Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Florida APRN

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1. What are the requirements to become a licensed APRN in Florida?

To qualify as an APRN in Florida, you must:

• Hold a current Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Obtain a master’s degree or post-master’s certificate in a nursing clinical specialty area.
• Achieve national advanced practice certification from an approved nursing specialty board.

These requirements are detailed in Section 464.012, Florida Statutes. 

floridasnursing.gov

2. Is a separate license required for APRNs, apart from the RN license?

Yes, effective October 1, 2018, Florida transitioned from ARNP certification to a distinct APRN license. Therefore, APRNs hold separate licenses from their RN licenses. 

floridasnursing.gov

3. Do I need a Florida RN license to apply for an APRN license?

No, it doesn't have to be a Florida RN license. You can apply for an APRN license in Florida if you hold a current RN license from any U.S. jurisdiction. 

floridasnursing.gov

4. What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for APRN license renewal in Florida?

Florida-licensed APRNs must complete 24 hours of appropriate CE during each renewal period, including:

• Two (2) hours on Prevention of Medical Errors.
• Two (2) hours in Laws and Rules that govern the practice of Nursing.
• Two (2) hours in Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace every other biennium (every 4 years).
• Two (2) hours on Human Trafficking.
• Three (3) hours on Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances.

Additionally, every third renewal (every 6 years), two (2) hours of Domestic Violence CE must be completed, totaling 26 hours for that period. 

floridasnursing.gov

5. Are APRNs required to have malpractice insurance in Florida?

Yes, APRNs practicing in Florida are required to be covered by malpractice insurance unless they qualify for an exemption listed on the Financial Responsibility Form. This form must be completed and filed with the board office before APRN certification is granted. 

floridasnursing.gov

6. Can APRNs sign death certificates in Florida?

Only APRNs who have registered and been approved for autonomous practice can sign death certificates, as authorized by House Bill 607. The Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics provides support and training for Autonomous APRNs to use the state's Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS). 

floridasnursing.gov

7. What is Autonomous Practice for APRNs in Florida, and what are its requirements?

Autonomous Practice allows APRNs to practice independently without physician supervision. To qualify, an APRN must:

• Hold a clear, active Florida APRN license.
• Complete at least 3,000 clinical hours under the supervision of an allopathic or osteopathic physician within the past five years.
• Submit proof of three graduate-level semester hours in differential diagnosis and three in pharmacology, completed within the last five years.
• Have no disciplinary action within the past five years.

Detailed requirements are outlined in Section 464.0123, Florida Statutes. 

floridasnursing.gov

8. Do APRNs need to submit protocols to the Board of Medicine?

No, effective June 23, 2017, the Board of Nursing is no longer required to receive, review, or maintain APRN protocols. However, APRNs must maintain a protocol onsite at their practice location(s) as specified in Section 464.012(3), Florida Statutes. 

floridasnursing.gov

9. Is national certification required for APRN licensure in Florida?

Yes, effective July 1, 2006, all APRN applicants in Florida must provide proof of national advanced practice certification from an approved nursing specialty board. 

floridasnursing.gov

10. Will APRNs be required to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree?

Currently, there is no mandate requiring APRNs to obtain a DNP degree. Implementing such a requirement would necessitate legislative action. For more information, you may review the APRN Consensus Model on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website. 

floridasnursing.gov