Florida / Health information management programs

Best CAHIIM-accredited health information management programs in Florida, ranked (2026)

Florida has 18 CAHIIM-accredited HIM and health informatics programs, including more master's programs than any other state. We score every one of them on our seven-factor methodology and rank them head-to-head. The top program is University of Central Florida's BSHIM, scoring 85/100.

Taylor Rupe, founder of healthinformationmanagementprograms.com

by , founder & editor

updated

Florida state capitol in Tallahassee
18

Programs ranked

85

Top score

$46K

FL median HIM wage

21,490

HIM jobs in FL

Key Takeaways

  • University of Central Florida ranks #1 in Florida (85/100). Best public BSHIM with MS progression at same school.
  • Florida has 18 active CAHIIM-accredited HIM and health informatics programs: 11 AAS, 3 bachelor's (FAMU HBCU Tallahassee, UCF, Keiser), 4 master's in Health Informatics (UCF, USF Tampa, FIU Miami, Nova Southeastern Fort Lauderdale).
  • Florida runs more CAHIIM-accredited master's in Health Informatics than any other state. All four are online. Highly competitive market for working RHIAs and clinicians moving into informatics.
  • Median HIM salary in Florida is 45,760 per BLS OEWS May 2025. 90th percentile reaches 76,850. Florida has no state income tax.
  • AdventHealth (HQ Altamonte Springs, ~50 FL hospitals) and HCA Healthcare's two FL divisions dominate hiring. Together with BayCare (Tampa Bay), Orlando Health, and Baptist Health South Florida, they account for the majority of HIM jobs in the state.
  • Florida Health Information Exchange (FHIE) is operated by AHCA through Audacious Inquiry. Three services: Patient Look-up, Direct Secure Messaging, and the Encounter Notification Service (real-time ADT alerts).
  • Florida Bright Futures Scholarship is the state's lottery-funded merit aid. 100% (Florida Academic Scholars) or 75% (Florida Medallion Scholars) of public-university tuition for eligible Florida residents.

How we ranked

Our ranking methodology in one paragraph.

Every program on this page is CAHIIM-accredited, which means every program produces graduates eligible for the AHIMA RHIT or RHIA exam. To help readers compare programs that are all technically eligible, we score each one 0 to 10 on seven factors: CAHIIM accreditation maturity (25%), program director credentials (15%), degree-level pathways offered (15%), delivery flexibility (15%), employer pipeline strength (15%), cost-effectiveness (10%), and institutional reputation (5%).

Read the full methodology →

The ranked programs

The 18 CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs in Florida, ranked.

RankInstitutionDegreeCityScoreCAHIIM
#1 University of Central Florida BS Orlando 85/100 Continuing
#2 University of Central Florida MS Orlando 82.5/100 Initial
#3 Florida SouthWestern State College AAS Fort Myers 81.5/100 Continuing
#4 Santa Fe College AAS Gainesville 81/100 Continuing
#5 Seminole State College of Florida AAS Altamonte Springs 81/100 Continuing
#6 Palm Beach State College AAS Lake Worth 79.5/100 Continuing
#7 Broward College AAS Coconut Creek 79.5/100 Continuing
#8 St. Petersburg College AAS Pinellas Park 79.5/100 Continuing
#9 Valencia College AAS Orlando 77.5/100 Initial
#10 St. Johns River State College AAS St. Augustine 76/100 Continuing
#11 Florida State College at Jacksonville AAS Jacksonville 75/100 Continuing
#12 University of South Florida MS Tampa 75/100 Initial
#13 Florida International University MS Miami 74.5/100 Initial
#14 Keiser University BS Ft. Lauderdale 73.5/100 Continuing
#15 Miami Dade College AAS Miami 72.5/100 Continuing
#16 Nova Southeastern University MS Fort Lauderdale 70/100 Initial
#17 Florida A&M University BS Tallahassee 69.5/100 Continuing
#18 Ultimate Medical Academy AAS Tampa 68.5/100 Continuing
#1
85/100

Overall score

University of Central Florida (BS)

Best public BSHIM with MS progression at same school

BSHIM Orlando, FL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2027-2028

Why it ranks #1

UCF is the largest university in Florida (70,000+ students). The CAHIIM-accredited BSHIM is paired with a CAHIIM-accredited MS Health Care Informatics at the same institution. Director Dr. Amanda Walden holds PhD + RHIA + CHDA. Continuing CAHIIM since June 2020. Direct line to AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando Health, and Nemours Children's. Public-university tuition with Bright Futures eligibility.

