Florida License Overview
Compact / eNLCYes — Compact
Endorsement Fee$110
Typical Timing30 days
NursysYes
Temporary LicenseYes
Board Phone(850) 245-4125
How Long Does It Take?
Typical timing: 30 days.
TGL Recruiter tip: Processing estimates change with fingerprint delays, missing documents, and application volume. Confirm the current timeline with the Board before promising a start date — and always start early.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
✓ Florida is an eNLC compact state. Nurses holding a multistate license from a compact primary state may practice in Florida without a separate Florida license.
Permanent License — Endorsement
- Submit your endorsement application online through Florida Health Source (the state Department of Health licensing portal) and pay the SSL ($110) or MSL ($100 upgrade) fee.
- Request license verification via Nursys. Florida participates in Nursys.
- Complete a Level 2 background check with fingerprints through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) — use a Livescan provider in Florida or request a hard-card fingerprint form if out of state.
- Pass the Florida Laws and Rules exam (NCLEX-style exam on Florida nursing law) — this is required for all initial Florida licenses.
- Processing is typically 30 days after all materials are received.
Temporary License
- Florida issues a temporary license (called a 'Single State License for Endorsement' or SSL) that serves as both a temporary and permanent license through the compact program.
- Apply for the SSL through the Department of Health — it is processed alongside the endorsement application.
- If upgrading to a Multistate License (MSL), you must first hold the SSL and then apply for the upgrade.
TGL Recruiter tip: Start the licensing process as early as possible — especially for non-compact states, which can take 8–12 weeks. Your TGL recruiter will track your application status and help you time your assignment start date.
Fees
Single State License (SSL) endorsement fee is $110. Upgrading from SSL to Multistate License (MSL) is an additional $100. Biennial renewal is $65 for RNs. Background check fees are separate, typically $43.25.
Fees change. Always verify current amounts at the official Florida Board of Nursing website before applying.
License Renewal
Florida RN licenses renew biennially on the last day of the nurse's birth month (even or odd year depending on birth year). Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period, including 2 hours on prevention of medical errors and 1 hour on laws/rules. Renewal fee is $65.
Important Notes for Travel Nurses
- Florida is a compact (eNLC) state — nurses with a multistate license from a compact home state may practice under their home license without endorsement.
- The Florida Laws and Rules exam is required and must be passed before a license is issued — study the Florida Nurse Practice Act.
- The Department of Health online system can experience delays — submit well in advance of your assignment start.
Last reviewed by TGL MedStaff: September 2026 —
Licensing requirements change. Always verify with the
Florida Board of Nursing.
