limits the number of emotional support animals you can have. Your healthcare provider must determine that each animal is necessary for your disability-related needs.
Are online ESA certifications legal in Florida?
Online ESA registration or certification services are not legally required and, by themselves, do not provide housing rights under federal law. The document that establishes your ESA is a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional who evaluates your need for one. While some pet owners choose to register their ESA for added organization, identification, or personal recordkeeping, registration is optional and does not replace a valid Florida ESA letter.
Can I fly with my ESA in Florida?
Emotional support animals in Florida do not have any special legal rights that allow them to fly with you. Under current federal rules, airlines may treat ESAs as pets and apply their standard pet policies. Only trained psychiatric service dogs are protected under the Air Carrier Access Act.
Where can I bring my ESA in Florida?
ESAs are generally protected in housing but do not have the same public access rights as service animals. Most businesses, restaurants, and stores in Florida can choose whether to allow emotional support animals.
Can hotels in Florida deny my ESA?
Yes. Hotels are not covered by the FHA and can follow their pet policy. Some may allow ESAs as a courtesy, but they are not required to.
Can Airbnb hosts deny my ESA in Florida?
Yes. Airbnb hosts can generally enforce their pet policy and may deny an ESA, unless the property is considered long‑term housing covered by FHA (usually 30+ days).
Are ESAs allowed on school campuses in Florida?
It depends. Colleges and universities in Florida may consider housing accommodations for students with valid ESA letters, but emotional support animals are generally not allowed in classrooms or other campus buildings unless specifically approved.
Can I renew my ESA letter in Florida?
Yes. While ESA letters do not have a federally mandated expiration date, many landlords prefer or request documentation issued within the past year. Renewing your Florida ESA letter annually helps ensure your records stay current and can make the housing process smoother. If you obtain your ESA letter through US Service Animal, you'll also receive renewal reminders, making it easy to keep your documentation up to date.
How much does an ESA letter cost in Florida?
ESA letter costs vary by provider. At US Service Animals, an ESA evaluation and letter costs $199.99 if you qualify. While some providers charge less, the price includes a legally compliant evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional and legal support if your FloridaESA letter is ever questioned by a housing provider.
Is ESA registration or certification required in Florida?
No. Florida does not require ESA registration, certification, or licensing. A valid ESA letter from a licensed healthcare provider is the only documentation generally needed for housing accommodations.
What should an ESA letter include for Florida?
A valid Florida ESA letter should include the provider's name, license information, contact details, date of issuance, and confirmation that you have a qualifying condition for which an emotional support animal is recommended. It should also be signed by the provider.
How do I know if an ESA letter service is legitimate in Florida?
Choose a reputable provider, like US Service Animal, that connects you with an Florida-licensed healthcare professional who conducts a real clinical evaluation before issuing an ESA letter. Be cautious of services that offer instant approvals without an assessment. While ESA registrations and ID cards may be available as optional products, they do not replace a valid ESA letter from a licensed professional.