Program Director

Amanda Walden , PhD, RHIA, CHDA

Address

PO Box 162225, 528 W. Livingston Street, Suite 401, Orlando, FL, 32801

Contact

(407) 823-3613
amanda.walden@ucf.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)9/10
Pathways (15%)8/10
Delivery (15%)9/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)8/10
Overall85/100

Visit program at ccie.ucf.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#2
82.5/100

Overall score

University of Central Florida (MS)

Best public MS in Health Care Informatics in Florida

MS Health Informatics Orlando, FL Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2028-2029

Why it ranks #2

UCF's MS Health Care Informatics, fully online. Director Dr. Michelle Crozier holds PhD + MPH + CPH. Initial CAHIIM since May 2018. The largest of Florida's four MS programs by enrollment. Public-university tuition; BS-to-MS progression at the same school.

Program Director

Michelle Crozier , PhD, MPH, CPH

Address

528 W. Livingston Street, Suite 401, Orlando, FL, 32801

Contact

(407) 823-1402
Michelle.Crozier@ucf.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)7/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)8/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)8/10
Overall82.5/100

Visit program at ucf.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#3
81.5/100

Overall score

Florida SouthWestern State College

Best fresh-accreditation Florida AAS (SW FL)

AAS Fort Myers, FL Campus Based, Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2033-2034

Why it ranks #3

Re-accredited February 2026 with next review 2033-2034. Director Dr. Susan L. Foster is FAHIMA + holds EdD + MBA + RHIA + CHPS + CHC + CHPC + CIPP/US + CC, one of the deepest credential stacks in Florida HIM. Hybrid delivery in Fort Myers. Feeds Lee Health and HCA West Florida.

Program Director

Susan L. Foster , EdD, MBA, RHIA, CHPS, CHC, CHPC, CIPP/US, CC, FAHIMA

Address

8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL, 33919

Contact

(239) 489-9403
susan.foster@fsw.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)10/10
Director credentials (15%)10/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)8/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall81.5/100

Visit program at fsw.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#4
81/100

Overall score

Santa Fe College

Best Gainesville / North Central FL AAS

AAS Gainesville, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #4

Director Dr. Julia Steff is FAHIMA + holds DHSc + MHSc + RHIA + CPHQ + CPHIMS + CPHI + CCS + CCS-P. One of the most credentialed program directors in Florida. Continuing CAHIIM since May 2022. Fully online. Pipeline to UF Health (Gainesville academic medical center).

Program Director

Julia Steff , DHSc, MHSc, RHIA, CPHQ, CPHIMS, CPHI, CCS, CCS-P, FAHIMA, ACUE

Address

3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL, 32606

Contact

(352) 395-5036
julia.steff@sfcollege.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)10/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall81/100

Visit program at sfcollege.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#5
81/100

Overall score

Seminole State College of Florida

Best AdventHealth feeder AAS (Orlando metro)

AAS Altamonte Springs, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2030-2031

Why it ranks #5

Located in Altamonte Springs, the home of AdventHealth's headquarters. Director Dr. Nicole Copemann holds DHSc + MSHA + RHIA + CPC + CAPM. Continuing CAHIIM since June 2023. Fully online. The primary AAS feeder for AdventHealth's Orlando hub.

Program Director

Nicole Copemann , DHSc, MSHA, RHIA, CPC, CAPM

Address

850 South State Road 434, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714

Contact

(407) 404-6174
copemannn@seminolestate.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall81/100

Visit program at seminolestate.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#6
79.5/100

Overall score

Palm Beach State College

Best Palm Beach / Treasure Coast AAS

AAS Lake Worth, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2030-2031

Why it ranks #6

Director Colette Chiacchiero holds MEd + RHIA + CCS-P + CAHIMS + ACUE. Continuing CAHIIM since April 2023. Fully online. Feeds Tenet Healthcare's Palm Beach hospitals, HCA Florida East, and Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Program Director

