Nursing FAQs

Hours earned after the completion of a Basic Life Support (BLS) course or an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) recertification course can’t be applied towards the 24 hour continuing education requirement for purposes of licensure renewal.

The Florida Board of Nursing adopted the position of the ANCC, effective as of June 1, 2011.

The following courses ceased to offer continuing education renewal credit as of June 1, 2011:

• CPR/AED certification and re-certification courses, Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and re-certification courses, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) re-certification courses
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) re-certification courses, and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) re-certification courses

Continuing education renewal credit will still be permitted for the following:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification courses, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification courses, and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification courses

The ANCC disseminated the rationale in August 2009:

• BLS is no longer an augment to the nurse’s basic knowledge. Therefore it doesn’t meet the definition of continuing nursing education. Universities now require the student to be certified in BLS before ever entering the academic program. BLS is not an augmentation of knowledge; it is a basic preparation for training.

The advanced life support activities meet the definition of CNE because they are not included in the nurse’s basic training and therefore augment that training.

458.348(1)(a), Florida Statutes, only requires the physician to report the number of APRNs being supervised. You can have the physician complete the form in this link https://ww10.doh.state.fl.us/pub/medicine/PDF%20Forms%20on%20Web/APRN%20EMT %20Paramedic%20Protocol%20Form.pdf to indicate that a relationship has been established or terminated.

If you have not renewed your license for two bienniums (4 years) and it is now Null and Void, you will need to apply for a new license by endorsement found in the applications section.   This may be completed from your online account Login Option – MQAServices Portal (state.fl.us).  Requirements for licensure may be found at Florida Board of Nursing » Licensed Practical Nurse & Registered Nurse by Endorsement – Licensing, Renewals & Information (floridasnursing.gov).

If your license was deactivated due to the issuance of a multistate license in another jurisdiction and your Florida license is past its renewal date, you will need to apply for licensure using Microsoft Word – Nursing Endorsement Application (floridasnursing.gov). You are not able to apply online.

If your license was deactivated due to the issuance of a multistate license in another jurisdiction and your Florida license expiration date is in the future please contact the Board at MQA.Nursing@flhealth.gov and include Updated-Multi-State Upgrade App 11.15.17.pdf (floridasnursing.gov) as well as proof of Florida residency.

Proof of your primary state of residence can be found on the following documentation:

• A driver license with a home address
• Voter registration card displaying a home address
• Federal income tax return declaring the primary state of residence
• W2 from US Government or any bureau, division or agency thereof indicating the
  declared state of residence

If your license is delinquent, please log into your account to renew your license under the Manage My License section.

Please access the Licensing tab on our website and choose the Endorsement option for your licensure type. https://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), is a new version of the NCLEX that is designed to assess clinical judgement in nursing candidates. Next Generation NCLEX candidate resources are available at this link: https://www.nclex.com/next-generation-nclex.page.

Many Florida nursing programs are approved to send a list of eligible graduates or can send an official transcript upon graduation. If submitting a transcript, your program is required to submit an official transcript bearing your date of graduation and degree conferred directly to the Board office. The Board office is unable to accept emailed, uploaded, or faxed copies of transcripts from the applicant. Transcripts that are sent through a secure electronic service or mailed directly from the program are accepted by the Board.

Paper Transcripts are accepted at:
Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Bureau of Health Care Practitioner Regulation, Board of Nursing
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252

Secure Electronic Transcripts are accepted at:
mqa.nursingappstatus@flhealth.gov.

Yes. Effective October 1, 2018: Chapter 2018-106, Laws of Florida transitioned ARNP certification to APRN license.

Effective July 1, 2006, all specialties of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse applying for licensure in Florida must provide proof of National Certification.

Additional national specialties and certifications may be added to your license at any time by providing proof of certification either from the national certifying body or by sending proof via email to mqa.nursingappstatus@flhealth.gov

The Florida Board of Nursing does not complete a primary source verification of education for all of its Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

We do not maintain a list of “approved” APRN programs.

Florida APRN applicants are required to hold an active Florida RN license or an active multistate RN license from another jurisdiction, a master’s degree or post-master’s certificate in a nursing clinical specialty area and national advanced practice certification from an approved nursing specialty board. The certification requirements for all the Board approved certifying bodies mirror the licensure requirements for Florida. Therefore, we only require proof of the applicant’s national certification.

