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Verified by FL Board of Healthcare

Registered Nurse Licensing in Florida

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Florida, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Florida

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    FL Department of Health • Division of Medical Quality Assurance

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $82,850 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #29 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Florida eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to FL Department of Health~Division of Medical Quality Assurance and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Florida

With a median salary of $82,850, Registered Nurses in Florida earn 11% below the national median of $93,600. Florida ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,330

Median annual salary

$82,850

Hourly estimate

$39.83
11% below national median

Difference: -$10,750

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$66,670
  • P2525th percentile$77,070
  • P50Median$82,850
  • P7575th percentile$99,260
  • P9090th percentile$110,530

State vs National Median

State: $82,850
National: $93,600

Total employment: 218,100 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#29 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Florida$82,850Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$86,560Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$71,040Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Florida68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

FL Department of Health • Division of Medical Quality Assurance

4042 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, Fl, 32399-3250

Phone: 8504880595

Related Careers in Florida

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$183,530Degree requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$404,100Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$58,410Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$83,290Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Florida?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Florida?

Florida lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Florida?

The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Florida.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Florida?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Florida is $82,850. Salaries range from $66,670 (10th percentile) to $110,530 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Florida compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Florida earn 11% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $82,850.

How many Registered Nurses work in Florida?

Florida employs approximately 218,100 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Florida from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Florida?

The licensing agency is FL Department of Health / Division of Medical Quality Assurance. Review agency details at https://www.doh.state.fl.us/.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Florida?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.