Florida Nurses Association (FNA): The primary professional organization representing RNs in Florida offers advocacy, education, networking and specialty practice councils.
Registered Nurse Career and Degree Guide
By: All Nursing Schools Staff
How much do RNs make in Florida?
Registered nurses in Florida typically earn slightly less than the national average, but their compensation can vary widely depending on things like experience level, specialty area, employer type, education level (such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associate Degree in Nursing) and location within the state. Urban regions and high-demand specialties often offer more competitive pay, while rural areas may trend lower. Even so, Florida remains a unique and appealing place for nurses to work, not only because it consistently ranks among the top states for RN employment, but also because its large retiree population, growing healthcare networks and diverse patient communities. These all factor together to create a dynamic environment with strong job stability and opportunities for advancement.
Despite the lower pay, many RNs are drawn to Florida for a variety of reasons:
- High job demand and security: Florida employs a large number of RNs, especially since so many retirees flock to the state’s warm climate. An aging population, therefore, requires more healthcare workers. Plus, Florida is one of the fastest growing states in the country.
- Cost of living is relatively moderate: While housing costs vary, Florida’s overall cost of living is close to the national average.
- Quality of life: With its warm climate, recreational opportunities and strong healthcare infrastructure, Florida can be an attractive place to live and work for nurses balancing career and lifestyle.
- No state income tax: Nurses in Florida benefit from state tax savings, which can help stretch their earnings.
In this Article
Quick view | Top employers | Salary statistics | Education requirements | Cost of living considerations | Professional resources in FL
Snapshot of registered nurse salaries in FL
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 218,100 RNs in Florida, the third-most in the country behind California and Texas. The median wage per hour is $40, a bit lower than the national average of $45 an hour. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.9%.
Top RN employers in Florida
Some of the largest employers of RNs in the state of Florida include:
- AdventHealth, Orlando, Statewide:
As the largest health system in Florida by number of hospitals, AdventHealth runs more than 50 hospitals across the state. Its Central Florida division alone sees millions of patient visits annually, and AdventHealth Orlando is a major tertiary referral center with recognized specialty and research programs.- HCA Florida Healthcare (HCA Healthcare), Statewide:
HCA is one of the largest private hospital operators in the state, with dozens of hospitals spread across regions like West, East and North Florida. Because of its scale, HCA offers a wide variety of acute-care settings, from high-volume community hospitals to specialty centers, giving RNs lots of flexibility in unit type, shift flexibility and geographic location.- BayCare Health System, Clearwater:
Headquartered in Clearwater, BayCare is a large nonprofit network with more than a dozen hospitals in West Central and Central Florida. The system is deeply rooted in its communities, operating both major medical centers and outpatient facilities. For RNs, BayCare offers a more community-oriented work environment, often with a strong mission-driven culture and a focus on continuity of care.- Baptist Health, Jacksonville:
Baptist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit system with its headquarters in Jacksonville and multiple hospitals across northeast Florida.- Orlando Health, Orlando:
Based in the Orlando area, Orlando Health operates a major hospital network that includes a Level I trauma center, a Level III neonatal ICU and a children’s hospital. With more than 20 affiliated hospitals, Orlando Health offers RNs access to both high-acuity tertiary care and community hospital settings.
RN salary stats for Florida
The median annual salary for registered nurses in Florida is $82,850, but keep in mind that salaries can vary significantly depending on factors like location, cost of living, years of experience, education level and more.
Registered Nurses
10%$66,670
25%$77,070
50%$82,850Median
75%$99,260
90%$110,530
Median Hourly Wage$40
Job growth4.9%
Total Employment218,100
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $86,090 | $66,960 | $106,230 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $85,610 | $68,040 | $127,240 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $85,140 | $69,900 | $142,960 |
| Gainesville, FL | $84,710 | $72,740 | $109,200 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $84,290 | $67,960 | $114,960 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $82,850 | $65,550 | $103,640 |
| Sebring, FL | $82,690 | $67,990 | $101,860 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $82,140 | $68,420 | $119,220 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $81,440 | $63,130 | $121,120 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $81,430 | $65,980 | $107,810 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for Florida nurses
The BLS reports that the salary range for RNs in Florida typically spans from $66,670 for the lowest 10% of RNs to $110,530 for the top 10% of RNs per year. This range generally includes both newcomers to the profession and more experienced RNs.
