Florida Nursing CE & License Renewal Requirements (2026)
To renew, Florida registered nurses need 24 contact hours every 2 years (16 general plus mandatory topics). The board also requires 4 mandatory topics (listed below). Renewal: Licenses renew every 2 years in 3 renewal groups. CE reporting: Must be reported in CE Broker before renewal. Verified against the Florida board of nursing on 2026-10-16.
Hours
24 hrs / 2 yrs (16 general + mandatory topics); exempt general if NCCA/ABSNC certified
Cycle & deadline
Biennial in 3 groups: Group 1 exp Apr 30 2028, Group 2 Jul 31 2028, Group 3 Apr 30 2027
LPN / LVN
LPN same per board page (first-renewal rules apply to LPN & RN)
Reporting
YES - must be reported into CE Broker before renewal
Last verified 2026-10-16 · Source: Florida board of nursing (Ch. 464 & 456, Florida Statutes) · Checked against the full official board page
Florida CE requirements by license type
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RN | 24 hrs / 2 yrs (16 general + mandatory topics); exempt general if NCCA/ABSNC certified |
| LPN / LVN | LPN same per board page (first-renewal rules apply to LPN & RN) |
| APRN | APRNs must also complete 3 hrs Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances every biennium; the certification exemption does not cover this course or the 2-hr human trafficking course |
Required (mandatory) topics in Florida
| Required topic |
|---|
| 2 medical errors, 2 FL laws & rules, 2 human trafficking (every renewal) |
| 2 recognizing impairment (every other renewal) |
| 2 domestic violence every 3rd biennium (extra) |
| 1 HIV/AIDS one-time before first renewal |
Florida license renewal deadline & cycle
Biennial in 3 groups: Group 1 exp Apr 30 2028, Group 2 Jul 31 2028, Group 3 Apr 30 2027
How to renew your Florida nursing license
- Check your expiration date on your board portal or Nursys.com.
- Complete your CE: 24 hrs / 2 yrs (16 general + mandatory topics); exempt general if NCCA/ABSNC certified.
- Report or record CE: YES - must be reported into CE Broker before renewal.
- Submit the renewal application and fee on the Florida board site.
- Keep certificates in case of audit.
Renewal fees & late renewal
RN renewal fee: not yet verified by us. Check your board's renewal page for the current fee.
Late renewal: late fees and lapse rules vary; check your board's renewal page. Don't practice on an expired license.
CE Broker / reporting in Florida
YES - must be reported into CE Broker before renewal
Is Florida a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Florida is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Where to take Florida-approved CE
Use providers accredited by ANCC or approved by your board, and check that courses cover the required topics above.
Florida nursing CE FAQ
How many CE hours does a Florida RN need?
24 hrs / 2 yrs (16 general + mandatory topics); exempt general if NCCA/ABSNC certified.
When does a Florida nursing license expire?
Biennial in 3 groups: Group 1 exp Apr 30 2028, Group 2 Jul 31 2028, Group 3 Apr 30 2027.
What mandatory CE topics does Florida require?
Required topics: 2 medical errors, 2 FL laws & rules, 2 human trafficking (every renewal); 2 recognizing impairment (every other renewal); 2 domestic violence every 3rd biennium (extra); 1 HIV/AIDS one-time before first renewal.
Does Florida use CE Broker or require CE reporting?
YES - must be reported into CE Broker before renewal.
Do Florida LPNs/LVNs need CE?
LPN same per board page (first-renewal rules apply to LPN & RN).
What CE do Florida APRNs need?
APRNs must also complete 3 hrs Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances every biennium; the certification exemption does not cover this course or the 2-hr human trafficking course.
Is Florida a compact (NLC) state?
Yes. Florida is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a multistate license from another compact home state lets you practice here.
Sources & verification
Official source: https://floridasnursing.gov/renewals/registered-nurse/
Rule: Ch. 464 & 456, Florida Statutes
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Re-read official page Oct 16, 2026; values match.
Change log: 2026-10-16: added APRN 3-hr controlled-substance requirement