How to get your Florida APRN license

Practice authorityWhat "Transition to Full Practice" means in Florida

Florida NPs typically practice under a supervisory protocol with a physician — a written agreement outlining scope, prescribing categories, and supervision details. Per HB 607 (effective July 2020), primary care NPs (FNP, PNP-PC, AGPCNP, PMHNP) can apply for autonomous practice after completing 3,000 hours of supervised practice within the past 5 years and meeting other criteria. Once registered for autonomous practice ($300 fee), these NPs can practice without physician supervision in primary care settings.

Step by stepThe Florida APRN licensure process

1. 1
   Hold an active RN license (FL or compact)FL accepts a compact multistate RN license OR a FL-specific RN license. NLC since Jan 2018.
2. 2
   Complete an accredited NP programMust be from an ACEN, CCNE, or COA-accredited program. NP role and population focus must align with intended scope.
3. 3
   Earn national NP certificationFL accepts AANP or ANCC certification for most NP roles. Pass the certification exam.
4. 4
   Submit APRN application via MQA Online$110 fee. Upload national certification verification, transcripts (program-direct from school), and Nursys verification if endorsing.
5. 5
   Complete Livescan fingerprints~$50. ORI: EDOH4420Z. In-state: FDLE-approved provider. Out-of-state: find FDLE-registered Livescan near you. Get your TCN at the appointment.
6. 6
   Establish a supervisory protocolRequired for non-autonomous practice. Written agreement with a Florida physician outlining your scope, prescribing categories, and supervision details. File with FL BoN.
7. 7
   Apply for prescriptive authorityIncluded with FL APRN certification once supervisory protocol is on file. No separate fee. Authority limits defined by your protocol.
8. 8
   Enroll in E-FORCSE (Florida PDMP)Mandatory at e-forcse.com before prescribing Schedule II–V controlled substances. Check the PDMP before every CS prescription.
9. 9
   Apply for federal DEA registration$888 for 3 years. Required for any controlled substance prescribing. Apply at deadiversion.usdoj.gov AFTER your protocol is on file.
10. 10
    (Primary care only) Apply for autonomous practiceAfter completing 3,000 hrs supervised practice within 5 years, apply via FL BoN for autonomous practice registration. $300 fee. Allows independent practice in primary care settings without ongoing supervisory protocol.

Watch outWhat slows NPs down in Florida

• Autonomous practice is primary-care only. The 3,000-hour HB 607 pathway only applies to FNP, AGPCNP, PNP-PC, and PMHNP. Acute care NPs, neonatal NPs, and other specialties remain under supervisory protocol indefinitely. Check your population focus before assuming autonomous practice applies.
• Supervisory protocol details matter. The categories of medications listed in your protocol limit what you can prescribe. If your practice changes, the protocol must be updated. Outdated protocols = practicing outside scope = disciplinary risk.
• Livescan ORI must be correct. Florida uses ORI EDOH4420Z for FL BoN. Wrong ORI means your results never reach the Board. Double-check before fingerprinting.
• E-FORCSE enrollment is not optional. If you prescribe any controlled substances, you must enroll AND check the PDMP before writing the prescription. Florida actively audits compliance.
• Endorsement requires Nursys + transcripts for APRN. Unlike standard RN endorsement, APRN endorsement applicants must provide official transcripts (program-direct) in addition to Nursys verification. Plan for both.
• Hours from outside Florida don't count toward autonomous practice. The 3,000 supervised hours must be earned in Florida or under a Florida-recognized supervisory arrangement. Out-of-state practice hours generally don't transfer.