Employment of RNs by metro area
The BLS tracks salaries and employment by metropolitan areas. Unsurprisingly, large metropolitan areas employ the most RNs. The Miami metropolitan area manages to sneak into the top 10:
And here are the top 10 metro areas nationwide for RN pay. Florida doesn’t make the list, but keep in mind that many of these locations have such high median salaries because of their high cost of living:
Florida salary growth and job outlook
The BLS predicts an overall 4.9% job growth for registered nurses in Florida through 2034. The job outlook for registered nurses in Florida is strong and improving, though not without its challenges. While the state has historically faced a significant shortage—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—recent data shows meaningful progress. As of 2024, the statewide RN vacancy rate has dropped to 7.8%, thanks to aggressive recruitment and retention efforts. Hospitals are investing in education partnerships, “earn-while-you-learn” programs, and better onboarding, helping reduce RN turnover by more than 45% since 2022.
Still, demand remains high. Florida’s rapidly growing and aging population continues to push up the need for health care services, particularly in hospitals and long-term care settings.
Florida RN education requirements
Florida RNs must obtain a license through the Florida Board of Nursing in order to legally work within the state.
Here are the basic steps for new nurses applying for licensure for the first time. Be sure to consult the Board of Nursing for full details:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED: You’ll need a high school education in order to qualify for admission to nursing programs.
- Complete an accredited nursing program and clinical experience: Students must complete an accredited nursing program such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or another approved program.
- Submit fingerprints with initial licensure application: Nursing applicants must apply for a license online, pay the appropriate fees and submit fingerprints taken at a Livescan service provider. Once someone reviews their application and verifies all required materials, applicants will receive testing instructions for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam: Once the Board verifies that you have passed the NCLEX-RN exam, you should receive your RN license.
- Maintain your license. Florida nurses must renew their license biennially and submit the proof of the required continuing education subjects to do so.
Other state-specific requirements
- Electronic fingerprinting required:
- Florida nursing applicants must use a Livescan service provider to have their fingerprints submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) before they can get licensed.
- Specific continuing education requirements:
- Florida nurses can’t simply submit continuing education courses in any subject to renew their license. They must complete specific number of hours in each of the following subjects during a renewal cycle: general hours, prevention of medical errors, Florida laws and rules, recognizing impairment in the workplace, human trafficking, domestic violence and HIV/AIDS.
Cost of living in Florida
Florida’s cost of living varies widely by region, and this plays a major role in how far a nurse’s salary can stretch. Overall, the state sits near the national average, with World Population Review giving Florida a cost of living index of 102.2. That means the state has an overall cost of living that is 2.2% higher than the national average. That said, local differences can be significant. South Florida—particularly Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties—tends to have the highest housing and transportation costs, driven by population density, limited housing supply and strong demand from both domestic and international buyers. In these areas, even though some hospitals may offer slightly higher pay to stay competitive, the elevated cost of rent, home prices and everyday expenses can reduce the overall impact of those earnings.
Central Florida cities like Orlando and Tampa tend to fall into the moderate cost of living range. Housing has become more expensive in recent years due to rapid growth, but these regions still tend to be more affordable than South Florida while offering a large number of major hospital employers. For nurses, this creates a middle-ground scenario where wages generally align more comfortably with daily expenses. Meanwhile, the Panhandle, North Florida and more rural inland areas often feature lower housing and overall living costs. Although RN pay in these regions may be slightly lower, the reduced cost of living can make earnings go further, especially for nurses who prioritize homeownership or lower monthly expenses.
Check out how some Florida cities’ cost of living compares to the national average according to RentCafe:
| FL city | Cost of living compared to nation |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 7% lower |
| Miami | 21% higher |
| Tampa | 2% lower |
| Orlando | 4% lower |
| Cape Coral | 5% higher |
Professional resources for FL nurses
Professional nursing associations and industry groups are essential partners in a nurse’s long-term growth and success. Joining these organizations gives nurses access to a wide range of benefits, including professional networking, mentorship, continuing education and current healthcare trends delivered through journals, webinars and online communities. For nurses practicing in Florida, the following associations offer particularly strong support and region-specific resources.
Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership (FONL): Supports nurse leaders, managers and executives with leadership development, policy updates, and professional collaboration.
Florida Student Nurses Association (FSNA): A valuable resource for nursing students seeking mentorship, career preparation and professional development.
This overview of RN pay in Florida is intended to help you understand what to expect financially in one of the state’s most critical healthcare roles. Whether you’re entering the field for the first time or aiming to transition into advanced practice or leadership, understanding Florida’s salary landscape can guide your decisions about where to work, how to grow and what compensation targets align with your long-term career plans.