Florida LPN License: Lookup, Renewal, CE, and Fees

Florida takes part in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so an LPN who holds a multistate license issued by another compact state can work in Florida under that license without applying for endorsement, as long as their primary residence stays in the issuing state. An LPN who is moving to Florida and making it their primary residence must instead apply for a Florida license by endorsement, which can be issued as a multistate license if the applicant meets Florida's compact eligibility rules.

Applying for a Florida LPN license by endorsement involves verification of licensure from the original exam state and a current active state, Livescan fingerprint screening, and screening for multistate eligibility. The $110 initial license fee applies, and a temporary permit is available. Florida does not require a separate jurisprudence exam; Florida Laws & Rules is a continuing education topic, not a standalone test. Canadian LPNs must apply by examination unless already licensed in a US state or have taken the NCLEX.

Florida requires graduates of an approved practical nursing program to pass the NCLEX-PN exam, administered through Pearson VUE for a $200 registration fee; the state does not require a separate jurisprudence exam. Accepted programs include Florida-approved practical nursing programs, ACEN- or CCNE-accredited programs, programs approved in another jurisdiction with an NCLEX code, military nursing programs, or a board-determined equivalent for international programs. Students in an RN program who completed equivalent coursework may qualify instead through the Practical Nursing Equivalency option.