Obtaining and maintaining a nursing license in Florida is a process governed by the Florida Board of Nursing, a subdivision of the Florida Department of Health. In this Fact Sheet, we’re going to explain the various types of nursing licenses available in Florida, and provide you with a step-by-step process of how to get those licenses – and how to keep the license you get.

Obtaining a license

Florida law creates several different categories of nurses. The most basic, in the sense of having the least authority but also the easiest application process, is the Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs must be supervised by registered or licensed practical nurses, and may only perform certain duties authorized by law. Here are the steps required to become a CNA:

• Have a high school diploma or GED, and be at least 18 years old.
• Prior to testing, you will be subject to a background check, including fingerprinting. Learn more about what this process entails here.
• Take and pass the state test – you can register, take a practice test, and learn more about the exam here. The test is two parts – written, and skills-based, and you must pass both.
• If you pass both parts – congratulations! Your name is automatically added to the state’s CNA registry.

Note that if you’re already registered as a CNA in a different state, you don’t need to take the Florida test.

Florida has two more classes of nurses: licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses. LPNs are basically more specialized RNs, and while LPNs may be supervised by RNs, the latter is not the case. The requirements to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse are very similar. If you clicked that link, don’t worry – the education requirements look rough, but in fact, there are a number of ways to meet them.

• Graduate from an approving nursing program. Generally, this means obtaining at least a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of nursing. Accreditation is performed by two organizations: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Picking a school for your four-year program is obviously a big decision! Here’s a good starting point.
• Obtain an Authorization to Test. This requires two steps. First, contact the Florida Board of Nursing to register. Then, register with the test’s administrator, Pearson VUE.
• Once you’re given the proper authority, take the NCLEX exam. Here is where you’ll find the big difference between becoming an RN, versus an LPN: different exams are required for each.
• One you pass, you’re in! You should receive your license within 7 to 10 days of passage.

 

Applicants who already have a valid, current nursing license in another state have a somewhat easier route to take – find out more here.

Maintaining a license

Maintenance

Nursing is, for obvious reasons, a fairly highly regulated profession, and Florida is no exception. All Florida nurses of any stripe must renew their license every two years. In order to renew, LPNs and RNS (not CNAs) must take 24 hours’ worth of continuing education in those prior two years. Every third renewal, LPNs and RNs must also take a two hour class in domestic violence awareness. CNAs, happily, have no continuing education requirements, though they must continue to renew.

Discipline

The Florida Board of Nursing is tasked with hearing complaints against nurses, and following up on those complaints. A nurse may be disciplined for any violation of the (lengthy and detailed) Florida Nurse Practice Act. In essence, the Board may bring a nurse up on charges, and hold a sort of trial – if the charges are found to be true, the nurse’s license may be pulled, or he may be subject to various other punishments, including suspension. The easiest way to lose your license is to commit any criminal act, particularly, though not exclusively, in relation to the nursing profession – procuring a license by bribery or fraud, for example.