The Florida LPN License Application is the official packet you submit to the Florida Board of Nursing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Florida, and it is the gateway to taking the NCLEX-PN, transferring an out-of-state license through endorsement, or moving an internationally trained nursing credential into Florida practice. The form is processed by the Florida Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) under Chapter 464, Florida Statutes, known as the Nurse Practice Act, and the rules in Rule 64B9, Florida Administrative Code.
A wrong answer in a single field can stall your file for months, push back your NCLEX test date, or trigger a formal investigation if a “No” answer to a criminal history question is later contradicted by a fingerprint hit. According to the Florida Center for Nursing, Florida processes more than 30,000 nursing license applications each year, and the MQA reports that incomplete applications account for roughly one in three delays in licensure issuance.
In this guide you will learn:
- 📝 How to fill out every line of the Florida LPN application by examination, endorsement, and for foreign-educated nurses
- 💳 The exact fees, payment methods, and fingerprint ORI number Florida requires
- 👩⚕️ Three full walkthroughs from real-style filers (new grad, out-of-state LPN, internationally educated nurse)
- ⚠️ The 10 most common mistakes that get applications kicked back or referred to the Board
- ❓ Twelve plain-English FAQs covering criminal history, name changes, the Nurse Licensure Compact, and the IV therapy endorsement
What the Florida LPN License Application Is and Who Must File It
The Florida LPN License Application is the legal document by which a person asks the Florida Board of Nursing to grant a Practical Nurse license under the authority of Section 464.008, Florida Statutes. It is not just a form. It is a sworn statement, a background check authorization, an education verification request, and a fee transmittal all rolled into one packet.
Three application versions exist, and you must pick the one that matches your path. The Application for Licensure by Examination, Form DH-MQA 1198 is for new graduates of a Florida-approved or out-of-state LPN program who still need to take the NCLEX-PN. The Application for Licensure by Endorsement, Form DH-MQA 1208 is for nurses already licensed in another U.S. state or territory who want a Florida license. Internationally educated nurses use the same DH-MQA 1198 by examination form, but they must also submit a CGFNS credentials evaluation.
Anyone who wants to practice as an LPN in Florida must file. That includes new graduates of programs like Keiser University or Miami Dade College, military spouses moving to bases like NAS Jacksonville, foreign-trained nurses from the Philippines or India, and U.S. nurses moving from non-compact states. Florida is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so LPNs whose primary state of residence is another compact state and who hold a multistate license do not need a Florida single-state license unless they are moving their primary residence to Florida.
Filing without meeting the eligibility floor is a misuse of the form. If you have not graduated, you cannot file by examination. If your out-of-state license is encumbered, you cannot use endorsement. Filing anyway means losing your fee and starting over.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Florida will not process a partial file. Gathering everything first saves weeks. The current revision of Form DH-MQA 1198 carries a revision date printed on the bottom of the official PDF, and you should always confirm you have the latest version before you write a single answer.
Here is the pre-filing checklist. Each item matters, and missing one will hold your file in “deficient” status until it arrives.
- Government-issued photo ID. Your driver’s license or passport must match the name you put on the application, or you will need to attach a name-change document.
- Social Security Number. Required by Section 559.79, Florida Statutes, and used to cross-check tax compliance and child support enforcement.
- Official transcript or proof of graduation. The school must send the transcript directly to MQA. A student copy is rejected.
- Livescan fingerprint receipt. Florida requires electronic fingerprints through a FDLE-approved Livescan vendor using ORI number FL920010Z for the Department of Health.
- Court documents for any criminal history. Certified dispositions for every arrest, charge, plea, or conviction, even if sealed or expunged in another state.
- Name change documentation. Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your legal name differs from your school records.
- DD-214 for military fee waiver. Veterans and active-duty members may qualify for a fee waiver under Section 464.0205, Florida Statutes.
- CGFNS report for foreign-educated nurses. The CES Professional Report sent directly from CGFNS to the Board.
- HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, and human trafficking CE certificates. Required for licensure under Section 456.013, Florida Statutes.
- Credit card or check for the application fee. $150 application fee plus $6.55 fingerprint processing fee, and an additional $200 NCLEX-PN fee paid separately to Pearson VUE.
Without all of these, your file sits in a queue until the missing item arrives. Some items, like transcripts and CGFNS reports, are sent by third parties and can take 4–8 weeks, so order them first.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
Florida actively encourages online filing through the MQA Online Services Portal, and the online version pre-validates many fields the paper form does not. The paper PDF still exists for filers who need it, hosted on the Board of Nursing forms page.
To start online, create an MQA account using a personal email you will keep for years, since renewal notices and CE audits flow to that address forever. Pick “Apply for a New License,” then select “Practical Nurse” and the route that matches you (Examination, Endorsement, or Foreign-Educated by Examination). The portal then opens a guided wizard.
Paper filers should print the application single-sided in black ink. Florida’s mail intake at the MQA processing address in Tallahassee scans every page, and double-sided printing causes scanner misreads. Mail goes to:
Florida Department of Health, Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C-02, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252.
Both channels accept the same supporting documents, but online users typically see a 2–4 week faster turnaround because the system flags deficiencies in real time. Paper filers learn about deficiencies only by mail, which adds a round trip.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Florida LPN Application Line by Line
The application is divided into clearly labeled sections. Each H3 below mirrors a section or field on Form DH-MQA 1198, in the same order it appears on the form. The line-by-line approach below also maps to the screens in the MQA online portal.
Section 1: Application Type Selection
This first field asks you to mark whether you are applying by examination, by endorsement, or as a re-applicant after a failed NCLEX. Pick exactly one box. The portal makes you pick a radio button before you can move on.
To answer it, look at your status today. If you have never passed the NCLEX-PN, mark Examination. If you already hold an active LPN license in another U.S. state, mark Endorsement. If you took the NCLEX-PN before but did not pass, mark Re-Application/Repeat Examination.
For example, Maria Lopez, a 2026 graduate of Miami Dade College’s Practical Nursing program, marks Examination because she has not yet sat for the NCLEX-PN.
A common edge case is the candidate who passed NCLEX-PN years ago in another state but never licensed anywhere. That filer applies by Examination in Florida if more than five years have passed since the exam, because Florida treats the prior pass as expired under Rule 64B9-3.008, F.A.C..
The most common mistake is checking Endorsement when the out-of-state license has lapsed. Endorsement requires an active, unencumbered license in the originating state, and a lapsed license forces a full re-examination path.
A misconception worth correcting: many filers think “endorsement” means “automatic.” It does not. Endorsement still requires fingerprints, fees, transcripts, and the same background review as examination.
Section 2: Personal Information (Name, Aliases, and Contact)
This section asks for your full legal name, every name you have ever used, your date of birth, your Social Security Number, your home address, and your phone and email.
Type your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license or passport. Use ALL CAPS in the paper form’s name boxes. List every former name in the Aliases line, including maiden names, prior married names, and any nickname that appears on a school record.
For example, Maria Lopez writes her name as LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA, lists her maiden alias RIVERA, MARIA ELENA, and enters her date of birth as 03/14/2002 in MM/DD/YYYY format.
A nuance: if you have a P.O. Box, Florida requires both a physical address and the P.O. Box, because the Board mails the wall license to a physical address but accepts a P.O. Box for general correspondence.
The most common mistake here is dropping a hyphen or a middle name that appears on the school transcript. The Board cross-checks the application name against the school’s transcript, and any mismatch holds the file until you submit a name affidavit.
A common misconception: filers think they can skip aliases used “only briefly.” They cannot. Florida runs a national criminal history check, and a missed alias that turns up in the FBI database is treated as a false statement on a sworn application.
Section 3: Citizenship, Residency, and Demographic Data
This block asks if you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a non-citizen with work authorization, and it collects optional race and ethnicity data for federal reporting.
