To work as an RN in Florida you license with the Florida Board of Nursing. You apply for licensure by examination (US$110 to the Board), have electronic fingerprints taken by a Livescan provider, register with Pearson VUE (US$200), and the ATT arrives within 72 hours of the Board making you eligible. Three consecutive fails anywhere mean a Board-approved remedial course. Florida is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
✓ Checked against Florida BON's official pages on October 7, 2026
At a glance
BoardFlorida Board of Nursing (Department of Health, MQA)
ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200)
ApplicationUS$110 to the Board (US$60 of it refundable if denied or withdrawn)
FingerprintsLivescan, electronic, from an FDLE-approved provider; required for every applicant
CompactYes: a multistate licence if Florida is your primary state of residence
ATTwithin 72 hours of eligibility (or your Pearson VUE registration, whichever is later)
The steps, in order (graduates of a Florida program)
Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.
8 steps
If you were educated outside the United States
The exam is the same; the path to being allowed to write it is longer. These are the extra steps.
5 steps
Documents to have ready
Licensure by examination application (online or DH-MQA 1094) and US$110
Electronic fingerprints from an FDLE-approved Livescan provider, with the Livescan privacy statement confirmed
Education verification from your program (the Board confirms completion with the school)
Pearson VUE registration (US$200) in the exact name on your ID
Documentation for any 'yes' answer on the health, criminal history or discipline questions
International graduates: independent credentials evaluation and English competency exam if applicable
Fees
Application to the BoardUS$50 application and licensing + US$60 initial licensure, student-loan and unlicensed-activity fees (the US$60 is refundable if denied or withdrawn)
US$110
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.
US$200
Livescan fingerprintingpaid to the Livescan service provider
varies
Renewal, active to activeevery two years
US$75
Endorsement (MOBILE) applicationfor nurses already licensed in another state
US$110
How long it takes
ATT: within 72 hours of Board eligibility or Pearson VUE registration, whichever is later.
No ATT extensions: miss the window and you re-register and pay again.
Retake after 45 days; a remedial course is mandatory after three consecutive fails anywhere.
Special testing accommodations take at least 60 days to approve.
Fees paid to the Board are refundable (the US$60 portion) for up to three years from receipt if denied or withdrawn.
Mistakes that cost people time or money
Book Livescan the week you apply; the Board cannot act until the prints arrive electronically.
Tick the Livescan privacy statement box in the application; without it the Board never receives your results.
Florida has no graduate permit, so plan your start date around the exam result, not the ATT.
Three consecutive fails means a paid remedial course before a fourth attempt; use the 45-day gap to study properly.
Questions people ask about Florida
How do I register for the NCLEX in Florida?
Apply to the Florida Board of Nursing for licensure by examination (US$110), have your fingerprints taken electronically by an FDLE-approved Livescan provider, and register with Pearson VUE (US$200) in the exact name on your ID. The Board verifies your education with the school and makes you eligible; the Authorization to Test arrives within 72 hours.
How much does a Florida RN licence cost?
US$110 to the Board (US$60 of which is refundable if you are denied or withdraw), US$200 to Pearson VUE and the Livescan provider's fee. Renewal is US$75 every two years.
Can I work in Florida before I pass the NCLEX-RN?
Florida does not issue a graduate nurse permit for new graduates waiting to test; employers hire you as an RN once the licence is issued after your pass.
Is Florida a compact state?
Yes, since January 19, 2018. If Florida is your primary state of residence and you meet the uniform licensure requirements (including the fingerprint background check and a Social Security number), your licence is a multistate licence; otherwise it is a single-state licence.
What happens if I fail the NCLEX three times in Florida?
Under section 464.008(3), Florida Statutes, after three consecutive failures in any jurisdiction you must complete a Board-approved remedial course before you may test again. Each attempt is at least 45 days apart.
I trained outside the United States. What does Florida require?
An independent credentials evaluation showing the program is equivalent to an approved program, an English competency exam if the program was not taught in English, the US$110 application, Livescan fingerprints, and Board approval before you register with Pearson VUE.
Official links and sources
Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on Florida BON's and NCSBN's own pages on October 7, 2026; when a detail matters to you, confirm it there:
This guide explains the process; it is not legal or immigration advice. Decisions about your eligibility are made by Florida Board of Nursing.
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