The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement which allows a nurse licensed to practice in one state the privilege to practice in another compact state without having to apply for licensure in that state. The NLC increases access to care while maintaining public protection at the state level. Currently, there are 39 states that are part of the NLC or have pending NLC legislation.
The NLC only applies to Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. It does not apply to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. There is an APRN Compact adopted August 12, 2020, which allows an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse to hold one multistate license with a privilege to practice in other compact states. Unfortunately, Florida has not implemented any APRN Compact legislation. As of this writing the only states that have are Delaware, North Dakota, and Utah. New York and Maryland have APRN Compact legislation pending.
This means that an APRN wanting to practice in Florida must apply for an APRN license. For licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, the requirements are as follows and can be found in Section 464.012, Florida Statutes.
- Hold a valid Registered Nurse License from any US jurisdiction (at initial APRN licensure)
- Education Requirements:
- (a) Applicants who graduated on or after October 1, 1998, must have completed requirements for a master’s degree or post-master’s degree certification.
- (b) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist applicants who graduated on or after October 1, 2001, must have completed requirements for a master’s degree program.
- (c) Applicants who graduated prior to the applicable date are exempt from this requirement.
- (d) Graduates from either a certificate or currently closed program should submit supporting documentation that demonstrates program compliance with Board guidelines.
- After July 1, 2006, applicants for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse pursuant to section 464.012(1), F.S., shall submit proof of national advanced practice certification from an approved nursing specialty board.
- Proof of malpractice insurance or exemption.
Applicants with a criminal background, disciplinary history, or relevant health history should click here for more information.