Mark the citizenship box that matches the document you will upload. Permanent residents upload their I-551 green card. Non-citizens upload their EAD card or visa with I-94.
For example, Aisha Patel, who immigrated from the Philippines on an EB-3 visa, marks Lawful Permanent Resident and uploads her I-551 in the document section.
A nuance: DACA recipients are eligible for licensure in Florida under Section 454.021, Florida Statutes, which the Board applies to all health professions, but they must upload the EAD with category code C33.
The most common mistake is uploading an expired green card. The Board will reject it, even if a renewal is pending, because licensure is tied to current lawful presence.
A misconception: many applicants think the demographic questions are mandatory. They are not. The race and ethnicity questions are optional and have no effect on licensure decisions.
Section 4: Educational Background
This section asks where you completed your practical nursing education, when you graduated, and asks the school to verify the program directly to MQA.
Enter the full legal name of your school, the program’s address, and your graduation date. Then sign the Authorization for Release of Education Records so the school can send the transcript. Florida requires the transcript to come directly from the school in a sealed envelope or through an approved e-transcript vendor like Parchment.
For example, Maria Lopez writes Miami Dade College, Medical Campus, 950 NW 20th Street, Miami, FL 33127, and her graduation date as 05/02/2026.
A nuance: graduates of out-of-state programs must confirm the program is substantially equivalent to a Florida-approved program. The Board reviews these case by case, and CGFNS-certified foreign programs sail through, while non-accredited online programs are usually denied.
The most common mistake is sending an unofficial student-portal transcript. The Board treats it as no transcript at all, and the file sits deficient until the official sealed transcript arrives.
A misconception: filers think their program’s NCLEX pass rate matters for the application. It does not. What matters is whether the program is on the Board’s approved program list or has been evaluated as substantially equivalent.
Section 5: Examination History (NCLEX-PN)
This field asks if you have ever taken the NCLEX-PN before, and if so, in which state and on what dates.
If you have never tested, mark No and move on. If you have, mark Yes and list every attempt, even fails, in chronological order.
For example, James Carter, a Georgia-licensed LPN, marks Yes and lists NCLEX-PN, Georgia, 06/17/2019, Pass.
A nuance: candidates who passed the older State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) before 1982 list it in this section. The Board still recognizes pre-NCLEX exams from that era under Rule 64B9-3.002, F.A.C..
The most common mistake is omitting a fail. The Board pulls a national NCLEX history report, and an undisclosed fail looks like a misrepresentation, which is a separate violation under Section 464.018(1)(a), Florida Statutes.
A misconception: filers think a fail in another state means they cannot test in Florida. It does not. Florida allows up to six attempts within three years of program completion before requiring remediation.
Section 6: Other License History
This block asks if you hold or have ever held any healthcare license in any state, country, or U.S. territory.
List every license, even an expired CNA, EMT, or pharmacy tech credential. Include the state, license number, issue date, and current status.
For example, James Carter lists Georgia LPN, License #PN123456, Issued 08/12/2019, Active, Unencumbered.
A nuance: foreign licenses count too. Aisha Patel must list her Philippines Professional Regulation Commission registration and attach a verification letter from the PRC.
The most common mistake is leaving off a CNA license. Florida cross-checks the Nursys database and the CNA registry, and a missed license becomes a disclosure issue.
A misconception: applicants think only nursing licenses must be listed. The form says any health-related license, which includes EMT, paramedic, pharmacy technician, and respiratory therapist credentials.
Section 7: Criminal History Disclosure
This is the most reviewed section on the entire application. It asks if you have ever been convicted of, pled guilty to, pled nolo contendere to, or had adjudication withheld for any crime, and whether you have any pending criminal charges.
Answer Yes if any of those things has ever happened, even once, even if the record was sealed or expunged outside Florida. Then attach a written self-explanation, certified court dispositions, and any probation completion documents.
