How to Become a Registered Nurses in Florida
Registered Nurses in Florida earn a median salary of $82,850/year, which is 11% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $4,144/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a registered nurses can afford in Florida
Becoming a registered nurses in Florida
Meet education requirements
Registered Nurses positions in Florida typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves none in Florida. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 218,100 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach.
Registered Nurses salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $86K | $41.39/hr | 6,560 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $86K | $41.16/hr | 59,880 |
| Naples-Marco Island | $85K | $40.94/hr | 2,910 |
| Gainesville | $85K | $40.72/hr | 7,000 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $84K | $40.53/hr | 35,050 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $83K | $39.83/hr | 7,760 |
| Sebring | $83K | $39.75/hr | 860 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $82K | $39.49/hr | 6,220 |
| Wildwood-The Villages | $81K | $39.16/hr | 940 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $81K | $39.15/hr | 28,020 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $81K | $39.07/hr | 2,010 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $81K | $38.98/hr | 5,840 |
| Jacksonville | $81K | $38.87/hr | 18,470 |
| Punta Gorda | $81K | $38.7/hr | 1,480 |
| Port St. Lucie | $80K | $38.54/hr | 4,350 |
Registered Nurses salary range in Florida
Registered Nurses careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurses make in Florida?▼
The median registered nurses salary in Florida is $82,850 per year ($39.83/hr). This is 11% below the national median of $93,600. Salaries range from $66,670 to $110,530.
What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in Florida?▼
Registered Nurses positions in Florida typically require Bachelor's degree. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a registered nurses afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $82,850, a registered nurses in Florida would take home approximately $5,556/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 25.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for registered nurses in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in Florida are Cape Coral-Fort Myers ($86,090), Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach ($85,610), Naples-Marco Island ($85,140). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for registered nurses?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means registered nurses keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.