Become an RN in Florida: Requirements, Licensing, and Employment Outlook
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Walter Bibikow / Stone / Getty ImagesBoasting one of the highest employment levels of registered nurses (RNs) nationwide, Florida offers RNs a bright future. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the Sunshine State employed 207,910 RNs as of 2023. Only California and Texas were home to more RNs than Florida.
Nationwide employment for RNs will surpass other occupations, growing by 6% through 2033.
Read on to learn how to become an RN in Florida and determine which cities offer the highest salaries.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Become an RN in Florida
There are several avenues to becoming an RN in Florida. Prospective students can become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for a faster and more affordable degree.
You can complete an LPN program and become a licensed LPN in 15-18 months. However, those who want to advance their education and expand employment opportunities can obtain an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
- 1
Apply to Your ADN or BSN Program.
Individuals seeking a Florida nursing license apply for a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN. The program’s duration depends on the degree, student’s previous academic experience, and completed nursing prerequisite courses.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the main differences between an ADN and a BSN are the amount of coursework, level of education and future professional opportunities.
These three degrees prepare nursing students to learn the skills and responsibilities necessary to care for patients of all ages. However, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) encourages nurses to earn a BSN.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive RN licensure.
After graduating, ADN and BSN students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and submit a licensure application to Florida’s Board of Nursing.
- 3
Apply for jobs at local hospitals.
According to the 2018-2019 Florida’s workforce supply, 63% of RNs work in a hospital. You can find a nursing position in a hospital by looking at:
- Salary and benefits
- Cost of living
- Growth opportunities
- Employee satisfaction hospitals have to offer
New graduate nurses may work outside of the hospital in outpatient facilities. They can look for positions as:
- Community Nurses
- School nurses
- Home care health nurses
- Hospice nurses
Outpatient facilities may require nursing experience to obtain.
- 4
Advance your career with a graduate degree or certification.
Advancement in education can increase RNs’ earning potential, clinical responsibilities, and autonomy in practice. After completing a master of science in nursing (MSN) program, Florida nurses are considered advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This includes choosing to become a licensed nurse practitioner (NP).
According to ZipRecruiter, Florida NPs report an average salary of $90,634, while the national average for NPs, according to BLS, is $128,490.
NPs in Florida can also practice independently after completing specific requirements.
Licensure Requirements in Florida
RNs can earn a Florida nursing license by taking the NCLEX-RN or endorsement. Candidates applying for licensure by endorsement must hold a valid RN license from another state or territory, do not have to retake the NCLEX-RN, and have specific application requirements.
The application process for RNs can take 5-7 days or up to 30 days.
Other applicants obtain licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN. This process includes paying fees, taking a background check, and undergoing fingerprinting. Candidates who pass the exam receive a license within 7-10 days.
Salary and Employment Outlook for Nurses in Florida
With 207,910 RNs in Florida, the state has the third-highest employment level in the nation. Nursing salaries in Florida vary by region and experience.
In 2023, Florida’s metropolitan areas ranked in the top 10 cities with the highest employment levels. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are home to approximately 56,660 RNs, who enjoy a mean annual wage of $87,710.
California RNs still earn the most, with nurses in San Fransico, Oakland, and Hayward making a mean annual salary of $174,370.
According to BLS, the national yearly salary for nurses is $94,480, while a nurse in Florida earns an average yearly salary of $84,760.
| Rank | Metro Area | Nursing Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | $89,050 |
| 2 | Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $87,710 |
| 3 | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $86,060 |
| 4 | Gainesville, FL | $85,650 |
| 5 | The Villages, FL | $85,550 |
Best Hospitals to Work at in Florida
Nursing students searching for a job can use the US News Best Hospitals in Florida rankings. To compile the rankings, the US News evaluated patient outcomes and the processes of care and resources such as patient experience, nurse staffing, and clinical services. Below, find the top five hospitals in Florida:
1. Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville
One of four major campuses in the country, the Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville offers inpatient and outpatient healthcare. The hospital retains both research and healthcare professionals. Patients can choose from 35 adult specialties, including cardiovascular care, endocrinology, infectious diseases, neurology, pain medicine, orthopedic surgery and radiology.
2. Tampa General Hospital
Tampa Bay’s only hospital, Tampa General Hospital, has operated as a teaching hospital affiliated with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine since the early 1970s. With over 1,006 beds and 8,000 employees, Tampa General Hospital features a top organ transplant center and a well-recognized stroke center.
3. UF Health Shands Hospital
Founded in 1958, this private teaching hospital is located in Gainesville. About 10,324 employees work throughout the UF Health Shands Hospital system, which features over 100 specialty areas, including one of Florida’s five regional burn centers. This hospital also serves as one of 14 “safety-net” hospitals, which treats patients even if they cannot pay.
4. AdventHealth Orlando
This faith-based hospital was founded in 1973 by Seventh-day Adventist medical professionals. Today, the hospital employs 80,000 healthcare professionals, including those in nursing facilities. AdventHealth Orlando, part of the AdventHealth Central Florida Division, has 20 hospitals and ERs and conducts more than 500 clinical trials.
5. Sarasota Memorial Hospital
This 897-bed hospital is Florida’s largest public community health system. With over 10,000 staff members, it is the largest employer in Sarasota County. The hospital offers full service to patients, from cardiology to oncology, and operates two hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Being an RN in Florida
According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida registered nurses earn an average yearly salary of $84,760.
