healthcare

A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Florida

Goodwork author

02 May 2025 — 2 min read

📝 Obtaining a Florida Nursing License by Examination

1. Educational Requirements

To be eligible, candidates must graduate from an accredited nursing program. Florida recognizes programs approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or other recognized accrediting bodies. Acceptable degrees include:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accelerated BSN programs for individuals holding non-nursing bachelor's degrees

2. Application Process

Applicants must submit an application through the Florida Department of Health's MQA Online Services Portal and pay the $110 fee. Additionally, register for the NCLEX-RN exam via Pearson VUE and pay the $200 examination fee.

3. Transcripts Submission

Official transcripts or a Statement of Graduation must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Florida Board of Nursing.

4. Background Check

Applicants are required to undergo a background check using a Livescan service provider, which submits fingerprints electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Results are forwarded to the Florida Board of Nursing.

5. NCLEX Examination

Upon approval, candidates receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE, valid for 90 days. Schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure.

🔄 Licensure by Endorsement (For Nurses Licensed in Other States)

Nurses holding an active license in another state can apply for Florida licensure by endorsement through the MQA Online Services Portal. Requirements include:

Verification of licensure from the original state, submitted via NURSYS or directly from the state board if not a NURSYS participant
Electronic fingerprinting through a Livescan provider
Completion of a two-hour course on the prevention of medical errors

🔁 Renewing Your Florida Nursing License

1. Renewal Timing

Florida RN licenses are renewed biennially. Licensees are divided into three groups with varying expiration dates:

Group 1: April 30, 2026
Group 2: July 31, 2026
Group 3: April 30, 2025

2. Continuing Education Requirements

For each renewal cycle, nurses must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE), including:

2 hours on Prevention of Medical Errors
2 hours on Laws and Rules in Nursing
2 hours on Human Trafficking
2 hours on Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace (every other renewal)
2 hours on Domestic Violence (every third renewal)
1 hour on HIV/AIDS (one-time requirement before first renewal)
Remaining hours in general nursing education

All CE courses must be completed through Florida Board of Nursing-approved providers and reported to CE Broker.Florida Board of Nursing+4renewnowce.com+4renewnowce.com+4

3. Renewal Application

Renewal applications are submitted online via the MQA Online Services Portal. The renewal fee is $75.Florida Board of Nursing+5Florida Board of Nursing+5Florida Board of Nursing+5

💰 Licensing Fees Overview

Examination-Based Licensing:
- NCLEX Fee: $200
- Application Fee: $110Florida Board of Nursing+4FL HealthSource+4NCSBN+4
Endorsement Licensing:
- Application Fee: $110
- Livescan Fingerprinting: Varies by provider
- License Verification: May vary depending on the stateNurseCe4Less+1renewnowce.com+1
Renewal Fees:
- On-Time Renewal: $75
- Late Renewal: $130