Rule 64B9-4.002(3), F.A.C., provides the professional or national nursing specialty boards recognized by the Board. You may find the full rule on the web at: www.flrules.org

Please visit your prospective certifying body’s website, for additional information regarding APRN certification eligibility requirements. www.nursingworld.org/certification

Generally, certifying bodies require a program to be accredited by CCNE or ACEN (formerly NLNAC) and to include advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology, a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours, and content in health promotion and disease management.

To apply for a registration number or for registration support, please visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control website at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/index.html

Registration numbers are linked to state licenses and may be suspended or revoked upon any disciplinary action taken against a licensee.

Inactive status means the licensee is not working in FL, but might again in the future, and has paid Inactive status renewal fees. There is no CE documentation required per biennium, but if the licensee goes back to Active status the cumulative total of CEs for the inactive bienniums must be accounted for. This status must be renewed each biennium. To reactivate a license from an inactive status you can make the request from your online portal, under “Manage My License”.

Retired status means the licensee is not working in FL (has retired from practice) and has paid a $55 fee to receive a Retired license. It is possible to come off of retired status in the future, but that is not the intent of this status. This is an optional status. Practitioners can also Voluntarily Relinquish the license — or take no action and initially go Delinquent and then Null/Void if the license isn’t renewed after two consecutive bienniums. To reactivate a license from this status you must contact the Board.

A nurse who is certified by a health care specialty program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification is exempt from continuing education requirements. This must be reported to the Department’s tracking system powered by CE Broker.

Please note: The CE exemption based on certification does not apply to the 3 hour Safely Prescribing Controlled Substances course requirement nor the 2 hour Human Trafficking course requirement.

Only an APRN who registered and been approved for autonomous practice can sign a death certificate according to House Bill 607.

The Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics looks forward to supporting and welcoming Autonomous Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (AAPRNs) as online users of the state’s Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS). Completion of the death certificate is critical to families when their loved one passes away and becoming an online EDRS certifier is easy and free. The Bureau of Vital Statistics has an online tutorial and training tools that will educate AAPRNs on their roles and responsibilities in certifying death certificates. The attached brochure gives certifiers a quick look at how to properly complete the cause of death section and the importance of the death certificate.

For information on how to become an online certifier within EDRS, please contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics Helpdesk toll-free at 1-866-295-5902, Monday through Friday from 8am – 6pm ET and Saturday from 9am-2pm ET. Access forms will be provided, along with a link to an online tutorial, will need to be completed before gaining access to EDRS.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has information for certifiers on how to properly complete the medical portion of the death record and specific training videos on certifying COVID-19 deaths. To access the CDC’s materials, click on this  link: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/coding-and-reporting.htm .

No, only an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who has met the necessary requirements outlined in statute is recognized as a psychiatric nurse.

Pursuant to s.394.455(35), F.S., “Psychiatric nurse” means an advanced practice registered nurse certified under s.464.012 who has a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, holds a national advanced practice certification as a psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurse, and has 2 years of post-master’s clinical experience under the supervision of a physician.

In addition, Section 464.012(4), FS, references: (e) A psychiatric nurse, who meets the requirements in s. 394.455(35), within the framework of an established protocol with a psychiatrist, may prescribe psychotropic controlled substances for the treatment of mental disorders.

For more information about this advanced practice certification, please visit the “Latest News” section of our website at https://floridasnursing.gov/latest-news/important-legislative-update-regarding-hb-977/.

The list of approved CNA training programs can be found here.

The list of approved LPN and RN prelicensure nursing programs in Florida, as well as their current status such as Approved, Accredited, or Probation can be found here. You can search and compare by county, program name, or degree offered.

The status of a closed or terminated program may be verified via the Department of Health’s License Verification website here (you will enter the program name in the “Business Name” field).

Please note: the information available will be limited. Interested parties may email the Florida Board of Nursing at MQA.Nursing@flhealth.gov for additional information including closure and termination dates.

Three graduate-level semester hours are equivalent to forty-five (45) Continuing Education credits offered by the entities set forth in Section 464.013(3)(b), F.S. and Rule 64B9-4.002(2), F.A.C.

The pharmacology course content must address the therapeutic uses and biological effects of drugs.

The differential diagnosis course content must address advanced health assessment, differential diagnosis, critical thinking, or diagnostic reasoning.

