Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Florida Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 1/13/2020
Become a Nurse in Florida – Licensure & Requirements
| Nursing Licenses in Florida | Master’s Required? |
|---|---|
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner | Yes |
Clinical Nurse Specialist | Yes |
Licensed Midwife | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Certified Nursing Assistant | No |
Florida Nursing Salary Average
| FL Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach Annual Mean Wage | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Annual Mean Wage | Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $44,400 | $46,820 | $44,230 | $44,150 |
Registered Nurse | $66,210 | $69,500 | $68,010 | $64,950 |
Nurse Practitioner | $101,100 | $103,840 | $94,250 | $96,350 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $177,390 | $194,520 | $243,660 | Not Available |
Nurse Midwife | $88,060 | $77,290 | $104,120 | $98,780 |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Florida in January 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Florida. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Florida, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Florida nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current.If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Florida, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
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Compact State Status
As of January 19, 2018 Florida is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
Prescriptive Authority in Florida
Advanced registered nurse practitioners (APRNs) may prescribe, dispense, administer, and order any drug under the supervision of a physician. According to the Regulation of Professions and Occupations: Nursing Statute, APRN prescriptive authority requires a master’s level degree in clinical nursing specialty area with training in specialized practitioner skills.
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) in Florida
Recognized APRN roles in Florida include: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Education: Master’s degree or higher in nursing, two hour board-certified course in the prevention of medical errors.
Examination: Varies for Different National Certifications
Certification Required: National certification a board-approved certifying organization (not required for nurse-midwife and nurse anesthetist applicants who have graduated within the past 12 months).
Fees:
- $110 if currently a registered nurse (RN) in Florida
- $210 for licensure as RN and APRN
- $100 Dispensing License For Prescriptive Authority
Additional Information: An active RN license is required for application as a APRN.
Renewal: Nurses must complete 30 hours of continuing education, including two hour course on human trafficking, biennially and maintain national certification. Fee for renewal is $60, active to active licenses, with an additional $100 fee if dispensing practitioner.
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Florida
Education: Completion of an state approved or accredited nursing education program.
Examination: NCLEX
Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a registered nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement, subject to board approval. A $110 application fee is required.
Fees:
- $110 Application Fee
- $200 Examination Fee
Renewal: A mix of 27 continuing education hours are required for renewals. Two hours must be earned in the following, each: prevention of medical errors, Florida laws and rules, recognizing impairment in the workplace, human trafficking, and domestic violence. One hour must be earned in HIV/AIDS information. Each subject requirement follows different schedules. Refer to the Florida Board of Nursing – LPN Renewal or RN-Renewal for more information. Fee for renewal is $75.
Learn more on how to become a registered nurse or information on how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Information for the nursing careers above: advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, and licensed practical nurse was retrieved from the Florida Board of Nursing, as of January 2020.
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED