How to get a Florida nursing license (RN/LPN). See eligibility, application steps & fees, fingerprinting/background checks, NLC multistate rules, and endorsement/reciprocity.
Editor’s note (YMYL): Informational only. Always verify details with the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) and the sources linked below.
Eligibility & Education Requirements
- Pathways: Licensure by Examination (new grads/first license) or by Endorsement (already licensed in another U.S. state/territory). Florida Board of Nursing
- Education (exam route): Graduate of an approved nursing program meeting Florida requirements, then pass the NCLEX (RN or PN). Florida Board of Nursing
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Florida is an NLC state. Multistate licenses are issued by your primary state of residence and allow practice in other compact states. If you relocate and claim Florida as primary, you must obtain a Florida license. flhealthsource.govFlorida Board of Nursing
Application Steps & Fees
For Licensure by Examination (RN/LPN):
- Apply online via the Florida MQA/Board of Nursing portal. Florida Board of Nursing
- Register with Pearson VUE for NCLEX (after applying to the Board). Florida Board of NursingNCLEX
- Electronic fingerprints (Livescan) with the Board’s ORI EDOH4420Z (bring the Board’s form). Florida Board of Nursing
- Submit transcripts/education verification per Board instructions. Florida Board of Nursing
- Schedule & take NCLEX upon receiving your ATT; pass results go directly to the Board. Florida Board of Nursing
Typical fees (exam route):
- $110 to the Florida Board (application & licensing), $200 to Pearson VUE, Livescan varies by provider. Florida Board of Nursing
FBON posts rolling processing updates on the RN page; first reviews are generally within 30 days per Florida law. Florida Board of Nursing
Background Checks & Fingerprints
- Florida requires a Level 2 background check through FDLE with a Livescan submission and a Transaction Control Number (TCN) for tracking. Use the FBON fingerprinting form and verify the ORI with your provider. Results flow to the state’s Clearinghouse. flhealthsource.govFlorida Board of Nursing+1
License by Endorsement/Reciprocity
In Florida, “endorsement” is the term for transferring your license; “reciprocity” is often used informally.
Who qualifies: Nurses already licensed in another U.S. state/territory who meet Florida’s requirements (including background screening). Florida Board of Nursing
Steps (RN/LPN):
- Apply online for License by Endorsement via the MQA portal. Florida Board of Nursing
- Complete Livescan fingerprints (Florida ORI for Nursing). Florida Board of Nursing
- Send license verification from your original/current state—most boards use Nursys (verification fees may apply). ncsbn.orglicense-cert.mqa.flhealthsource.gov
- If you want multistate privileges in Florida, file the Multistate Upgrade (Florida must be your primary state of residence). Fee $100; Livescan within 90 days of applying. Florida Board of Nursing+1
Typical fees (endorsement):
- $110 to the Florida Board (application & licensing), Livescan varies, license verification fee varies (Nursys/other). Florida Board of Nursing
Already hold an NLC multistate license elsewhere?
- You may work in Florida on that multistate license while your primary state remains that NLC state. If you move and claim Florida as primary, apply by endorsement without delay—there’s no grace period. Florida Board of Nursing
FAQ
Do I need to register with Pearson VUE if I’m testing in Florida?
Yes. For licensure by examination, apply to the Board and register with Pearson VUE to receive your ATT and book the NCLEX. Florida Board of NursingNCLEX
What are the current fees to get licensed by exam?
FBON lists $110 (application/licensing) to the Board, $200 to Pearson VUE, plus a Livescan fee set by the provider. Florida Board of Nursing
What is the correct ORI for Florida nursing fingerprints?
Use the Board’s Electronic Fingerprinting form; the ORI is EDOH4420Z. Confirm the ORI with your Livescan provider. Florida Board of Nursing
Is Florida an NLC state? Can I work there on my multistate license?
Yes—Florida is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses with a clear, active multistate license from another compact state may practice in Florida. If Florida becomes your primary residence, apply for a Florida license. Florida Board of Nursingflhealthsource.gov
How do I verify another state license for endorsement?
Most boards use Nursys for verification (fees apply). Florida also provides license lookup via the MQA portal, but verification for endorsement typically flows through Nursys. ncsbn.orgmqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us
Summary/Conclusion
To get your Florida nursing license, choose the right pathway—Examination or Endorsement—then follow the Board’s steps: apply via the MQA portal, register for NCLEX (exam route), complete Livescan (ORI EDOH4420Z), and provide any required verifications. Fees are straightforward ($110 Board + $200 Pearson VUE for exam; $110 for endorsement plus verification and Livescan). Because Florida participates in the NLC, multistate license rules matter—practice on your existing multistate license if Florida is not your primary state, and apply by endorsement if you relocate. Always confirm details on FBON pages before you apply. Florida Board of Nursing+2Florida Board of Nursing+2flhealthsource.gov
Sources
- Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) — RN & LPN licensing (exam/endorsement) overview and online application portal. Florida Board of Nursing+2Florida Board of Nursing+2
- FBON — Licensing by Exam Fees (RN/LPN): $110 Board + $200 Pearson VUE + Livescan varies. Florida Board of Nursing
- Pearson VUE (NCLEX) — Registration and ATT. NCLEX
- FBON — Electronic Fingerprinting Form (ORI: EDOH4420Z) & fingerprinting guidance. Florida Board of Nursing+1
- FL HealthSource Background Screening FAQs — FDLE Level 2, TCN, Clearinghouse. flhealthsource.gov
- Florida is an NLC Member & Nurse Compact FAQs (multistate rules). Florida Board of Nursing+1
- FL HealthSource — Compact info (primary state of residence & multistate). flhealthsource.gov
- Nursys — License verification for endorsement. ncsbn.org