Florida nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Florida license by endorsement: the application fee ($110 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Florida |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Florida Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $110 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $110 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Electronic fingerprints via FDLE-approved Livescan provider; applicant pays vendor; application cannot be approved until screening is complete. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $75 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 24 contact hours. Includes 2h medical errors, 2h FL laws/rules, 2h impairment (alternate renewals), 2h human trafficking; 1h HIV/AIDS once; 2h domestic violence every third renewal. |
| Processing time, per the board | Please allow up to 10 business days for initial review of new applications. |
How to get your Florida license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Florida without applying again. If you move your residence to Florida, you apply for a Florida license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Send license verification. Ask each state where you are or were licensed to verify your license to the board. Follow the board's instructions for how it wants to receive it.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $110 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Florida
- MOBILE endorsement requires 2 years of active practice in the 4 years before applying.
- Applicant must never have been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless removed on appeal or conduct was not a Florida violation.
- Specialty nursing certification exempts general CE hours but not the 2-hour human trafficking course.
What RNs earn in Florida
The BLS median for registered nurses in Florida is $39.83 per hour, about $82,850 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Florida.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $41.39 | $86,090 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $41.16 | $85,610 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $40.94 | $85,140 |
| Gainesville, FL | $40.72 | $84,710 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $40.53 | $84,290 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $39.83 | $82,850 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Florida · Florida state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Florida Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- floridasnursing.gov/nurse-rn-lpn/ (endorsement application)
- floridasnursing.gov/registered-nurse-renewal/ (renewal)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Florida Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Florida nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Florida Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $110 for an RN and $110 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Florida a nurse licensure compact state?
Florida is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
How much continuing education do Florida nurses need?
RN renewal requires 24 contact hours of continuing education. Includes 2h medical errors, 2h FL laws/rules, 2h impairment (alternate renewals), 2h human trafficking; 1h HIV/AIDS once; 2h domestic violence every third renewal. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Florida license?
The board says: Please allow up to 10 business days for initial review of new applications.
Does Valorem Health help with Florida licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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