If you aspire to be a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, and live in the state of Florida, you've come to the right place. On this page, you'll find all of the basic information that you need to learn how to become an LPN in FL. As you will see, it involves completing an approved training program and passing a licensing exam.
Without question, the most critical step in becoming an LPN in Florida is completing your LPN training. With that in mind, it's imperative to enroll in a program that has a solid reputation and that is known for graduating students who go on to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Learn more about licensing requirements for LPNs in Florida along with a lot of other useful information by reading on below.
LPN LICENSING REQUIREMENTS IN FLORIDA
It helps a lot to understand the licensing requirements for LPNs in Florida, as it allows you to get through the process as quickly and efficiently as possible. The only way to be eligible to work as an LPN in Florida is by obtaining an LPN license, and licensing is handled by the Florida State Board of Nursing.
Some licensing requirements for LPNs in FL include:
- Complete a board-approved LPN training program, which typically takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
- Submit your application to the state board of nursing prior to sitting for the exam along with the required fees and an electronic fingerprint for a background check.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, which is administered at sites around the state throughout the year.
If you possess an LPN license from another state, you may be able to transfer it to Florida through the endorsement process.
LPN licenses in Florida expire every two years on July 31, and it is important to renew yours in a timely manner to avoid problems.
Florida Board of Nursing
All issues regarding LPN licenses in the state of Florida are handled by the Florida Board of Nursing. For example, when you apply for your license, you will submit your application to them. In the future, you must renew your license with them and contact them for any other assistance.
Contact information is as follows:
Florida Board of Nursing4042 Bald Cypress Way #120, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-4125
Fax: (850) 617-6460
LPN SALARY & EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK IN FLORIDA
Before going through the work, effort and expense of becoming a licensed practical nurse in Florida, you'd probably like to make sure that LPNs are fairly compensated and able to find work easily in the Sunshine State. Because the state of Florida has such a large population of senior citizens, job opportunities abound for LPNs, who work with seniors in nursing homes, hospitals and even in their own homes.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for LPNs in Florida is $46,710, which is equal to $22.46 per hour. This is slightly less than the nationwide average pay for LPNs, which is $48,820 per year, or around $23.47 per hour.
As for job outlook for LPNs in FL, the news is very good. According to the BLS, there is expected to be a 22-percent increase in LPN jobs in Florida from 2014 through 2024. This rate is 6-percent higher than that for the nationwide LPN job growth rate, so it proves that LPNs in Florida have plenty of opportunities now and will have even more in the upcoming years. If you break into the field now, you can rest assured of enjoying steady employment throughout your career.
LPN Salaries in Florida by Area
The amount that you can expect to earn as an LPN in Florida will vary based on numerous factors, and location is among the most important of them. As you will see from the list below, salaries and available jobs for LPNs vary widely across the state. It might be worth your while to relocate if you live in an area with fewer opportunities.
| Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gainesville | 990 | $26.63 | $55,380 |
| Port St. Lucie | 1,360 | $23.60 | $49,100 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach | 380 | $23.45 | $48,780 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 10,650 | $23.34 | $48,540 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | 1,920 | $23.31 | $48,480 |
| Jacksonville | 3,120 | $22.65 | $47,110 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | 6,920 | $22.60 | $47,010 |
| Ocala | 610 | $22.44 | $46,680 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | 4,360 | $22.30 | $46,390 |
| Homosassa Springs | 390 | $21.76 | $45,260 |
| The Villages | 270 | $21.76 | $45,250 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | 1,090 | $21.43 | $44,570 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | 850 | $21.17 | $44,040 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | 990 | $21.05 | $43,780 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | 1,110 | $21.03 | $43,740 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | 1,250 | $20.98 | $43,640 |
| Punta Gorda | 350 | $20.93 | $43,530 |
| Tallahassee | 940 | $20.87 | $43,400 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | 1,120 | $20.70 | $43,050 |
| Sebring | 200 | $19.49 | $40,540 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | 680 | $18.74 | $38,980 |
| Panama City | 330 | $18.53 | $38,530 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
TOP LPN PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA
Given how important it is to select an LPN program that will adequately prepare you for the NCLEX-PN, it pays to take your time and do your homework when looking for programs. It's easy to feel overwhelmed simply because there are so many options across the state. To make this easier, here's a list of some of the most popular and highly rated LPN programs in Florida:
Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations
5154 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417Angel Technical Institute
453 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207Antigua College International
14505 Commerce Way #522, Miami Lakes, FL 33016ATA Career Education
7351 Spring Hill Dr #11, Spring Hill, FL 34606Atlantic Technical College - Broward County
4700 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Margate, FL 33063Big Bend Technical College
3233 S Byron Butler Pkwy, Perry, FL 32348Brewster Technical College
2222 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602Burnett International College
2601 S Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
460 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology - Delray
5150 Linton Blvd STE 340, Delray Beach, FL 33484Cape Coral Technical College