For example, a hypothetical filer named Kevin Brooks, who had a misdemeanor DUI in 2018 with adjudication withheld, marks Yes, writes a one-page explanation, and attaches the certified disposition from the clerk of court.
A nuance: Florida sealed and expunged records still must be disclosed to the Board, because Section 943.0585, Florida Statutes carves out an exception for licensure applications.
The most common mistake is answering No because the record is “old” or “sealed.” A fingerprint hit will surface it, and the Board treats the No as an attempted misrepresentation, which on its own can support denial under Section 456.072(1)(h), Florida Statutes.
A misconception: people think a Yes answer is an automatic denial. It is not. The Board reviews rehabilitation evidence under Rule 64B9-5.001, F.A.C., and many applicants with disclosures are licensed every month.
Section 8: Health History and Impairment Disclosure
This section asks whether you have any condition that impairs your ability to practice nursing safely, including substance use disorders.
Answer truthfully. If you have a condition under treatment that does not impair practice, you may still answer No and rely on the safe-harbor language in Section 456.076, Florida Statutes. If you are in active recovery, the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) offers a confidential monitoring path.
For example, a filer named Lauren Diaz who is in IPN monitoring marks Yes and attaches an IPN advocacy letter, which lets the Board approve her under standard terms.
A nuance: ADHD, depression in remission, and routine anxiety treated with medication generally do not require a Yes answer, because they do not impair practice.
The most common mistake is over-disclosing minor health information. Filers volunteer a 10-year-old depression episode, then spend months responding to Board questions that were never necessary.
A misconception: filers think a Yes answer ends their career. It does not. Most IPN participants license normally and practice for decades.
Section 9: Continuing Education Attestations
This block asks you to attest that you have completed Florida’s mandatory pre-licensure CE courses: 2 hours on HIV/AIDS, 2 hours on domestic violence, and 1 hour on human trafficking, with prevention of medical errors required at first renewal.
Buy the courses from a Board-approved CE provider like CE Broker partners. Save the certificates as PDFs. The portal asks you to enter the provider name, course title, completion date, and CE Broker tracking number.
For example, Maria Lopez enters Elite Learning, HIV/AIDS for Florida Nurses, Completed 04/15/2026, CE Broker #20-123456.
A nuance: prevention of medical errors is technically required at first renewal, not at initial licensure, but many filers complete it up front to avoid hassle later.
The most common mistake is using a non-Florida-approved CE vendor. Out-of-state CE that is not registered in CE Broker does not count, even if the content is identical.
A misconception: filers think they can skip CE if they took similar courses in nursing school. They cannot. Florida requires the post-graduation, Board-approved course series.
Section 10: Affidavit and Signature
The final section is a sworn statement under penalty of perjury that everything in the application is true.
Sign and date in blue or black ink on paper, or e-sign through the portal’s authenticated session. The signature locks the file. Any change after signature requires a new affidavit.
For example, James Carter e-signs through the MQA portal on 07/02/2026, which time-stamps his application and starts the review clock.
A nuance: applicants under 18 cannot sign as a parent or guardian. Florida requires the applicant to be at least 18 to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
The most common mistake is signing before reviewing the criminal history and education sections. Once signed, edits require a sworn corrected application.
A misconception: filers think electronic signatures are weaker than wet signatures. They are not. Under Chapter 668, Florida Statutes, e-signatures carry the same legal weight as ink.
Section 11: Fingerprinting and Background Check (Livescan)
This is technically a separate process, but the application will not move without it. Florida requires electronic Livescan fingerprints submitted directly to FDLE and forwarded to MQA using ORI number FL920010Z.
Schedule with a FDLE-approved Livescan vendor. Bring photo ID and the ORI number. The vendor sends the prints electronically. You keep the receipt.
For example, Maria Lopez uses a vendor in Doral, pays a $54 vendor fee plus the $6.55 state processing fee, and receives a Transaction Control Number (TCN) starting with F.