Courses may be completed at any time within the 5 years before applying for Autonomous APRN Registration.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is not required in order to take the exam; however, Florida law prohibits a license from being issued until a SSN is received. Prior to being made eligible for the exam, any references to the SSN still pending are provided solely for the information of the applicant.

For additional information with regards to the Social Security Number process, you may contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Once you have received your SSN, you may submit a copy of the SSN card to our office by fax or regular mail. Upon receipt of the SSN card, if your file is 100% complete you will be issued a license. If any further problems are found you will be notified in writing of what items may be needed.

In 2009, the Florida legislature adopted a new law to address the state’s growing problem with prescription drug abuse and diversion. Chapter 893.055 established new guidelines for operating pain management clinics and approved development and utilization of a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (“PDMP”) database to collect controlled substance prescription records from dispensers.

For further information concerning PDMP, http://flboardofmedicine.gov/latest-news/prescription-drug-monitoring-program-2/

The Exam Preview is available for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, as well as a French version for the NCLEX-RN, in order to meet the needs of French speaking Canadian NCLEX-RN candidates. This is a free resource, available in downloadable format at NCLEX.COM.

The $5 unlicensed activity fee is required by Section 456.065, Florida Statutes, and is used by the Department of Health to fund efforts to combat unlicensed activity. All licensees pay a $5 unlicensed activity fee as part of their initial license fee and license renewal fees.

The Florida Legislature established the Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program (NSLFP) in 1989 to encourage qualified personnel to seek employment in areas of the state where critical nursing shortages exist. The program provides funds to assist in the repayment of nursing education loans. All nursing licensees pay this $5.00 fee as part of their initial license fee and license renewal fees.

Reference Material Home – Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register – FAC, FAR, eRulemaking (flrules.org)

Please see S. 464.0123(3), FS for practice requirements.

Once registered as an Autonomous APRN, protocols are no longer required unless the Autonomous APRN has opted to also practice under the supervision of a physician or dentist or in a facility that requires it.

The PDF registration application can be found at https://floridasnursing.gov/applications/autonomous-aprn-registration.pdf.  You may also apply for registration in your online account under “Manage My License” or in your CE Broker account under additional options.

CE requirements for autonomous registration may also be input into your CE Broker account for review when completing the registration.

Please see S. 464.0123(1)(2), FS for registration and financial responsibility requirements.

Please see S. 464.0123(1)c, FS.

There is no fee to apply for the registration.

It is an optional registration to seek, however, registration must be approved before you may practice autonomously.

CE is an equivalency for registration applicants who do not meet the semester hours requirements.

Three graduate-level semester hours are equivalent to forty-five (45) Continuing Education credits offered by the entities set forth in Section 464.013(3)(b), F.S. and Rule 64B9-4.002(2), F.A.C.

The pharmacology course content must address the therapeutic uses and biological effects of drugs.

The differential diagnosis course content must address advanced health assessment, differential diagnosis, critical thinking, or diagnostic reasoning.

Courses may be completed at any time within the 5 years before applying for Autonomous APRN Registration.

Nurses have the option of filing a “Petition for Declaratory Statement”.
In many instances nursing duties and responsibilities are not specifically addressed in the Florida Nurse Practice Act (Chapter 464, FS), or the Rules of the Florida Board of Nursing (Title 64B9, Florida Administrative Codes)

Declaratory statements are an agency’s opinion as to the applicability of a statutory provision, or of any rule or order of the agency, as it applies to the petitioner’s particular set of circumstances (s. 120.565, F.S.). This page is a listing of declaratory statements.

Requests to file a “Petition for Declaratory Statement” can be located by selecting the link below:

http://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-and-regulation/public-records/declaratory/index.html

Autonomous registrants are no longer under a protocol agreement.

No, notification is not required.

You may upload a transcript or certificates of completed graduate level courses or CE in your online account while applying for the registration or in under “Application Status” once you have submitted your registration application. Documents may also be emailed to MQA.NursingAppstatus@flhealth.gov or mailed to Florida Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

Please note that a course description may be requested if the title does not state “Pharmacology” or “Differential Diagnosis”.

If the applicant is a graduate of a foreign prelicensure education program not taught in English, or if English is not the applicant’s native language, successful completion of one of the following:

(a) A minimum score of 540 on the paper version; 207 on the computerized version or 76 on the internet based version, on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Examination;
(b) A minimum overall score of 55 with a minimum speaking score of 55% on the Michigan English Test (MET);
(c) A minimum score of 6.5 overall with a 7.0 on the spoken portion of the academic version of International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or
(d) A minimum score of 300 on the Occupational English Test (OET).

