Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

The requirements for licensure by examination can be found in Section 464.008, F.S, and include:

• • Graduation from a Florida approved or accredited nursing education program as defined in Section 464.003, F.S.
  • Graduation from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited nursing program that has been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN.
  • Graduation from a nursing education program that is approved or recognized by the jurisdiction in which it is based and that has been issued an NCLEX code by the   National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
  • Graduation from a military nursing education program that has been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN.
  • Graduation from a generic Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher program that has been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN.
  • Graduation from a non-NCSBN jurisdiction, i.e. Puerto Rico, or international nursing education program that the board determines to be equivalent to an approved program (NON-NCSBN/International Grads)
  • Canadian Registered Nurses who took the Canadian Nurses Association Testing Service (CNATS) Examination after August 8, 1995, must take the NCLEX Examination unless licensed in another state or territory. If test scores are in an acceptable range, Canadian Registered Nurse applicants who took the CNATS prior to August 8, 1995, may be eligible for endorsement. Unless licensed in another U.S. state or territory, or have taken the NCLEX, Canadian Licensed Practical Nurses are required to apply by examination.

Successful completion of courses in a registered nursing education program that are equivalent to a practical nursing education program – Practical Nurse examination based on practical nursing equivalency (PNEQ)

See the Examination application for more information.

Applicants for initial licensure must use a Livescan service provider to have their fingerprints submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for conducting a search for any Florida and national criminal history records that may pertain to applicant. The results will be returned to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) and made available to the Department for consideration during the licensure process. The Livescan fingerprints submitted by the applicant will be retained by FDLE and the Clearinghouse. All costs for conducting a criminal history background screening are borne by the applicant. The Department cannot accept hard fingerprint cards or results. All results must be submitted electronically to the Clearinghouse.

It is important to use the correct Originating Agency Identification (ORI) when submitting fingerprints. If you do not provide an ORI number or if you provide an incorrect ORI number to the service provider, the board office will not receive your fingerprint results, so it is extremely important to use the correct ORI when having your fingerprints scanned.

Applicants can use any FDLE approved Livescan service provider to submit their fingerprints. The applicant is fully responsible for selecting the service provider and ensuring the results are reported to the Department. For more information, FAQs, and a list of all approved Livescan service providers please visit the Background Screening website.

Please take the Nursing Electronic Fingerprinting Request Form with you to the Livescan provider. Please check the service provider’s requirements to see if you need to bring any additional items. Please verify the Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number submitted by the Livescan service provider matches the information provided.

Any applicant who has ever been found guilty of or pled guilty or no contest/nolo contendere to any charge other than a minor traffic offense must list each offense on the application. Failure to disclose criminal history may result in denial of your application. Each application is reviewed on its own merits.

Staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. Violent crimes and repeat offenders are required to be presented to the Board of Nursing for review. Evidence of rehabilitation is important to the board members when making licensure decisions.

*Please note: In order to qualify for licensure, CNAs must also pass a background screening (in accordance with Sections 435.04, 435.07, and 408.809, FS) for employment with an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) regulated facility (or qualify for an Exemption from Disqualification).

For Felony Disqualifying Offenses (regardless of adjudication), you would not be eligible for an Exemption until 3 years have passed since the completion of any non-monetary obligations (confinement, probation, community service, etc.). All fines, fees, restitution, etc. must also be paid in full.
Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the offense.

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions – Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Letters of Recommendation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit 3-5 professional letters of recommendation from people you have worked for or with.

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A letter from a licensed health care practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.

Applicants who have ever been denied licensure, had disciplinary action taken against their license, or have action pending against their license to practice any health care related profession by a licensing authority are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed disciplinary action on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the action.

Agency Records – All relevant documentation regarding the action should be sent to the board office by the licensing agency. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on agency letterhead sent from the licensing agency attesting to their unavailability.

Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:

1. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
   • For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
   • For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
   • For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
2. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
3. Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
4. Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
5. Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities.

To be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Florida through the MOBILE Endorsement pathway you must meet the following requirements in section 456.0145, Florida Statutes:

1. Must hold an active, unencumbered license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States in a profession with a similar scope of practice, determined by the board or the department, as applicable.
2. Must have obtained a passing score on a national licensure examination or hold a national certification recognized by the board;

OR

An applicant for a profession that does not require a national examination or national certification is eligible for licensure if the applicable board, or the department if there is no board, determines that the jurisdiction in which the applicant currently holds an active, unencumbered license meets established minimum education requirements and, if applicable, examination, work experience, and clinical supervision requirements are substantially similar to the requirements for licensure in that profession in this state.

