What Florida Nurses Need to Renew Their License

If you’re a nurse working in Florida, renewing your nursing license is critical to maintaining your ability to work within compliance. Whether you’re an LPN, RN, or APRN, understanding the renewal process and requirements will save you time, money, and frustration.

This guide provides a detailed summary of Florida nursing license renewal requirements at every license level. It’s time to get organized, help your career thrive, and ensure that you stay on top of your continuing education (CE) obligations.

Related: Florida Nursing CE requirements

Contact hour requirements

To renew your license, you’ll need to complete 24 contact hours of appropriate continuing education during each renewal cycle, which typically spans two years. These hours must include the following mandatory courses:

Medical error prevention: 2 contact hours every renewal cycle.
Florida nursing laws and rules: 2 contact hours every renewal cycle.
Human trafficking: 2 contact hours every renewal cycle.
Recognizing impairment in the workplace: 2 contact hours every other renewal (every 4 years).
Domestic violence: 2 contact hours every third renewal cycle (every 6 years).
First-time renewals must also complete 1 contact hour focused on HIV/AIDS.

You can choose CE courses through approved providers, including those recognized by the ANCC and reported through CE Broker.

Deadlines and filing

Florida’s renewal deadlines are specific to each nurse’s date of licensure. Be sure to check your license renewal date on the Florida Board of Nursing website to stay on track.

APRN renewal requirements

APRNs have additional requirements beyond those of LPNs and RNs due to the expanded scope of their practice. APRN renewal includes the 24 contact hours required for RNs and LPNs plus additional requirements based on specific roles and authorizations.

Additional course requirements

If you’re an APRN authorized to prescribe controlled substances, you must complete 3 contact hours on the Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances during every renewal.

Autonomous APRNs must also meet these standards:

10 hours in nurse practitioner-level pharmacology CE
10 hours in differential diagnosis through professional or specialty boards
Substance Use Disorder training

Starting mid-2023, all DEA-registered practitioners, including APRNs prescribing controlled substances, must complete an 8-hour one-time training on treating patients with opioid and substance use disorders.

How to become an LPN or RN in Florida

If you’re new to nursing, the renewal process starts with earning your license. Florida offers an array of entry points, including 6-month LPN programs in Florida that provide fast-tracked paths into the profession. Once you’ve passed licensing exams and secured your role, renewal requirements will come into play.

Tips for staying current with CE requirements:

Plan ahead. Complete your CE hours incrementally throughout your renewal cycle to avoid a last-minute rush.
Use verified providers. Choose CE courses approved by Florida’s Board of Nursing or ANCC-accredited organizations. Accredited providers like NetCE report directly to CE Broker.
Keep track of completed hours. Utilize tools like CE Broker to log and monitor the hours you’ve already completed. Staying organized will simplify your renewal significantly.
Set automatic reminders. Mark CE deadlines and course registrations on your calendar so you don’t miss critical milestones.

Building a community of compliance

Renewing your Florida nursing license may seem like a demanding process, but it’s also a chance to deepen your knowledge and skills as a healthcare professional. Each contact hour enriches your expertise and connects you to a broader community of dedicated healthcare professionals.

By keeping track of your CE requirements and understanding the specific rules that apply to your license type, you ensure a thriving career while continuing to provide the highest level of care to your patients.

What Florida Nurses Need to Renew Their License

By NetCE Staff

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