Key Takeaways
- Graduate from a Florida-approved program, or an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program that holds an NCLEX code from NCSBN.
- Apply to the Florida Board of Nursing and submit Livescan fingerprints within 90 days of your application.
- Register with NCSBN, then pass the NCLEX-RN to earn your license.
- A Florida license can be issued as a multistate (compact) license.
The 5 Steps
- Finish an approved nursing program. You can qualify with an associate degree (ADN) or a bachelor's (BSN). The program must be approved by the Florida Board of Nursing or accredited by ACEN or CCNE with an NCLEX code issued by NCSBN.
- Apply to the Florida Board of Nursing. Submit your application and fees through the Florida Department of Health licensing portal.
- Complete a Livescan background check. Results must be submitted no more than 90 days before you file your application or within a year of applying.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN. Register with NCSBN, receive your Authorization to Test, and schedule the exam at a Pearson VUE center.
- Receive and maintain your license. Once you pass, the Board issues your RN license. Renew it every two years and complete required continuing education.
Pay and Outlook
Nurses are in steady demand statewide. Nationally, the median registered-nurse wage was $93,600 in May 2024, and RN employment is projected to grow 5% through 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Florida's large retiree population keeps hospital, home-health, and long-term-care demand high.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a nurse in Florida? An ADN typically takes about two years and a BSN about four. After graduation, licensing usually adds a few weeks to a few months while you clear the background check and pass the NCLEX-RN.
Is Florida a compact nursing state? Yes. Florida belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact, so if Florida is your primary state of residence you can apply for a multistate license and practice in other compact states.
Which exam do I need to pass? All new RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam administered through NCSBN and Pearson VUE.
Do I need a background check? Yes. Florida requires a Livescan fingerprint background check, with results submitted no more than 90 days before your application or within a year of applying.
Can I work while I wait to pass the NCLEX? Florida does not issue graduate-nurse permits the way some states do, so plan to practice as an RN only after you pass and your license is issued.
How often do I renew my Florida nursing license? RN licenses renew on a two-year cycle, with continuing-education requirements set by the Board.