Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
FL · Internationally educated nurses
Florida RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Florida Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Graduates of a non-NCSBN jurisdiction or international program must have education found equivalent to a Florida-approved program; the current international-applicant instructions identify approved evaluators and report submission.
English requirement
Internationally educated applicants seeking multistate licensure must complete an English competency exam and education evaluation. Confirm whether a single-state applicant qualifies for an exemption under the live international instructions.
SSN requirement
An SSN is not required to take NCLEX, but Florida law prohibits license issuance until the Board receives an SSN.
Background check
Electronic fingerprinting is required. Schedule a Livescan appointment using the correct Board ORI; the application cannot be approved until results and all other criteria are met.
Education review
The Board determines whether the international program is equivalent to an approved program; additional documentation may be requested.
Application sequence
How to apply in Florida
- 1
Apply to the Florida Board and begin Pearson VUE registration.
- 2
Order the international education/English review required by the current instructions.
- 3
Complete electronic fingerprints with the correct ORI.
- 4
Respond to any equivalency-document request.
- 5
Receive eligibility, ATT, and test; provide SSN before license issuance.
Documents to prepare
- Credential evaluation
- English competency evidence when required
- Livescan fingerprints
- SSN before issuance
- Translated school/licensure records
Verify before paying
- • Florida’s international instructions and approved evaluator list can change; use the links within the current RN/LPN page.
- • Exam eligibility without an SSN is not authority to practice and does not permit license issuance.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Florida Board of Nursing before ordering reports or submitting documents.
Official sources reviewed
Research checked 2026-07-22. Requirements can change.
General educational information only. The state board is the authority on licensure eligibility; immigration authorization is a separate process.