A nuance: out-of-state filers like James Carter in Atlanta can use the FDLE-approved out-of-state Livescan vendors, including IdentoGO, which transmit electronically to Florida.
The most common mistake is using the wrong ORI number. Prints submitted under a different ORI never reach MQA, and the filer has to print again and pay again.
A misconception: filers think paper fingerprint cards are still accepted. They are not, except in narrow cases for filers outside the U.S., which require a specific Board waiver.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three full walkthroughs. Each follows one filer through the entire form. Sample entries are in italics so you can tell them apart from instructions.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez, Florida New Graduate by Examination
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Examination — Practical Nurse |
| Full Legal Name | LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA |
| Aliases | RIVERA, MARIA ELENA (maiden) |
| Date of Birth | 03/14/2002 |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen — uploads passport |
| School | Miami Dade College, Practical Nursing, Graduated 05/02/2026 |
| NCLEX History | No prior attempts |
| Other Licenses | Florida CNA, #CNA98765, Active |
| Criminal History | No |
| Health History | No |
| CE Attestations | HIV 2 hrs, DV 2 hrs, Trafficking 1 hr — Elite Learning |
| Fingerprints | IdentoGO Doral, ORI FL920010Z, TCN F26-555-1234 |
| Fees Paid | $150 application + $6.55 fingerprint = $156.55 |
| Signature | E-signed 06/05/2026 |
Scenario 2: James Carter, Georgia LPN by Endorsement
| Form Section | What James Enters |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Endorsement — Practical Nurse |
| Full Legal Name | CARTER, JAMES ROBERT |
| Aliases | None |
| Date of Birth | 11/22/1990 |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
| School | Athens Technical College, Georgia, Graduated 05/14/2019 |
| NCLEX History | NCLEX-PN, Georgia, 06/17/2019, Pass |
| Other Licenses | Georgia LPN #PN123456, Active, Unencumbered |
| Criminal History | No |
| Health History | No |
| CE Attestations | HIV, DV, Trafficking completed via Elite Learning Florida pack |
| Fingerprints | IdentoGO Atlanta, ORI FL920010Z, TCN F26-444-9988 |
| Fees Paid | $150 application + $6.55 fingerprint + Nursys verification fee |
| Signature | E-signed 07/02/2026 |
Scenario 3: Aisha Patel, Foreign-Educated Nurse from the Philippines
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Examination — Practical Nurse (Foreign-Educated) |
| Full Legal Name | PATEL, AISHA NEELAM |
| Aliases | KHAN, AISHA NEELAM (maiden) |
| Date of Birth | 09/08/1995 |
| Citizenship | Lawful Permanent Resident — I-551 uploaded |
| School | St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Manila, Graduated 04/20/2018 |
| NCLEX History | No prior attempts |
| Other Licenses | Philippines PRC RN #0123456, Active |
| Criminal History | No |
| Health History | No |
| CE Attestations | HIV, DV, Trafficking completed in Florida-approved CE Broker pack |
| Credentials Evaluation | CGFNS CES Professional Report sent directly to Board |
| Fingerprints | IdentoGO Orlando, ORI FL920010Z, TCN F26-777-2211 |
| Fees Paid | $150 application + $6.55 fingerprint + $385 CGFNS CES |
| Signature | E-signed 08/15/2026 |
Beyond these three, two more named filers appear elsewhere in this guide. Kevin Brooks, the DUI-with-disclosure applicant, and Lauren Diaz, the IPN-monitored applicant, show how the Board handles disclosures.
How to File the Completed Form
Florida offers four channels: online portal, mail, in person, and (in narrow cases) fax for supplemental documents. Each channel has its own URL or address, fee posture, and expected processing time.
Online via the MQA Online Services Portal. Pay $150 application fee plus $6.55 fingerprint fee by credit card or e-check. Expected processing time is 30 days from a complete file. Proof of filing is the on-screen confirmation number plus a confirmation email. Save both as PDFs.
