Florida
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Florida Nursing CEU Overview
Florida requires registered nurses to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. CE requirements apply to all renewal periods, including the first renewal after initial licensure.
The Florida Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Prevention of Medical Errors, Laws and Rules, Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace, and more. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Florida Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Florida
Florida has approximately 340,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of over 23 million, making it the third-largest state by both population and nursing workforce. Major health systems include AdventHealth, Baptist Health, and HCA Florida Healthcare. Florida's large retiree population creates substantial demand for nurses skilled in geriatric and chronic disease management.
Florida requires nurses to complete continuing education requirements including mandatory courses in prevention of medical errors (2 hours every renewal), recognizing impairment in the workplace (2 hours one time), domestic violence (2 hours one time), and HIV/AIDS (1 hour one time). Florida also requires human trafficking education. The total CE requirement varies based on how many mandatory topics apply to each nurse.
Common Practice Settings in Florida
Senior Living Communities
Florida leads the nation in retirement communities and skilled nursing facilities, creating high demand for gerontological expertise.
Tourist Area Hospitals
Orlando, Miami, and Tampa hospitals see diverse patient populations and seasonal fluctuations in census.
Home Health
Florida's large elderly population creates substantial demand for home health nursing services.
Florida License Renewal Tips
Complete your prevention of medical errors course every renewal cycle.
Track which one-time mandatory courses you have completed.
Florida requires CE providers to be approved by the Board of Nursing.
Keep certificates for 4 years following each renewal period.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Florida
Florida is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which took effect January 1, 2019. Nurses with a Florida multistate license can practice in other compact states, valuable given Florida's large travel nursing industry and nurses relocating from other states.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prevention of Medical Errors Must be Florida-specific and approved | 2 | Each renewal |
Laws and Rules Florida nursing laws and rules | 2 | Each renewal |
Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace Required every 4 years | 2 | Every undefined years |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 2 | One-time |
Domestic Violence Screening and intervention - required every 6 years | 2 | Every undefined years |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure (except Medical Errors)
Notes
- Must complete Prevention of Medical Errors even for first renewal.
- 1 hour general nursing education may be satisfied by specialty certification renewal.
- Recognizing Impairment required every 4 years.
- Domestic Violence required every 6 years.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prevention of Medical Errors Must be Florida-specific and approved | 2 | Each renewal |
Laws and Rules Florida nursing laws and rules | 2 | Each renewal |
Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace Required every 4 years | 2 | Every undefined years |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 2 | One-time |
Domestic Violence Screening and intervention - required every 6 years | 2 | Every undefined years |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure (except Medical Errors)
Notes
- Must complete Prevention of Medical Errors even for first renewal.
- Recognizing Impairment required every 4 years.
- Domestic Violence required every 6 years.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prevention of Medical Errors Must be Florida-specific and approved | 2 | Each renewal |
Laws and Rules Florida nursing laws and rules | 2 | Each renewal |
Prescriber Course For controlled substance prescribers | 3 | Each renewal |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 2 | One-time |
Notes
- Prescribers must complete controlled substance prescribing course.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prevention of Medical Errors Must be Florida-specific and approved | 2 | Each renewal |
Laws and Rules Florida nursing laws and rules | 2 | Each renewal |
Prescriber Course For controlled substance prescribers | 3 | Each renewal |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 2 | One-time |
Notes
- Prescribers must complete controlled substance prescribing course.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prevention of Medical Errors Must be Florida-specific and approved | 2 | Each renewal |
Laws and Rules Florida nursing laws and rules | 2 | Each renewal |
Prescriber Course For controlled substance prescribers | 3 | Each renewal |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 2 | One-time |
Notes
- Prescribers must complete controlled substance prescribing course.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prevention of Medical Errors Must be Florida-specific and approved | 2 | Each renewal |
Laws and Rules Florida nursing laws and rules | 2 | Each renewal |
Prescriber Course For controlled substance prescribers | 3 | Each renewal |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 2 | One-time |
Notes
- Prescribers must complete controlled substance prescribing course.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Prevention of Medical Errors Must be Florida-specific and approved | 2 | Each renewal |
Laws and Rules Florida nursing laws and rules | 2 | Each renewal |
Prescriber Course For controlled substance prescribers | 3 | Each renewal |
Human Trafficking One-time requirement | 2 | One-time |
Notes
- Prescribers must complete controlled substance prescribing course.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Florida requires 24 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Georgia has no general CE requirement, while Alabama has similar requirements (24 hours). As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Florida allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Florida requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Florida compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Florida Board of Nursing
(850) 488-0595
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C02, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Florida Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.