Florida Nursing
License Requirements &
Renewal Guide
Florida Nurse License Overview
Getting your Florida nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Florida Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Florida does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Endorsement Fee | ~$110.00 | ~$110.00 |
| Renewal Fee | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Temporary Permit | Included (if eligible) | Included (if eligible) |
| Fingerprint Fee | $50–$90+ | $50–$90+ |
| Official Website | floridasnursing.gov | floridasnursing.gov |
| Phone | (850) 245-4125 | (850) 245-4125 |
Key Sections:
- Florida License Renewal
- Important Things to Know about Florida Nurse Licenses
- Florida Licensure by Endorsement
- Florida Continuing Education Requirements
Florida License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Florida RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Florida Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Florida Board of Nursing | Florida Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (NLC State) | Yes (NLC State) |
| Background Check | Required (Livescan) | Required (Livescan) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program required | Approved nursing program required |
| Application Portal | Florida MQA Services | Florida MQA Services |
| Criminal History | May delay or affect licensure | May delay or affect licensure |
Other Key Notes
- Here are the Florida Board of Nursing’s top 10 tips for endorsement applications. he Florida Nursing Board is the primary authority for licensure in Florida.
- When all requirements are met, the license will be issued. Timing can be done under 30 days, but is dependent upon how proactive the applicant is in completing requirements.
- Employment Verification is not needed for applicants who took the NCLEX or have an active license.
FL Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit via the Florida MQA Online Services Portal
- 2.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- All applicants must complete electronic Livescan fingerprinting through an approved Florida vendor.
- 3.
Verification of Licensure
- Verification is completed through Nursys for participating states.
- Non-participating states may require manual verification.
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions or criminal convictions with supporting documentation.
Temporary License
- 1.
Eligibility & Application
- Eligible endorsement applicants may receive a Temporary Permit allowing them to work while the application is processed.
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid while the application is being processed and typically up to 6 months, unless a permanent license is issued earlier.
Florida Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Florida
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN / LPN | Includes mandatory CE + 24 hours | Includes mandatory CE + 24 hours | 24 Hours every 2 years |
Mandatory CE Requirements (Each Renewal Cycle)
Florida requires all RNs and LPNs to complete specific mandatory courses as part of their 24-hour CE requirement every two years. First-time renewals also require HIV/AIDS training.
Required Courses Every Renewal Cycle
- 2 Hours: Prevention of Medical Errors
- 2 Hours: Florida Laws & Rules
- 2 Hours: Human Trafficking
- 2 Hours: Domestic Violence (every 3rd renewal cycle)
- 1 Hour: HIV/AIDS (first renewal only)
Key Rules for All Licenses
- CE must be completed through approved providers
- Keep CE records for at least 4 years
- CE compliance is verified during renewal
- Additional requirements may apply based on disciplinary history or specialty
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How much does a Florida nursing license cost?
Endorsement applications are typically around $110, and renewal fees are $75 for RNs and LPNs, excluding fingerprinting costs.
How long does it take to get a Florida nursing license?
Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks after all required documents and background checks are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Florida?
In Florida, nurses are generally required to complete 24 CE hours every two years to renew their license. Additional courses are also required as part of the renewal process.