In this video, the NCSBN Examinations Operations team demonstrates the NCLEX registration process and what candidates can expect before, during and after the NCLEX examination. It also highlights all the online resources available for educators and students

Yes, a new CE requirement was added during the 2017 legislative session.

s.464.013(6)(C), F.S. now includes a new CE requirement for all Florida nursing professionals.

The Board shall require each person licensed or certified under this chapter to complete a 2 hour CE course on human trafficking, as defined in s.787.06(2).

All nursing professionals must complete this course every biennium beginning January 1, 2019. The first licensees who will need to fulfill this CE requirement are those renewing April 30, 2019.

The course must consists of data and information on all of the following:
• The types of human trafficking
• Factors that place a person at greater risk of being a victim of human trafficking
• Public and private social services available for rescue, food, clothing and shelter referrals
• Hotlines for reporting human trafficking which are maintained by the National Human Trafficking Resource Center and the United States Department of Homeland Security
• Validated assessment tools for identifying a human trafficking victim and general indicators that a person may be a victim of human trafficking
• Procedures for sharing information related to human trafficking with a patient
• Referral options for legal and social services

Yes, all nurses are required to complete this mandatory course for
licensure bienniums ending after January 1, 2019,
including those nurses who qualify
for the CE exemption.

When moving (changing primary state of legal residence) to a new NLC state, it is the nurse’s responsibility to apply for licensure by endorsement. This should be completed upon moving and the nurse should not delay. There is no grace period. The nurse may not wait until the former license expires to apply in the nurse’s new state of legal residency. The nurse may practice on the former home state license only UNTIL the multistate license in the new NLC home state is issued. Proof of residency such as a driver’s license may be required. Upon issuance of a new multistate license, the former license is inactivated.

No, it does not have to be a Florida RN license. Any nurse desiring to be licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse must apply to the department and submit proof that he or she holds a current license registered nurse license.

Effective June 23, 2017, the Board of Nursing is no longer required to receive, review, or maintain Advanced Practice Registered Nurse protocols.

Statutory authority on protocols is Section 464.012(3), F.S. — An advanced practice registered nurse shall perform those functions authorized in this section within the framework of an established protocol which must be maintained onsite at the location or locations at which an advanced practice registered nurse practices. In the case of multiple supervising physicians in the same group, an advanced practice registered nurse must enter into a supervisory protocol with at least one physician within the physician group practice.

In addition, Section 464.012(4), FS, references: (e) A psychiatric nurse, who meets the requirements in s. 394.455(35), within the framework of an established protocol with a psychiatrist, may prescribe psychotropic controlled substances for the treatment of mental disorders.

Any nurse desiring to be certified as an advanced practice registered nurse shall apply to the department and submit proof that he or she holds a current license to practice professional nursing or holds an active multi-state license to practice professional nursing pursuant to Section 464.0095, FS.

Please visit the Florida Health Care Complaint Portal to report your criminal conviction. https://www.flhealthcomplaint.gov/

In order to qualify for multistate licensure, any applicant who is internationally educated or from a non-NCSBN jurisdiction will need to complete an English competency exam and have their education evaluated in addition to the other requirements for licensure. Please review the information for applicants educated outside of the United States at: International or Non-NCSBN Jurisdiction Applicant Information. The NCSBN Nurse Licensure Guidance tool also provides direction and resources on becoming a licensed nurse in the U.S.

Have you ever taken the NCLEX or State Board Test Pool Exam? If you have, you may qualify for endorsement. Please review the Qualifications for endorsement or more information.

There is no set timeframe for approval of an application. We process applications in date order received. Applications are processed as quickly as possible, but timeframes vary based on the number of applications received and on the length of time it takes receive all necessary documentation.

If you can obtain verification you have been working in another state, jurisdiction or U.S. territory for two of the last three years you may apply by endorsement.

You as the applicant are responsible for requesting licensure verification. The license verification form included in the application is intended to be mailed to states that do not verify licenses through www.Nursys.com (electronic verification).

All other applicants seeking verifications/certifications from U.S. states or territories outside the Nursys system should complete Part I of the form and submit the form to the appropriate state or territory for completion. Check with the appropriate Board to see if they charge a fee for this service.