Mail to MQA in Tallahassee. Send the signed paper form, money order or cashier’s check payable to Florida Department of Health, and any non-electronic supporting documents to Florida Department of Health, Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C-02, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252. Use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. Expected processing time is 45–60 days. Proof of filing is the green return receipt card and the cashed check image.
In person. Florida does not run a public walk-in counter for license applications, but supplemental documents can be hand-delivered to the DOH Tallahassee headquarters lobby. Get a date-stamped receipt from the security desk.
Fax for supplemental documents only. The Board accepts certain follow-up documents at (850) 245-4172, but the original application must be online or by mail. Always follow up with a phone call to confirm receipt.
The NCLEX-PN exam fee of $200 is paid separately to Pearson VUE, not to Florida. You only register for the exam after the Board issues your Authorization to Test (ATT).
What Happens After You File
Within five business days, MQA assigns your file a license application number that starts with PN. You can track status in the Licensing Portal Dashboard under “Application Status.”
Next, the Board’s review team checks for completeness. If anything is missing, you get a “deficiency letter” by email or mail. You have 90 days to cure deficiencies before the file goes inactive. After 1 year of inactivity, the application is closed and fees are forfeited under Rule 64B9-3.001, F.A.C..
Once complete, the file goes to background review. A clean file is approved at staff level in 7–14 days. A file with criminal history goes to a Board committee for review at one of the Florida Board of Nursing meetings, which add 30–90 days.
After approval, examination candidates receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE within 24–48 hours. Endorsement candidates receive a license number issued the same day as approval. Your wall license arrives by mail within 2–3 weeks, but you can practice the moment your name appears on the License Verification site.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
These are the most common filer errors and the consequences that follow each one.
- Answering “No” to a sealed criminal record. A fingerprint hit surfaces it, and the Board treats the answer as misrepresentation, which can support denial.
- Sending an unofficial transcript. The file sits deficient until the school sends an official sealed copy.
- Using the wrong fingerprint ORI number. Prints submitted under a non-DOH ORI never reach MQA, and you pay to print again.
- Skipping aliases or maiden names. A missed alias that surfaces in the FBI database is treated as a false statement on a sworn application.
- Letting an out-of-state license lapse during endorsement review. Endorsement requires an active originating license, and a lapse forces the examination path.
- Overlooking CNA and EMT licenses on Section 6. The Board cross-checks national registries and treats omissions as nondisclosure.
- Using non-CE-Broker-tracked CE. Out-of-state CE that is not in CE Broker does not count, even if the content matches Florida’s rules.
- Paying the NCLEX fee to Florida. The $200 NCLEX-PN fee belongs to Pearson VUE, not the Board, and Florida will not refund a misrouted payment.
- Uploading an expired green card. The Board rejects expired immigration documents even if a renewal is pending.
- Signing before review. Edits after signature require a sworn corrected application and slow the file by weeks.
- Letting a deficiency letter sit for more than 90 days. The file goes inactive, and after one year the fees are forfeited.
Do’s and Don’ts
The do’s and don’ts below cover behaviors that influence approval speed.
Do’s:
- Do gather your transcript request, CGFNS report (if applicable), and Livescan appointment before opening the application, because third-party items take longest.
- Do disclose every criminal record, even sealed and expunged ones, because the Board values candor and rehabilitation evidence.
- Do use the online portal whenever possible, because it flags deficiencies in real time.
- Do save PDF copies of every screen and confirmation, since the portal session times out and uploaded files are not retrievable later.
- Do verify your name matches across passport, transcript, and license, since name mismatches are the single most common deficiency.
- Do schedule your fingerprints early at a FDLE-approved Livescan vendor, since FBI returns can take 2–6 weeks.
Don’ts:
- Don’t answer “No” to criminal history because a record is “old,” because Florida’s check is national and lifetime.
- Don’t pay the NCLEX fee to Florida, because the $200 belongs to Pearson VUE and Florida will not redirect it.
