After John Terry was acquitted of racial abuse the defender said: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic! hahahahahahha!!" in response to a tweet calling Chelsea defender Ashley Cole a "choc-ice."
Cole had been a defence witness for Terry during his trial on charges of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother Anton.
The FA said Ferdinand had been charged with acting "in a way which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute by making comments which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race."
He has until 4pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.