Information about the electronic fingerprinting process can be found at our Background Screening page.

You can apply by using our online services portal at https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal or you may find a PDF version of the application on the Resources page.

No. The APRN license is independent from the RN license so it will be a different license. You can apply by using our online services portal at https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal or you may find a PDF version of the application on the Resources page.

There is no set timeframe for approval of an application. We process applications in date order received. Applications are processed as quickly as possible, but timeframes vary based on the number of applications received and on the length of time it takes receive all necessary documentation.

APRNs practicing in Florida are required to be covered by malpractice insurance unless they qualify for an exemption listed on the Financial Responsibility Form.

The Financial Responsibility form must be completed and filed with the board office before APRN certification is granted. This form is included in the initial application and is also available separately on the Resources page.

Use the Financial Responsibility Form. Just print it out, complete the form and send it in.

Yes. Effective July 1, 2006, all specialties of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse applying for licensure in Florida must provide proof of National Certification.

The national certifying body can submit proof of your certification directly to the board. Applicants may also submit proof by uploading a copy of their certification in their account or by emailing it to mqa.nursingappstatus@flhealth.gov.

Rule 64B9-4.002(3), F.A.C., provides the professional or national nursing specialty
boards recognized by the Board. You can find the full rule on the web at: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/Organization.asp?OrgNo=64B9

Advanced practice registered nurses certified under s. 464.012 must complete at least 3 hours of continuing education on the safe and effective prescription of controlled substances. The 3 hour course is not included in the exemption.

Yes.

Pharmacy rules require that all the information necessary to properly label the prescription container be included on the prescription. The pharmacist is required to put the prescriber’s name on the medication label.

If it is in your protocols that you are to dispense medications for a fee, you must be authorized to dispense. Dispensing is writing and filling a prescription and selling the medication to a patient. Giving samples is not dispensing. The dispensing license must also be renewed when renewing your APRN license. You may add dispensing to your license from your online account under “Manage my License” or you may submit the Dispensing Practitioner Application to the Board.

464.012(3), F.S. An advanced registered nurse practitioner shall perform those functions authorized in this section within the framework of an established protocol which must be maintained onsite at the location or locations at which an advanced registered nurse practitioner practices. In the case of multiple supervising physicians in the same group, an advanced registered nurse practitioner must enter into a supervisory protocol with at least one physician within the physician group practice.

Effective June 23, 2017, under HB453, in accordance with 464.012 and 458.348 Florida Statutes under Chapter 456, the Board of Nursing will no longer be required to receive, review, or maintain Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner protocols.

464.012(3), F.S. An advanced registered nurse practitioner shall perform those functions authorized in this section within the framework of an established protocol which must be maintained onsite at the location or locations at which an advanced registered nurse practitioner practices. In the case of multiple supervising physicians in the same group, an advanced registered nurse practitioner must enter into a supervisory protocol with at least one physician within the physician group practice.

Only one APRN can be listed on a protocol.

A minimum of one physician is required to be listed on a protocol as the primary supervising physician. A back-up physician may be included in the protocol if the APRN or facility wishes to appoint a secondary physician.

Yes, if the medical director is in agreement.

No, an APRN can have one protocol entailing one page that includes the signatures, license numbers and DEA numbers of all the physicians that will be supervising them.

Yes, the supervising physician that you list on your protocol must be licensed in Florida.

No, according to the section 464.022(7), F.S., an APRN who is currently employed by the U.S. government, or any bureau, division or agency thereof does not need to have a protocol.

No, any APRN who is not currently practicing in Florida does not need to send a protocol, but you will need to submit a Financial Responsibility Form to our Board office and check the corresponding box.

No. All Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are required to establish a protocol which must be maintained on site at the location or locations at which he/she practices. In the case of multiple supervising physicians in the same group, an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner must enter into a supervisory protocol with at least one physician within the physician group practice.

You can find approved CE providers by visiting www.cebroker.com

Nurses licensed by examination, in any state, during the current renewal period are exempt from continuing education requirements for the first renewal period, with the exception of the required 2 hour course in Prevention of Medical Errors, 2 hour course in Laws and Rules that govern the practice of Nursing (beginning with the biennium ending in 2015), and 1 hour course in HIV/AIDS. This exemption is lost if the license is not renewed by the renewal deadline.

