FloridaRegistered Nurse License Requirements

Accepted Degree Types

Prerequisite Education

High school diploma or GED required for ADN programs; prerequisite college coursework required for BSN programs

Registered nurses must complete an approved nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a diploma program. Programs must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. BSN programs typically take 4 years while ADN programs take 2-3 years, both including required clinical hours.

Compact Privileges

verified — consistent with eNLC framework

The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses must meet uniform licensure requirements including a federal background check to qualify for a multistate license.

See all eNLC member states & eligibility details →

Restricted Activities

Advanced Practice Specialization Pathways

Registered nurses are authorized to perform patient assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and provide IV therapy. RNs may delegate tasks to LPNs and CNAs under appropriate supervision. Advanced practice pathways include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).

Regulatory Board

Registered nurse licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, and nursing ethics. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal to ensure ongoing clinical competency.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •Traditional endorsement (s. 464.009): Active practice for 2 of the preceding 3 years, valid RN license in another US state, graduation from an approved nursing program, passage of the NCLEX-RN. Paper application.
• •MOBILE endorsement (s. 456.0145, effective October 2024): Active practice for 3 of the preceding 4 years, active unencumbered license, no NPDB reports, no disciplinary action in 5 years, electronic fingerprinting via Livescan. Online application at flhealthsource.gov.
• •Pass criminal background check via Livescan ($50-$80)
• •Submit endorsement application ($110)
• •Foreign-educated nurses must have education evaluated by a Florida board-approved credentialing agency (Educational Records Evaluation Service or Josef Silny & Associates). Education completed in a language other than English requires an English competency exam.
• •Lapsed practice: Nurses who have not practiced in the preceding 5 years must complete a remedial course under Rule 64B9-3.0025.

The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to practice in all compact member states with a single multistate license. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying NCLEX scores, submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and meeting state-specific requirements.