Colette Chiacchiero , MEd, RHIA, CCS-P, CAHIMS, ACUE

Address

4200 Congress Avenue, MS60, Lake Worth, FL, 33461

Contact

(561) 868-4150
chiacchc@pbsc.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)9/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall79.5/100

Visit program at palmbeachstate.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#7
79.5/100

Overall score

Broward College

Best Broward County / Fort Lauderdale AAS

AAS Coconut Creek, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2030-2031

Why it ranks #7

Director ViMarie Colom holds MS + RHIA + CCS + CHTS-IM. Continuing CAHIIM since August 2023. Fully online. Feeds Memorial Healthcare System (Broward public), Broward Health, Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Program Director

ViMarie Colom , MS, RHIA, CCS, CHTS-IM

Address

1000 Coconut Creek Blvd, Coconut Creek, FL, 33066

Contact

(954) 201-6019
vcolom@broward.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall79.5/100

Visit program at broward.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#8
79.5/100

Overall score

St. Petersburg College

Best Tampa Bay AAS

AAS Pinellas Park, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2028-2029

Why it ranks #8

St. Petersburg College in Pinellas Park serves Tampa Bay. Director Dr. Kengia Sabree holds EdD + RHIA + CAHIMS + CCA. Continuing CAHIIM since February 2021. Fully online. Pipeline to BayCare, HCA West Florida, Tampa General, AdventHealth Tampa Bay.

Program Director

Kengia Sabree , EdD, RHIA, CAHIMS, CCA, Interim Program Director

Address

7200 66th Street North, Pinellas Park, FL, 33781

Contact

(727) 341-3623
sabree.kengia@spcollege.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall79.5/100

Visit program at spcollege.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#9
77.5/100

Overall score

Valencia College

Best Orlando metro AAS (alternate to Seminole State)

AAS Orlando, FL Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2028-2029

Why it ranks #9

Orlando-based AAS. Director Kelli Lewis holds MSHI + RHIA. Initial CAHIIM since March 2018. Fully online. Strong pipeline to Orlando Health, AdventHealth, Nemours.

Program Director

Kelli Lewis , MSHI, RHIA

Address

1800 S. Kirkman Rd., MC 4-44, Orlando, FL, 32811

Contact

(407) 582-1010
klewis38@valenciacollege.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)7/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall77.5/100

Visit program at valenciacollege.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#10
76/100

Overall score

St. Johns River State College

Best St. Augustine / Northeast Florida coast AAS

AAS St. Augustine, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #10

St. Johns River State College in St. Augustine. Director Dr. Charlene Livaudais holds EdD + CBRM + CPHIMS + RHIA. Continuing CAHIIM since May 2022. Fully online. Feeds Flagler Health+ and the St. Augustine-area hospitals plus Jacksonville commute.

Program Director

Charlene Livaudais , EdD, CBRM, CPHIMS, RHIA

Address

2990 College Drive, Department of Allied Health, St. Augustine, FL, 32084

Contact

(904) 808-7454
charlenelivaudais@sjrstate.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)7/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)5/10
Overall76/100

Visit program at sjrstate.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#11
75/100

Overall score

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Best Jacksonville / NE FL AAS

AAS Jacksonville, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #11

FSCJ serves Northeast Florida. Director Monica Brown holds RHIT. Continuing CAHIIM since April 2022. Fully online. Feeds UF Health Jacksonville, Baptist Health Jacksonville, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, HCA Florida North Florida.

Program Director

Monica Brown , RHIT

Address

501 W. State Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32202

Contact

(904) 766-6745
monbrown@fscj.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)6/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall75/100

Visit program at fscj.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#12
75/100

Overall score

University of South Florida

Best Tampa Bay MS in Health Informatics

MS Health Informatics Tampa, FL Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #12

USF Health is one of Florida's largest academic medical centers. Fully online MS. Director Dr. Athanasios Tsalatsanis holds PhD. Initial CAHIIM since June 2022. Feeds Tampa General Hospital, BayCare, Moffitt Cancer Center, and USF Health affiliates.