3. Must have actively practiced the profession for at least two years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application.
4. Must not have ever been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant successfully appealed to have the report removed or if the reported adverse action was a result of conduct that would not constitute a violation of any Florida law or rule.
5. Must not be the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the United States Department of Defense for reason related to the practice of the profession for which the applicant is applying.
6. Must not have had disciplinary action taken in the five years immediately preceding the date of submission of the application.

Refer to section 456.0145(2)(c), Florida Statutes, for licensure ineligibility criteria.

Applicants for initial licensure must use a Livescan service provider to have their fingerprints submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for conducting a search for any Florida and national criminal history records that may pertain to applicant. The results will be returned to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) and made available to the Department for consideration during the licensure process. The Livescan fingerprints submitted by the applicant will be retained by FDLE and the Clearinghouse. All costs for conducting a criminal history background screening are borne by the applicant. The Department cannot accept hard fingerprint cards or results. All results must be submitted electronically to the Clearinghouse.

It is important to use the correct Originating Agency Identification (ORI) when submitting fingerprints. If you do not provide an ORI number or if you provide an incorrect ORI number to the service provider, the board office will not receive your fingerprint results, so it is extremely important to use the correct ORI when having your fingerprints scanned.

Applicants can use any FDLE approved Livescan service provider to submit their fingerprints. The applicant is fully responsible for selecting the service provider and ensuring the results are reported to the Department. For more information, FAQs, and a list of all approved Livescan service providers please visit the Background Screening website.

Please take the Nursing Electronic Fingerprinting Request Form with you to the Livescan provider. Please check the service provider’s requirements to see if you need to bring any additional items. Please verify the Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number submitted by the Livescan service provider matches the information provided.

If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:

A letter from a licensed health care practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.

Any applicant who has ever been found guilty of or pled guilty or no contest/nolo contendere to any charge other than a minor traffic offense must list each offense on the application. Failure to disclose criminal history may result in denial of your application. Each application is reviewed on its own merits.

Staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. Violent crimes and repeat offenders are required to be presented to the Board of Nursing for review. Evidence of rehabilitation is important to the board members when making licensure decisions.

*Please note: In order to qualify for licensure, CNAs must also pass a background screening (in accordance with Sections 435.04, 435.07, and 408.809, FS) for employment with an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) regulated facility (or qualify for an Exemption from Disqualification).

For Felony Disqualifying Offenses (regardless of adjudication), you would not be eligible for an Exemption until 3 years have passed since the completion of any non-monetary obligations (confinement, probation, community service, etc.). All fines, fees, restitution, etc. must also be paid in full.
Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the offense.

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions – Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Letters of Recommendation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit 3-5 professional letters of recommendation from people you have worked for or with.

Applicants who have ever been denied licensure, had disciplinary action taken against their license, or have action pending against their license to practice any health care related profession by a licensing authority are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed disciplinary action on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the action.

Agency Records – All relevant documentation regarding the action should be sent to the board office by the licensing agency. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on agency letterhead sent from the licensing agency attesting to their unavailability.

Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:

1. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
   • For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
   • For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
   • For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
2. Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
3. Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
4. Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
5. Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities.

For a multistate upgrade to a current Clear, Active license, the requirements are as follows and can be found in Section 464.0095, F.S. and include:

• You must hold a Clear, Active, Florida license.
• You must declare Florida your primary state of residency. (Primary state of residence as defined by the Compact means the person’s declared fixed, permanent, and principle home for legal purposes; domicile.) Proof of residence may include one of the following: driver’s license, voter registration card, federal income tax return, or a W2.
• Your license status must be unencumbered (“Encumbrance” means a revocation or suspension of, or any limitation on, the full and unrestricted practice of nursing imposed by a licensing board.)
• Livescan results must be submitted no more than 90 days prior to the submission of the application and fees or anytime within a year of applying.
• You must not have a felony conviction.
• You must not have a misdemeanor related to the practice of nursing.
• You must not be enrolled with IPN or any other treatment program for the impaired.
• You must have a social security number.
• You must have passed the NCLEX.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by an independent credentials review agency.
• Foreign education not completed in English will require an English Competency exam.

Applications are valid for 1 year. After that time, the application will be expired if not approved. Once an application is expired a new paper application may be submitted. PDF versions of applications can be found at https://floridasnursing.gov/resources/.