- Don’t use a P.O. Box without also providing a physical address, because the Board mails the wall license to a physical address.
- Don’t submit a student-portal transcript, because Florida only accepts officially issued, school-sent copies.
- Don’t let your originating-state license lapse during endorsement review, because endorsement requires an unencumbered active license.
- Don’t skip aliases, because a missed alias is treated as a false sworn statement.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Most LPN candidates file on their own, but candidates with criminal history, immigration complexity, or prior license discipline often benefit from a license defense attorney or a service like IPN for health disclosures.
Pros of filing on your own:
- Lower cost, since the only outlay is the $156.55 to Florida and the $200 NCLEX fee.
- Direct control over every answer, with no telephone tag through a middle person.
- Faster start, because you can open the portal today rather than waiting on a consult.
- Personal familiarity with the file, which helps if the Board emails follow-up questions.
- Builds confidence in handling future renewal, CE audits, and license verification on your own.
Cons of filing on your own:
- Higher risk on disclosure questions, especially criminal history and health, where wording matters.
- No second set of eyes on the affidavit and supporting attachments.
- No advocate at a Board meeting if your file is referred to a committee.
- Slower learning curve on how to phrase a self-explanation letter for a Yes answer.
- No backup if the Board issues a Notice of Intent to Deny under Section 120.60, Florida Statutes.
Online vs. paper is a related choice. Online is faster, paper is sometimes necessary for filers without reliable internet or with overseas residency.
| Filing Channel | Best For |
|---|---|
| Online via MQA Portal | Most filers, faster turnaround, real-time deficiency checks |
| Paper by certified mail | Filers without reliable broadband, those needing physical proof |
FAQs
Do I have to disclose a record that was sealed or expunged in another state?
Yes. Florida requires disclosure of every criminal record, including sealed and expunged ones from other states, because Section 943.0585, F.S. carves out a licensure exception.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Full Legal Name field?
Yes, use the name that matches your current driver’s license or passport, and list any prior names on the Aliases line so the background check matches.
Do I need to take new HIV and domestic violence CE if I already took them in nursing school?
Yes, Florida requires Board-approved post-graduation CE tracked in CE Broker, even if your school covered the same topics.
Do I pay the $200 NCLEX-PN fee to Florida?
No, the $200 NCLEX-PN fee is paid directly to Pearson VUE after the Board issues your Authorization to Test.
Do I need to live in Florida to apply?
No, you do not need Florida residency, but you must list a mailing address where the Board can reach you and where your wall license can be sent.
Do I qualify for endorsement if my Georgia license is in “delinquent” status?
No, endorsement requires an active and unencumbered license in the originating state, and a delinquent license forces the examination path.
Do I need to use ORI FL920010Z on my Livescan?
Yes, Florida prints submitted under any other ORI never reach MQA, and you will have to reprint and repay the vendor and processing fees.
Do military spouses get a fee waiver?
Yes, active-duty service members and their spouses qualify for a fee waiver under Section 464.0205, F.S. when relocating to Florida on military orders.
Do I list my CNA license in Section 6 even though it is not a nursing license?
Yes, the form asks for any healthcare credential, and Florida cross-checks the CNA registry, so omission is treated as nondisclosure.
Do I need a CGFNS report if I trained in Canada?
No, Canadian English-language nursing programs are generally treated as substantially equivalent and do not require CGFNS, though a transcript evaluation may still be requested.
Do I have to wait for the wall license to start working?
No, you can practice as soon as your license number appears on the License Verification site, even before the paper license arrives.
Do I need a separate IV therapy endorsement to start IV lines as an LPN?
Yes, Florida LPNs need the IV therapy endorsement under Rule 64B9-12, F.A.C., which requires a 30-hour Board-approved IV therapy course.
Do I need to disclose ADHD medication on the Health History section?
No, routine treatment that does not impair safe practice does not require a Yes answer under the safe-harbor language of Section 456.076, F.S..
Related reading
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