Program Director

Athanasios Tsalatsanis , PhD

Address

Graduate Affairs MDC 40, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612

Contact

(813) 396-2605
atsalats@usf.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)7/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)5/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)8/10
Overall75/100

Visit program at usfhealthonline.com → · CAHIIM directory listing

#13
74.5/100

Overall score

Florida International University

Best Miami-area MS in Health Informatics & Analytics

MS Health Informatics Miami, FL Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2028-2029

Why it ranks #13

FIU's MS in Health Informatics & Analytics, fully online. Director Dr. Tala Mirzaei holds PhD. Initial CAHIIM since May 2018. Strong Miami-area healthcare analytics emphasis; feeds Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Health, and Nicklaus Children's. Public-university tuition.

Program Director

Tala Mirzaei , PhD

Address

11200 SW 8th Street, Department of Information Systems & Business Analytics, College of Business, Miami, FL, 33199

Contact

(305) 348-5438
tmirzaei@fiu.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)7/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)5/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)9/10
Cost (10%)7/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall74.5/100

Visit program at mshia.fiu.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#14
73.5/100

Overall score

Keiser University

Best private online BSHIM in Florida

BSHIM Ft. Lauderdale, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2031-2032

Why it ranks #14

Private Florida-based university with a fully online CAHIIM-accredited BSHIM. Director Amber Krasny holds MBA + RHIA + CCS + CPC (deep coding background). Continuing CAHIIM since November 2023.

Program Director

Amber Krasny , MBA, RHIA, CCS, CPC

Address

1900 W Commercial Blvd, Suite 100, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33309

Contact

(954) 351-4040
akrasny@keiseruniversity.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)5/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)4/10
Reputation (5%)6/10
Overall73.5/100

Visit program at keiseruniversity.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#15
72.5/100

Overall score

Miami Dade College

Best Miami-Dade AAS feeder

AAS Miami, FL Campus Based CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2027-2028

Why it ranks #15

Miami Dade College is one of the largest CCs in the US (~100,000 students). Director Mary Worsley holds MS + RHIA + CCS + ICD Trainer + CEHRS. Continuing CAHIIM since September 2017. Campus-based. Feeds Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Health, Nicklaus Children's, HCA Florida, Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Program Director

Mary Worsley , MS, RHIA, CCS, ICD Trainer, CEHRS

Address

950 NW 20 Street, Miami, FL, 33127

Contact

(305) 237-4156
mworsley@mdc.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)4/10
Employer pipeline (15%)10/10
Cost (10%)10/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall72.5/100

Visit program at mdc.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#16
70/100

Overall score

Nova Southeastern University

Best private MS in Health Informatics (Fort Lauderdale)

MS Health Informatics Fort Lauderdale, FL Online CAHIIM Initial Next Review 2028-2029

Why it ranks #16

Private osteopathic-anchored university in Fort Lauderdale. Fully online MS. Director Dr. Stephen Bronsburg holds PhD + MS + MHSA. Initial CAHIIM since April 2021. Pipeline to Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare, and Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Program Director

Stephen Bronsburg , PhD, MS, MHSA

Address

3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328

Contact

(954) 262-1619
bronsbur@nova.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)7/10
Director credentials (15%)7/10
Pathways (15%)5/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)4/10
Reputation (5%)7/10
Overall70/100

Visit program at osteopathic.nova.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#17
69.5/100

Overall score

Florida A&M University

Best HBCU BSHIM in Florida

BSHIM Tallahassee, FL Campus Based CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2029-2030

Why it ranks #17

Florida A&M is the largest HBCU in the US by enrollment and one of two HBCUs in the State University System of Florida. The only HBCU CAHIIM-accredited BSHIM in Florida. Director Dr. Lan'Tejuana Cooper holds PhD + MHA + RHIA + CPM. Continuing CAHIIM since May 2022. Campus-based in Tallahassee.

Program Director

Lan'Tejuana Cooper , PhD, MHA, RHIA, CPM

Address

334 Palmer Avenue, Lewis-Beck Allied Health Building Room 324, Tallahassee, FL, 32307

Contact

(850) 561-2025
lantejuana.cooper@famu.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)9/10
Pathways (15%)5/10
Delivery (15%)4/10
Employer pipeline (15%)8/10
Cost (10%)6/10
Reputation (5%)9/10
Overall69.5/100

Visit program at ahealth.famu.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

#18
68.5/100

Overall score

Ultimate Medical Academy

Best private online AAS in Florida

AAS Tampa, FL Online CAHIIM Continuing Next Review 2033-2034

Why it ranks #18

Private, online-only allied-health institution headquartered in Tampa. One of the largest private-online HIM enrollments in the US. Director Lynnette Hessling holds RHIA + CHTS-PW + CHTS-TR. Continuing CAHIIM since November 2023. Caveat: private tuition is higher than Florida College System rates.

