The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Florida

Nurse practitioner programs in Florida can lead to well-paying advanced nursing positions at the state’s well-regarded hospitals and medical centers.

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Updated July 17, 2023

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If you’re considering nursing schools in Florida, the Sunshine State has much to offer. Florida is home to top nurse practitioner (NP) programs, and more than 20 Magnet hospitals recognized for supporting nurses and advancing nursing excellence. Florida nurse practitioners can earn six-figure salaries in an in-demand field. The projected employment growth rate for NPs is well above the national average.

Learn about becoming a nurse practitioner in Florida, potential salary information, and the top NP programs.

How to Choose a Nurse Practitioner Program in Florida

Ask yourself the following questions when deciding on the right nurse practitioner (NP) program in Florida:

Cost and Aid
Is the tuition affordable? What are the financial aid options? In addition to federal aid, look for Florida-specific and school-specific scholarships.
NCLEX Pass Rate
How did the school’s graduates score on the National Council Licensure Examination? While this may not relate directly to NPs, high NCLEX pass rates can indicate effective nurse training. Programs may post them online, or you can check-circle the state nursing board’s site.
Program Format and Length
How long will it take to earn your degree? Is accelerated or part-time study available? Do you want to study online or in person?
Clinical Placements
Are there options near your home? Are they offered in your specialty? Does the school assist in finding placements?
Accreditation
Is the program’s accreditation recognized by the Florida Board of Nursing?

Featured Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in Florida

Florida nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $107,600, nearly 12% less than the national median salary for all NPs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, nurse practitioner salaries increase to roughly $112,000 after adjusting for the cost of living.

The BLS’s 2020-2030 projected job outlook for Florida NPs is 71%, much higher than the national employment growth projection of 46% for the same period. In fact, Florida ranks fourth among U.S. states for the highest projected growth of nurse practitioner employment.

NP Employment And Salaries
Location	Employment	Annual Median Salary
Florida	18,530	$107,600
United States	258,230	$121,610

Source: BLS

Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in Florida

Employment levels and average annual salaries for NPs vary in Florida’s top-paying metropolitan areas. But, salaries in these cities outpace the state average. NP average pay in the top three metro areas also exceeds the national average.

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas for Nurse Practitioners in Florida
Metropolitan Areas	Employment	Annual Average Salary
Tallahassee	360	$137,960
Cape Coral-Fort Myers	720	$128,000
Port St. Lucie	420	$123,670
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island	310	$120,220
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville	680	$119,820

Source: BLS

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Florida

To become a Florida nurse practitioner, you need a master of science in nursing (MSN) or post-master’s certification. You must also submit proof of national advanced practice certification.

Nurse Practitioner Requirements

Earn a graduate nursing degree. An MSN is the minimum degree required for licensing and certification. Some NPs hold doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees.
Apply for national advanced practice certification in your concentration area and earn a passing score on the applicable exam.
Submit an application for licensure to the Florida Board of Nursing, along with a $110 fee.
Schedule fingerprinting with Livescan Service Provider.
Submit proof of national certification to the Board.
Submit proof of malpractice insurance (or exemption) to the Board.

The Best Nursing Schools in Florida

Begin your search with our rankings of the best nurse practitioner programs in Florida. Find the right program to help you advance your nursing career.

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$14,742

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,742

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,900

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

4,053

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,742

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,742

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,742

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,742

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

64%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$39,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,900

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

4,053

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,393

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,529

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

58,836

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,393

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,393

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

86%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,529

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

58,836

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Barry University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

65%

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,600

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

7,515

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,820

Barry University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,820

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment

23%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$30,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,600

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

7,515

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$39,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$39,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

33%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$52,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$52,080

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

17,809

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$39,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,060

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$39,060

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$39,060

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$52,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$52,080

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

17,809

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Everything Else You Need to Know About Nurse Practitioners Programs in Florida

What are the most popular nurse practitioner specialties in Florida?

The most popular NP specialization in Florida is family nurse practice, followed by adult care, according to a 2019 Journal of Nursing Regulation study. Most NPs surveyed chose primary care family nurse practice, while those working with adults selected acute care.

What experience is necessary to become a nurse practitioner in Florida?

Most nursing schools in Florida require or prefer at least one year of registered nurse experience before applying to a graduate-level nurse practitioner program.

Can you become a nurse practitioner online in Florida?

Yes, many Florida nursing schools offer online nurse practitioner programs. Typically, you complete coursework through asynchronous or synchronous class sessions. But, you must attend clinical experiences in-person at healthcare facilities near your home. Some programs may require attendance at on-campus orientations, labs, or intensives.

What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Florida?

The lowest 10% of earners (typically NPs just beginning their careers) make $63,880 in Florida, reports the BLS. As NPs gain experience, the median (50%) salary totals $107,600, and the top 90% reaches $136,290.