Applicants for initial licensure must use a Livescan service provider to have their fingerprints submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for conducting a search for any Florida and national criminal history records that may pertain to applicant. The results will be returned to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) and made available to the Department for consideration during the licensure process. The Livescan fingerprints submitted by the applicant will be retained by FDLE and the Clearinghouse. All costs for conducting a criminal history background screening are borne by the applicant. The Department cannot accept hard fingerprint cards or results. All results must be submitted electronically to the Clearinghouse.

It is important to use the correct Originating Agency Identification (ORI) when submitting fingerprints. If you do not provide an ORI number or if you provide an incorrect ORI number to the service provider, the board office will not receive your fingerprint results, so it is extremely important to use the correct ORI when having your fingerprints scanned.

Applicants can use any FDLE approved Livescan service provider to submit their fingerprints. The applicant is fully responsible for selecting the service provider and ensuring the results are reported to the Department. For more information, FAQs, and a list of all approved Livescan service providers please visit the Background Screening website.

Please take the Nursing Electronic Fingerprinting Request Form with you to the Livescan provider. Please check the service provider’s requirements to see if you need to bring any additional items. Please verify the Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number submitted by the Livescan service provider matches the information provided.

Any applicant who has ever been found guilty of or pled guilty or no contest/nolo contendere to any charge other than a minor traffic offense must list each offense on the application. Failure to disclose criminal history may result in denial of your application. Each application is reviewed on its own merits.

Staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. Violent crimes and repeat offenders are required to be presented to the Board of Nursing for review. Evidence of rehabilitation is important to the board members when making licensure decisions.

*Please note: In order to qualify for licensure, CNAs must also pass a background screening (in accordance with Sections 435.04, 435.07, and 408.809, FS) for employment with an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) regulated facility (or qualify for an Exemption from Disqualification).

For Felony Disqualifying Offenses (regardless of adjudication), you would not be eligible for an Exemption until 3 years have passed since the completion of any non-monetary obligations (confinement, probation, community service, etc.). All fines, fees, restitution, etc. must also be paid in full.
Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following documentation to the board:

Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the offense.

Final Dispositions/Arrest Records – Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions – Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.

Letters of Recommendation – Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit 3-5 professional letters of recommendation from people you have worked for or with.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are renewed by the department; current licenses will expire at midnight, Eastern Standard Time, on July 31, 2025.

The department will renew your license upon receipt of:

1. Completed CE requirements – reported into CEBroker.com (see CEU tab regarding CE Exemption)
2. Completed renewal application
3. Required fees (see Fees tab)
4. Complete a mandatory background screening or retain* your current fingerprints. To learn more, please visit https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/.

*Required section 456.0135(6)(1), Florida Statutes, a $43.25 fee is required for FDLE to retain your fingerprint for background screening during this licensure cycle. This fee is collected at the time of licensure renewal if your fingerprint retention is expiring this licensure period. If your fingerprint retention expires in the next 60 days, you will need to to pay separately through the Clearinghouse Applicant Initiated (CHAI) System.

Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status are required to pay additional fees and comply with specific continuing education requirements. Please contact the board office at MQA.NursingAppstatus@flhealth.gov to request your reactivation requirements.

Licensees who fail to meet these requirements must reapply for licensure and comply with current laws and rules. Licensees who have become Null and Void or elected to Voluntarily Relinquish their LPN license must reapply for licensure and meet current requirements.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty who was in good standing with the board at the time of becoming active and was entitled to practice or engage in the practice of medicine in Florida, you may be eligible to be exempted from renewal requirements for the duration of active duty, and for a period of six months after discharge, but not practicing the profession in the private sector for profit.

If you are the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, you may be eligible to be exempted from licensure renewal requirements, but only in cases of absence from the state because your spouses’ duties with the Armed Forces.

If you volunteer your services to the medically indigent residents of Florida with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may be eligible for a waiver of your biennial renewal fee and some of the continuing education hours (no more than 25%) required for license renewal; however, the continuing education requirements for domestic violence, HIV and AIDS, and medical errors cannot be waived.

If you volunteer your services in public schools for a minimum of 80 hours a year or if retired, at least 400 hours a year, you may be eligible for a waiver of your biennial renewal fee and some of the continuing education hours (no more than 25%) required for license renewal; however, the continuing education requirements for domestic violence, HIV and AIDS, and medical errors cannot be waived.

Options:

1. Retire – Pay a one-time $55 fee. The license remains in a dormant state and can be reactivated by the licensee if needed.
2. Voluntarily Relinquish – Submit a formal request in writing to the Board. Relinquishment of the license, the license number is discontinued and cannot be reactivated.
3. Delinquent & Null/Void – Take no action. The license will go delinquent after the expiration date and Null/Void 2 years after the expiration date. Once Null/Void, the license cannot be reactivated.