Program Director

Lynnette Hessling , RHIA, CHTS-PW, CHTS-TR

Address

9309 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL, 33612

Contact

(813) 594-9461
lhessling@ultimatemedical.edu

Score breakdown

Accreditation (25%)8/10
Director credentials (15%)8/10
Pathways (15%)4/10
Delivery (15%)10/10
Employer pipeline (15%)6/10
Cost (10%)4/10
Reputation (5%)5/10
Overall68.5/100

Visit program at ultimatemedical.edu → · CAHIIM directory listing

Best for…

Best Florida HIM programs by category (long-tail rankings).

Best HBCU BSHIM in Florida

Florida A&M University

The largest HBCU in the US by enrollment. The only HBCU CAHIIM-accredited BSHIM in Florida. Director Dr. Lan'Tejuana Cooper holds PhD + MHA + RHIA + CPM. Campus-based in Tallahassee.

Best public BS+MS pathway at one school

University of Central Florida

UCF is the only Florida public university offering both a CAHIIM-accredited BSHIM and a CAHIIM-accredited MS Health Care Informatics at the same school. Direct pipeline to AdventHealth Orlando.

Best AdventHealth feeder AAS

Seminole State College of Florida

Located in Altamonte Springs, AdventHealth's HQ city. Fully online. The most direct AAS pipeline to AdventHealth's 50+ Florida hospitals.

Best fresh-accreditation Florida AAS

Florida SouthWestern State College

Re-accredited February 2026 with next review 2033-2034 (the longest CAHIIM horizon in Florida). Director Dr. Susan Foster is FAHIMA with one of the deepest credential stacks in FL HIM.

Best Miami-Dade AAS feeder

Miami Dade College

One of the largest CCs in the US (~100K students). Feeds Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Health, Nicklaus Children's, HCA Florida, Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Best Tampa Bay AAS

St. Petersburg College

Fully online AAS, feeds BayCare, HCA West Florida, Tampa General, AdventHealth Tampa Bay.

Best private MS in Health Informatics (Fort Lauderdale)

Nova Southeastern University

Fully online, clinical-informatics lean. Pipeline to Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare, Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Best Miami MS in Health Informatics & Analytics

Florida International University

FIU's MS Health Informatics & Analytics. Fully online. South Florida employer ties at Baptist Health, Jackson Health, Nicklaus Children's.

Best Tampa MS in Health Informatics

University of South Florida

USF Health affiliated. Fully online. Feeds Tampa General, BayCare, Moffitt Cancer Center.

Best private online BSHIM in Florida

Keiser University

Fully online BSHIM. Director Amber Krasny holds MBA + RHIA + CCS + CPC. Strong coding curriculum.

Credentials

HIM credentials and certifications in Florida (RHIA, RHIT, CCS).

Florida does not license HIM staff. The Florida Health Information Management Association (FHIMA) is the state AHIMA component with regional chapters across South Florida, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, and the Panhandle.

CredentialFull NameEducation RequiredTypical FL Role
RHITRegistered Health Information TechnicianCAHIIM AASRecords, ROI, coder at AdventHealth/HCA/BayCare
RHIARegistered Health Information AdministratorCAHIIM BSHIMHIM supervisor, privacy officer, FIPA compliance
CCSCertified Coding SpecialistRHIT/RHIA + coding experienceCoder, coding auditor, CDI specialist

Salary data

Medical records specialist salary in Florida.

BLS tracks Medical Records Specialists in Florida under SOC 29-2072. May 2025 OEWS:

  • Median: $45,760 (national $51,140)
  • Mean: $50,440
  • 10th pct: $36,330 · 90th pct: $76,850
  • Statewide employment: 21,490

Florida has no state income tax. The 90th percentile is concentrated at AdventHealth Orlando, Cleveland Clinic Florida, USF Health, UF Health, and Baptist Health South Florida.

