Florida Nursing License Renewal & Licensing Guide
Florida Nursing License
- Compact: Yes
- Time Frame: 2-6 Months
- Fee: $110
- Renewal: Every 2 Years
- Nursys: Yes
Guide to Florida Nursing License
Florida is popular state for travel nurses thanks to its year-round assignments, large healthcare systems, and growing population. Whether you’re accepting a contract in Miami, relocating to Orlando, or maintaining multistate eligibility, understanding how Florida licensing works will help you avoid delays and start working sooner.
The Florida Board of Nursing oversees licensure for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Below is a clear breakdown of Florida nursing license renewal steps, endorsement requirements, education expectations, and fingerprinting rules.
Florida License Fees & Board of Nursing Info
Fingerprinting & Background Checks
Florida requires a criminal background check for all applicants. You must use a Florida-approved Livescan provider. The fee is typically $50 – $80.
Fees
Licensure by Endorsement: $110
Licensure by Examination: $110
RN License Renewal: $75
Late Renewal : $130
Fingerprinting & Background Checks: ~$50-$80
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Florida Board of Nursing
Address
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-02
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
Florida Nursing License Renewal
Renewal Timeline
Florida nursing licenses must be renewed every two years. The biennial renewal period ends on April 30th or July 31st of either even or odd-numbered years, depending on your license group.
- Late Renewals: Licenses can be renewed up to 6 months after expiration with a $120 late fee.
Renewal Requirements
To renew your Florida RN license, you must complete the following:
- Submit your renewal application and pay the required renewal fee.
- Confirm your continuing education (CE) requirements are met and reported via the state tracking system (such as CE Broker)
- Ensure your license status is active/unencumbered at the time of renewal.
Continuing Education Requirements
For most RNs renewing in Florida, the CE requirements are:
- 16 general contact hours every renewal cycle (i.e., every two years) for regular renewal.
- 2 hours on Prevention of Medical Errors every renewal cycle.
- 2 hours on Florida Laws & Rules every cycle.
- 2 hours on Human Trafficking every renewal cycle
- 2 hours on Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace — required every other renewal cycle
- 2 hours on Domestic Violence — required every third renewal cycle
- 1 hour on HIV/AIDS — one-time requirement, prior to the first renewal.
Note: If you hold a specialty certification that is recognized by the Board, you may qualify for a CE exemption.
How to Renew Florida RN License
- Complete CE: Ensure all 24 contact hours, including mandatory courses, are completed and reported in CE Broker.
- Log In to your Florida Health Source account.
- Initiate the online renewal, answer all questions, and attest to CE completion.
- Submit the $75 renewal fee.
- Allow time for processing. Your updated license will be available in your portal upon approval.
Renewal Fee: $75
Late Fee: $130
Florida Nursing License by Endorsement
What is Endorsement?
f you hold an active nursing license in another U.S. state, you can apply for a Florida license by endorsement without needing to retake the NCLEX.
Who Qualifies?
You may apply if you:
- Hold an active, unencumbered RN or LPN license in another U.S. state/territory.
- Have actively practiced nursing for 2 of the preceding 3 years without disciplinary history.
- Have graduated from an approved nursing program and passed the NCLEX.
- Meet Florida's background check requirements.
What You’ll Need (documents & verifications)
- Online application via Florida Health Source.
- License verification from your original state of licensure (use Nursys if available).
- NCLEX scores (often verified through Nursys).
- Completed Livescan fingerprinting.
- Legal/disciplinary documents if you answer "yes" to any screening questions.
Step-By-Step Process Florida Nursing License by Endorsement
- Start your application online via the Florida Health Source portal and pay the required $110 fee.
- Provide License Verification of all state nursing licenses you’ve held.
- If your state uses Nursys, you can submit verification electronically though there.
- If not, request that your state board send verification directly to the Florida BON.
- Transfer NCLEX Scores
- Your national exam results must be transferred to the Florida Board. Scores coming through Nursys usually satisfy this requirement automatically.
- Submit any Required Personal/Legal Documents
- If you answer “yes” to any application questions involving criminal history, discipline, or personal disclosures you will be required to upload your personal explanation and supporting paperwork with your application.
- Complete Fingerprinting & Background Screening
- Schedule a Livescan fingerprint appointment with an approved Florida provider.
- Application Review
- The FL BON typically reviews applications within about 10 business days.
If anything is missing, they’ll notify you— so check your portal frequently.
- The FL BON typically reviews applications within about 10 business days.
- License Issuance
- Once all requirements are met and cleared, Florida will issue your license — usually within 7 days
License by Endorsement Fee: $110
Florida Temporary RN License
Temporary License
Florida may issue a 90-day temporary permit to qualified endorsement applicants, allowing them to practice while their application undergoes final processing, typically the background check.
Eligibility for FL Temporary License
- Hold an active, unencumbered license in another state.
- Have submitted a complete endorsement application, including fees.
- Have no disciplinary history or other disqualifying conditions.
Key Details
Issuance: Not automatic; the BON will issue it if you meet the criteria.
Validity: 90 days, non-renewable.
Licensure by Examination (New Grads)
Who Qualifies
First-time RN or LPN applicants who have graduated from a Florida-approved nursing education program.
Steps for FL Licensure by Examination
- Create an account on Florida Health Source and submit the "Examination" application.
- Your nursing school must send official transcripts directly to the Florida BON.
- Schedule your Livescan fingerprinting. Results must be submitted within 90 days before applying or anytime after.
- The BON will notify Pearson VUE once you are eligible. You will then receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) to schedule your exam.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- After passing the NCLEX, the BON will issue your license.
Fees
Application Fee: $110
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
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Florida Nursing License FAQs
How do I renew my Florida nursing license?
To renew your Florida nursing license, log in to the Florida Health Source portal, verify your continuing education is complete, and submit your renewal application and fee.
The Florida nursing license renewal process includes required courses such as Florida laws & rules, medical errors, and human trafficking.
Renewing early helps avoid processing delays and prevents your license from lapsing before a contract start date.
How often do I need to complete FL nursing license renewal?
FL nursing license renewal is required every two years. Your renewal window typically opens several months before your expiration date, giving you time to complete continuing education and submit your documents. Always confirm your renewal deadline in your online portal to avoid late fees and work interruptions.
Is Florida a compact nursing license state?
Yes. Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Florida is your primary state of residence and you meet compact eligibility requirements, you may hold a multistate license that allows you to practice in other compact states. Nurses moving to Florida must update residency and apply to convert their license to a Florida-issued compact license.
What documents are required for Florida nursing license renewal?
For Florida nursing license renewal, you’ll need to confirm your continuing education, complete mandatory state courses, and submit renewal fees. You may also be asked to upload documentation if you have disciplinary history or other disclosures on your application. Keeping CE certificates on file makes the renewal process smoother each cycle.
How do I apply for a Florida nursing license by endorsement?
To apply for a Florida nursing license by endorsement, submit an online application, pay the licensing fee, complete Livescan fingerprinting, and request verification of your active nursing license from your original state of licensure. If your prior state participates in Nursys, verification can be submitted electronically; non-Nursys states must send documentation directly to the Florida Board of Nursing.
How long does it take to get a Florida nursing license?
Processing times for a Florida nursing license vary based on application completeness and background screening. Most applicants receive their license in 4–8 weeks once fingerprints, fee payments, and documentation are submitted. Starting early is recommended — especially for nurses preparing for travel assignments or relocating to Florida.