Most initial licenses are not valid for the full 2 years. One (1) contact hour is required for each month, or partial month, of the licensure cycle, including two (2) hours on Prevention of Medical Errors and two (2) hours on Laws and Rules that govern the practice of Nursing (beginning with the biennium ending in 2015). HIV/AIDS is now a one-time, 1-hour CE requirement to be completed prior to the first renewal. Domestic Violence (DV) CE is now a 2-hour requirement for every third renewal. For example, if you renew your license on July 31, 2008 and completed DV during the 2006-2008 licensure cycle, you are required to complete the Domestic Violence CE before the July 31, 2014 renewal. Applicants who took the exam during the current renewal cycle should see the FAQ that asks “I passed the NCLEX in the last year. How many contact hours do I need to renew my license?”

All Florida-licensed LPNs, RNs, and APRNs are now in a 24-month renewal cycle and must complete 24 hours of appropriate continuing education during each renewal period. The 24 hours must include two (2) hours on Prevention of Medical Errors, two (2) hours in Laws and Rules that govern the practice of Nursing, (2) hours in recognizing impairment in the workplace and every other biennium thereafter (every 4 years), effective August 1, 2017 and two (2) hours on Human Trafficking, as defined in s.787.06(2), F.S., effective October 1, 2017. HIV/AIDS is now a one-time, 1- hour CE requirement to be completed prior to the first renewal. Domestic Violence (DV) CE is now a 2 hour requirement every third renewal (every 6 years). Since Domestic Violence (DV) is a 2-hour requirement, the licensee will have 26 hours of CE during the renewal period when DV is taken.

Yes. Contact hours may be awarded for completion of credit courses in nursing at an accredited institution of higher learning. However, general education may not be used for C.E. credit. One college course that meets 3 hours a week for 15 weeks is worth 45 CE hours. When you visit https://cebroker.com/, you will need to select “Report CE,” and then select the dropdown option for “College or University Courses Directly Related to Nursing” to input this information.

For assistance, you can contact CE Broker at support@cebroker.com or 877-434-6323.

One credit hour per quarter converts to ten contact hours. One credit hour per semester converts to fifteen contact hours. In order to receive continuing education credit, retain transcripts or legible dated grade reports for four years in case you are audited.

Yes. Continuing education (CE) courses approved by a state or national nursing organization empowered to accredit CE standards can be used, pursuant to Rule 64B9-5.004, F.A.C., unless the offering falls into the mandatory CE category. All mandatory courses must be offered by a Florida Board of Nursing approved provider.

No, all CEUs must be earned within your renewal period and cannot be carried over to the next biennium. Also, CEs taken prior to the issuance of a permanent license cannot be counted towards renewal requirements.

No. Nurses must complete CE requirements within the appropriate biennium. By sending in your renewal and fee you are affirming that you have complied with all licensure renewal requirements.

The Board imposes no limit on the number of contact hours earned through Home Study.

Only APRNs may earn CME. APRNs may use CME for up to half of the mandatory CE requirements.

Please visit www.CEBroker.com for the application to become a CE provider.

Applicants who have successfully completed courses, equivalent to practical nursing education in a professional nursing program, may qualify for NCLEX-PN based on practical nursing equivalency (PNEQ). All professional courses (RN) taken must have been successfully completed with a grade of “C-” or better and must have included theory and clinical instruction.

The professional or practical nursing curriculum must document clinical experience and theoretical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric and geriatric nursing. Each curriculum plan must document clinical training experience in appropriate settings that include, but are not limited to, acute care, long-term care and community settings.

CNA Applicant – EDOH0380Z

LPN/RN Applicant – EDOH4420Z

APRN Applicant – EDOH4420Z

LPN/RN Multi-State Upgrade Applicant – EDOH4420Z

Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are required to complete 24 hours of appropriate CE during each renewal period, including two (2) hours relating to prevention of medical errors, two (2) hours in Laws and Rules in Nursing, (2) hours in Human Trafficking, and (2) hours in Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace every other biennium (every 4 years). In addition to these 24 hours of general CE, every third renewal two (2) hours of domestic violence CE must be completed for a total of 26 hours. APRN must also complete (3) hours in Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances. See Sections 456.013, 456.031, and 456.033, Florida Statutes, and Rule 64B9-5, Florida Administrative Code (FAC) for more information about continuing education requirements.