360 Santa Barbara Blvd N, Cape Coral, FL 33993Chancellor Institute
5648 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate, FL 33063Charlotte Technical College
18150 Murdock Cir, Port Charlotte, FL 33948Concorde Career Institute
7259 Salisbury Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256Daytona State College
1200 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114Desoto County School of Practical Nursing
310 W Whidden St, Arcadia, FL 34266Eastern Florida State College
1519 Clearlake Rd, Cocoa, FL 32926Emerald Coast Technical College
761 N 20th St, Defuniak Springs, FL 32433Emiraza College
510 S US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950Erwin Technical College
2010 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610Evolution Health Academy
18350 NW 2nd Ave #402, Miami Gardens, FL 33169First Coast Technical College
2980 Collins Ave Building D, St. Augustine, FL 32084Florida Gateway College
149 SE College Pl, Lake City, FL 32025Florida Panhandle Technical College
757 Hoyt St, Chipley, FL 32428Florida State College at Jacksonville
101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202Fort Myers Technical College
3800 Michigan Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916Fortis Institute
9022 S U.S. Hwy 1, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952Galen College of Nursing
11101 Roosevelt Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33716Gulf Coast State College
3800 Garrison Ave, Port St Joe, FL 32456Gwinnett Colleges & Institute
1900 N Alafaya Trail #100, Orlando, FL 32826Herzing University
1865 FL-436, Winter Park, FL 32792Horizon Healthcare Institute
3677 Central Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901Horizon Healthcare Institute
1032 S Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953Ideal Professional Institute
20295 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33169Immokalee Technical College
508 N 9th St, Immokalee, FL 34142Indian River State College
3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34981International Institute for Healthcare Professionals
6870 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33487J & J Healthcare Institute, Inc.
1410 N Pine Hills Rd, Orlando, FL 32808Jersey College
3625 Queen Palm Dr, Tampa, FL 33619Jersey College
8131 Baymeadows Cir W, Jacksonville, FL 32256Lake Technical College
2001 Kurt St, Eustis, FL 32726Lindsey Hopkins Technical College
750 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33136Lively Technical College
500 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304Locklin Technical Center
5330 Berryhill Rd, Milton, FL 32570Manatee Technical College
5530 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34211Marion Technical College
1014 SW 7th Rd, Ocala, FL 34471McFatter Technical College
6500 Nova Dr, Davie, FL 33317Medical Prep Institute of Tampa Bay
2304 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612Mercy Hospital School of Practical Nursing
3663 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33133Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College
1450 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132North Broward Technical Center
1871 W Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442North Florida College
325 Turner Davis Dr, Madison, FL 32340North Florida Technical College
609 N Orange St, Starke, FL 32091Okaloosa Technical College
1976 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547Orange Technical College
301 W Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32801Palm Beach State College
4200 S Congress Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33461Pasco-Hernando State College
10230 Ridge Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34654Pensacola State College
1000 College Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504Piberry Institute
30356 Old Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33030Pinellas Technical College
6100 154th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33760Pinellas Technical College - St Petersburg
901 34th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711Premiere International College
2055 Central Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901Rasmussen College
9160 Forum Corporate Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33905Rasmussen College
4042 Park Oaks Blvd Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33610Rasmussen College
18600 Fernview St, Land O' Lakes, FL 34638Rasmussen College
2100 SW 22nd Pl, Ocala, FL 34471Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School at Seminole
12611 86th Ave N, Seminole, FL 33776Ridge Technical College
7700 FL-544, Winter Haven, FL 33881Riveroak Technical College
415 Pinewood Dr SW, Live Oak, FL 32064Robert Morgan Educational Center
18180 SW 122nd Ave, Miami, FL 33177Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83 St, Gainesville, FL 32606Sheridan Technical College
5400 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021Siena College of Health
7491 W Oakland Park Blvd #100, Tamarac, FL 33319Sigma Institute of Health Careers
1260 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334South Dade Technical College
109 NE 8th St, Homestead, FL 33030South Florida Medical College
1111 Park Centre Blvd #102, Miami Gardens, FL 33169South Florida State College
600 W College Dr, Avon Park, FL 33825South Tech Academy
1300 SW 30th Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426Southeastern College
17395 NW 59th Ave, Hialeah, FL 33015Southeastern College
1756 N Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409St. Johns River State College
283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32065Suncoast Technical College
4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233Sunshine Academy
2755 S Federal Hwy Suite 9 & 10, Boynton Beach, FL 33435Taylor College
5190 SE 125th St, Belleview, FL 34420Tom P. Haney Technical Center
3016 FL-77, Panama City, FL 32405Traviss Technical College
3225 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803West Lawrence School of Nursing
3632 Evans Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901Withlacoochee Technical College
1201 W Main St, Inverness, FL 34452
In addition to checking a program's NCLEX pass rates to ensure that they are properly preparing students, make certain that the program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Keep in mind that many LPN programs have online components that make it easier for busy, working adults to complete the work.
Becoming an LPN in Florida doesn't have to be difficult. By selecting the right LPN school to enroll in, you will be on your way to earning your license in no time.