Salary distribution

Medical records specialist salary in Florida vs. national median (BLS OEWS May 2025).

$30K$40K$50K$60K$70K$80K$90K Florida MED $46K National MED $51K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.

Workforce

Florida health information management job market and top hospital employers.

AdventHealth. HQ Altamonte Springs. 50+ Florida hospitals, 90,000+ Florida employees. AdventHealth Orlando is the flagship and one of the largest hospitals in the country by admissions.

HCA Florida Healthcare. Two divisions: East (Palm Beach to the Keys, 15+ hospitals) and West (Tampa Bay, Naples, central FL, 16+ hospitals).

BayCare Health System. Tampa Bay's dominant non-HCA system. 14+ hospitals.

Orlando Health. 10+ hospitals across Central Florida. Acquired Brookwood Baptist (AL) in 2024.

Baptist Health South Florida. 12+ Miami-Dade and Broward hospitals. Jackson Health System is the Miami-Dade public network.

Other major systems. Memorial Healthcare, Lee Health, Tampa General, UF Health, Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Health information exchange

Florida Health Information Exchange (FHIE).

The Florida Health Information Exchange (FHIE) is the state-run HIE, operated by AHCA through Audacious Inquiry. Three core services: Patient Look-up, Direct Secure Messaging, and the Encounter Notification Service (ENS) for real-time ADT alerts.

ENS is heavily used. When a Florida Medicaid patient is admitted to one hospital, the patient's primary care provider, ACO, or care management team can be notified within minutes. This drives care-coordination roles.

State regulation

Florida state laws affecting health information management (FIPA, F.S. 395.3025).

  • Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA) of 2014 (Fla. Stat. § 501.171). Breach notification within 30 days. Breaches affecting 500+ FL residents require notice to the Florida Attorney General. Penalties up to $500,000.
  • Medical record retention (Fla. Stat. § 395.3025). Hospital records must be retained for 7 years from last patient discharge. For minors, retention runs to age 21 or 7 years after discharge, whichever is later.
  • Patient access and copy fees (Fla. Admin. Code 59A-3.270). Paper: $1.00 per page for the first 25 pages, $0.25 per page after.

Sources

Sources and references.

  1. healthinformationmanagementprograms.com Methodology.
  2. CAHIIM Program Directory.
  3. BLS OEWS: May 2025 Florida estimates.
  4. AHIMA Certification Exams.
  5. Florida Health Information Exchange (FHIE).
  6. FL Office of Student Financial Assistance: Bright Futures.
  7. Florida Statutes: FIPA and Chapter 395.
  8. Florida Health Information Management Association (FHIMA).

FAQ

HIM programs in Florida: frequently asked questions.

What is the best CAHIIM-accredited HIM program in Florida?

On our methodology, University of Central Florida ranks #1 (85/100). University of Central Florida ranks #2 (82.5/100), Florida SouthWestern State College #3 (81.5/100).

How many CAHIIM-accredited HIM programs are in Florida?

18 active. 11 AAS, 3 bachelor's (FAMU HBCU, UCF, Keiser), 4 master's in Health Informatics (UCF, USF, FIU, Nova Southeastern). Florida has more master's programs than any other state.

What is the average HIM salary in Florida?

Median $45,760 per BLS OEWS May 2025. 90th percentile $76,850. No state income tax.

Does Florida require a license to work in HIM?

No. AHIMA credentials (RHIT, RHIA, CCS) are the standard.

Which FL hospitals hire the most HIM staff?

AdventHealth (50+ FL hospitals), HCA Florida (East + West divisions), BayCare, Orlando Health, Baptist Health South Florida, Memorial Healthcare, Jackson Health, Tampa General, UF Health, Cleveland Clinic Florida.

What is the Florida Health Information Exchange (FHIE)?

The state-run HIE, operated by AHCA through Audacious Inquiry. Patient Look-up, Direct Secure Messaging, and the Encounter Notification Service.

Can I get a HIM degree online in Florida?

Yes. Most FL AAS programs are fully online. Keiser BSHIM is online. UCF BSHIM is hybrid. All four MS programs are online. FAMU BSHIM is campus-only.