A nurse who is certified by a health care specialty program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification is exempt from continuing education requirements. This exemption includes general and mandatory nursing continuing education with the exception of Human Trafficking and Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances.

Nurses who hold both a RN and APRN license may use the same credit hours toward both licenses but must make sure to report them under both licenses for CE compliance.

Employers may require completion of agency/facility specific continuing education (CE). If you have questions regarding specific CE for your agency/facility, please speak with your supervisor.

Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners are required to complete 24 hours of appropriate CE during each renewal period, including two (2) hours relating to prevention of medical errors. In addition to these 24 hours of general CE, every third renewal two (2) hours of domestic violence CE must be completed for a total of 26 hours. See Rule 64B9-5,  Florida Administrative Code (FAC) for more information about continuing education requirements.

All professional (RN) courses taken must have been successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better and must have included theory and clinical instruction. The professional or practical nursing curriculum must document clinical experience and theoretical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric and geriatric nursing. Each curriculum plan must document clinical training experience in appropriate settings that include, but are not limited to, acute care, long-term care and community settings.
Applicants for PNEQ must have their school submit official transcripts, course descriptions and a completed Practical Nurse Equivalency Application Letter (found in the Examination application).

A nurse who is certified by a health care specialty program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification is exempt from continuing education requirements. This must be reported to the Department’s tracking system powered by CE Broker.

Please note: The CE exemption based on certification does not apply to the 3 hour Safely Prescribing Controlled Substances course requirement nor the 2 hour Human Trafficking course requirement.

Renewal notices are now sent out as postcards. You may renew online at www.flhealthsource.gov and follow the steps below.  Remember, if you wait until the last minute you may run into long wait times.

1. Go to flhealthsource.gov and click the ”Renew A License” button.
2. Enter your Personal Identifying Information (PII), then click the Login button.
3. Confirm or update your MQA Services Account email address, then click the “Continue” button.
4. You are now in the Dashboard. During renewals, a “Renew My License” option will populate no later than 90 days prior to your license expiration date. (Note: If you do not see the “Renew My License” option, please check back at a later time.)

*** If the “PII Failed” screen displays, click the ”Other Login Option” button and enter your existing User ID and password to access your account.  Your ID and Password can also be reset at www.flhealthsource.gov or you may call 850-488-0595.***

Only graduates from an RN program qualify to take the RN NCLEX.

You can find a list of approved Prelicensure Nursing Education programs here.

Renewal postcards are sent at least 90 days before the expiration date. You should renew as soon as possible after receiving your notice. Please allow 1-2 weeks for receipt of your new nursing license. To expedite your renewal you may renew online at www.flhealthsource.gov. Your ID and Password can also be reset at www.flhealthsource.gov or you may call 850-488-0595.

Please review the information for applicants educated outside the United States at: International or Non-NCSBN Jurisdiction Applicant Information

Yes, nurses who have proof of current licensure may continue to practice without your new license. You can obtain proof of renewal by renewing online where you are able to print a receipt. This should allow you to continue working, but it is ultimately up to your employer.

There is no set timeframe for approval of an application. We process applications in date order received. Applications are processed as quickly as possible, but timeframes vary based on the number of applications received and on the length of time it takes receive all necessary documentation.

Yes, there is a number you can call. However, you or your employer can verify the status of your renewal by visiting our website at: https://mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us/MQASearchServices/HealthCareProviders. The less information you put in the search engine the better the search function will work. You can also call the Communication Services Unit, (850) 488-0595, to verify the status of your license.

This status allows the holder to practice nursing under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse if they meet the following qualifications:

• It has not been more than three months since you have graduated from an approved program
• You have been authorized by the Board to practice as a graduate nurse or graduate practical nurse and have received a “Graduate Nurse” or “Graduate Practical Nurse” letter
• You have been authorized to test by the examination vendor

Any applicant who fails to appear for the first examination for which they have been made eligible shall not practice nursing until such time as the applicant passes the NCLEX examination. Only RN applicants by examination who have been approved by the board may use the term “Graduate Nurse” or the abbreviation “G.N.”.  Only PN applicants by examination may use the term Graduate Practical Nurse or the abbreviation “G.P.N.”.  GN and GPN statuses expire at the date listed on the Graduate Nurse letter or when the applicant takes the examination, whichever comes first.

