Florida Nursing License Renewal Steps
The third-highest level of employment of registered nurses in the country. Hundreds of thousands of hospital job openings. The second-largest senior population nationwide. Throw in year-round sunshine and ocean views, and it’s easy to see why the Sunshine State is such an attractive place for nurses.
To take full advantage of these opportunities, nurses must be up-to-date with the Florida nursing license renewal process. This includes submitting your renewal application, completing required continuing education hours, and paying all necessary fees.
Wondering how to renew a Florida nursing license? Follow the guide below for a clear, step-by-step overview of the requirements, deadlines, and expenses.
Florida Nursing Facts
Launching your nursing career in Florida? This guide gives you the essentials. For more on what the law requires, explore our Florida Nurse Practice Act article.
Is Florida part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)? Yes.
How much do nurses in Florida earn?
The average CNA salary in Florida is $38,320 per year.
The average LPN salary in Florida is $60,320 per year.
The average RN salary in Florida is $88,200 per year.
The average NP salary in Florida is $128,340 per year.
How can I contact the Florida Board of Nursing?
Website: https://floridasnursing.gov/ Florida Board of Nursing Contact Number: 850-488-0595
Board Office: 850-245-4125
Florida Board of Nursing Mailing Address
Department of Health Board of Nursing
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-02
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
Applications and Fees
Department of Health Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 6630
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330
Florida Nurse License Renewal Process: 3 Steps
If you want to renew a nursing license in Florida, these steps apply to current license holders. For first-time applicants or nurses transferring from another state, be sure to review the requirements for licensure by examination or endorsement.
Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline
In Florida, nursing licenses are typically renewed every two years (biennially) as required by state law. The Florida Board of Nursing sets specific deadlines based on license type — RNs, LPNs, APRNs, and CNAs each follow distinct renewal schedules.
RNs and APRNs
Registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practical registered nurses (APRNs) are organized into renewal groups with differing expiration dates:
- Group 1: License expires April 30, 2026, at midnight EST
- Group 2: License expires July 31, 2026, at midnight EST
- Group 3: License expires April 30, 2027, at midnight EST
LPNs
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) licenses in Florida are also renewed every two years, expiring on July 31 of the renewal year.
CNAs
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Florida renew their certifications biannually and are divided into two groups, each with a specific expiration schedule:
- Group 1: Licenses expire at midnight EST on May 31 of odd-numbered years.
- Group 2: Licenses expire at midnight EST on May 31 of even-numbered years.
Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements
To renew a FL nursing license, you must complete the required continuing education hours within your current renewal cycle. The requirements differ by license type:
RNs and LPNs
RNs and LPNs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle, broken down as follows:
- General hours: 16 hours
- Prevention of medical errors: 2 hours
- Florida laws and rules: 2 hours
- Recognizing impairment in the workplace: 2 hours
- Human trafficking: 2 hours
Additional requirements:
- Domestic violence: 2 hours (required every third biennium, and the hours are in addition to the 24 hours)
- HIV/AIDS: 1 hour (one-time requirement prior to the first renewal)
First renewal:
LPNs and RNs who were initially licensed by examination during the current biennium are exempt from general requirements (16 hours) for their first renewal.
APRNs
As an APRN, you’ll need to fulfill all Florida RN license renewal requirements, along with completing additional three hours of continuing education on the safe and effective prescription of controlled substances.
CNAs
CNAs in Florida do not have formal continuing education hour requirements like RNs or APRNs. To remain on the Florida CNA registry, CNAs must have performed nursing-related services for monetary compensation within the past 24 consecutive months preceding the renewal.
Looking for a resource for continuing education? Check out a variety of courses at IntelyEdu, which is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Step 3: File Your Florida Nursing License Renewal Online Application
To renew a FL nursing license, you need to submit an application through the online portal, which is managed by the Florida Department of Health. The “Renew My License” option becomes available up to 90 days before your license expiration date. Log in to your account, follow the prompts, and be sure all required continuing education hours are properly reported, as they are mandatory for renewal.
The fees are as follows:
- Florida APRN renewal: $60
- Florida RN renewal: $75
- Florida LPN renewal: $75
- Florida CNA renewal: $55
Great Areas in Florida for Nursing Jobs
From entry-level roles to advanced practice, Florida has nursing opportunities at every level. Here’s a look at jobs you can apply for today by license type:
Looking to live and work in a specific location? Explore current openings in cities such as:
These Employers Are Hiring Nurses in Florida
Prefer to search by employer? Below are Florida healthcare facilities actively hiring nursing professionals:
- Baptist Health Jacksonville
- Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Baptist Health South Florida
- BayCare Health System
- Citadel Care Centers
- Cleveland Clinic
- HCA Healthcare
- Jackson Health System
- Larkin Health System
- Manatee Memorial Hospital
- Memorial Healthcare System
- Mount Sinai Medical Center
- Sarasota Memorial
- University of Miami Health System
Find Top Florida Nursing Jobs
With your Florida nursing license renewal successfully checked off, it’s time to swing open the doors to thrilling career opportunities. Discover the latest Florida nursing roles across the state and find the right fit for your career.
Latest Jobs
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