Continuing Education is a requirement to renew a professional license. Section 456.025(7), F.S. requires the Department to implement an electronic continuing education tracking system for each biennial renewal cycle and to integrate such system into the licensure and renewal system.  The two systems are now integrated.

No. You can only work as a GN or GPN if you have received approval from the board.

The Department of Health, Medical Quality Assurance will verify a practitioner’s continuing education record in the electronic tracking system at the time of renewal.  Practitioners will be able to view their course history in the continuing education tracking system free of charge.  The course history will show all the courses that have been reported for the practitioner.

If the practitioner’s continuing education records are not complete, they will be prompted to enter their remaining continuing education hours before proceeding with their license renewal. If the practitioner does not have the hours to report, the license will move to a delinquent status at expiration.  In order to renew a delinquent license , the practitioner will be required to complete the continuing education requirements.  Additional fees may apply.

Once the board makes you eligible to take the examination your approval will be transferred to Pearson VUE, the examination vendor, via electronic transfer within 2 business days. Pearson VUE will email the Authorization to Test (ATT) if you provided an email address to their office or mail it to you if you did not provide an email address.

No, you can report your hours free of charge anytime during the biennium by registering for the Free Basic Account.  The Department encourages you to report early to avoid a delay in the license renewal process.  For more information please visit www.CEatRenewal.com.

Please note, if you take a course from a Florida Board approved Provider they are required to report on your behalf.  If you take a course from a National organization it is your responsibility to report completion.

NCLEX testing takes place at Pearson VUE centers. Pearson VUE will provide you with information about the available test centers. You may schedule an appointment for any center. You do not have to take the NCLEX in the same jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure.

If you take a course from a Florida Board approved Provider, they are required to report on your behalf.  If you take a course from a National organization, it is your responsibility to report completion.

Testing is available at Pearson VUE centers 15 hours a day/six days a week.  Exams are not offered on Sundays and holidays. Testing availability is subject to change.

The Authorization to Test (ATT) is valid for 90 days. The ATT contains your test authorization number, candidate identification number, and an expiration date. This date cannot be extended for any reason. Test centers may fill up quickly, waiting to schedule your testing appointment may significantly limit dates the center can seat you. If you wait until your ATT is close to expiring, Pearson VUE may not be able to seat you prior to its expiration. If this occurs, you will be required to re-register and re-pay to take the examination.

Yes. After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course. The course includes classroom and clinical components and proof of completion must be submitted directly from the course provider prior to approval for taking the exam the fourth time.

Reapply by submitting a re-examination application, with a retake fee. You will also have to reapply with Pearson VUE (the testing vendor) and pay a non-refundable fee of $200.00. You can find more information at: https://floridasnursing.gov/applications/LPN-RN-re-exam-app.pdf

You must wait a minimum of 45 days between each examination.

No, you will need to send in one money order or cashier’s check for the application fee and another to Pearson VUE for the NCLEX testing fee. These fees are mailed to two different places. Please see the application (Examination or Re-examination) for more information

If you either fail to arrive, fail to reschedule, or cancel your NCLEX appointment without giving three business days’ notice to Pearson VUE where you are scheduled, you will forfeit your examination fee and your Authorization to Test will be invalidated. In order to take the NCLEX, you will need to reapply to Pearson VUE and pay the fees again. GN/GPN status is lost when you fail to take your scheduled examination.

Yes, but you must request a change in the status of the application in writing to the board office. The request for the change will not be granted if the application has already been approved.

Complete and mail the address form (pdf )

Name changes require legal documentation showing the name change. Please submit a request which includes your full name, as it appears on your application; the profession you are applying for; your applicant ID number; your new name; your date of birth; the last four digits of your social security number; and your signature. You must also submit supporting documents, which must be one of the following:

• a copy of a state issued marriage license that includes the signature and seal from the clerk of the court
• a divorce decree restoring your maiden name
• a court order showing the name change (adoption, legal name change, federal identity change)
• a copy of your social security card and drivers’ license showing the new name

Please log into the MQA Online Services System to check your NCLEX results: Login Here

You can determine if you have been issued a license number on our website, after testing, by visiting the Health Provider Lookup Screen. License numbers are generally issued within 1-3 business days after successfully passing the NCLEX examination. License numbers are not available on the same day you take the examination.

Your license will be sent to the address on file, 7-10 business days after the board office receives notification you passed the examination.