[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida is fast becoming one of the most attractive states for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioners (NP)[/hen-ui-link]. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/longterm” target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link], the state could see nearly 2,190 NP job openings annually from 2022-2023.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link], advancing to an NP role offers increased earning potential and greater clinical autonomy while helping to address Florida’s growing demand for primary and specialty healthcare providers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our guide ranks the best NP programs in Florida and includes resources on program characteristics, admission requirements, and career opportunities available to NPs after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best NP Programs in Florida for 2025[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the nurse practitioner programs and schools in Florida, making it easier to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Using Our Rankings: What To Look for in a Florida NP program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following key metrics contribute to our overall ranking of the best NP programs in Florida. By using these measures to evaluate programs of interest to you, you can make an informed decision about your education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program accreditation can determine the success of your education and career. Accredited programs follow the best academic and clinical practices for preparing NPs. For example, programs must meet industry-specific clinical hour, faculty qualification, and board certification requirements to earn and maintain accreditation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited NP program[/hen-ui-link] can determine:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligibility for licensure and certification exams[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Acceptance to post-master’s or doctoral programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Access to financial aid, including grants and scholarships[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ability to transfer your nursing license to another state[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every program included in our ranking is accredited by either the ACEN or CCNE.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While each Florida NP program determines their own admissions process and requirements, most programs require the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited institution (CCNE or ACEN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A valid RN license in the state where you practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]1-2 years of clinical nursing experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During the admission process, applicants may need to submit a resume, personal essay, or statement of intent. Programs often require letters of reference from academic, professional, or clinical supervisors, as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do with a Degree from a Florida NP Program?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida NPs provide primary and specialty care with greater autonomy than RNs. One in a class of nursing professionals known as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/how-to-become/”]advanced practice registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] (APRN), NPs can diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and treat patients in their specialty area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs can earn significantly higher salaries than RNs. NPs report a median annual salary of $129,010 according to BLS data from 2024, while RNs earned a median salary of $93,600 per year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many areas of clinical specialization for students earning an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]NP degree[/hen-ui-link], including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]Family nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (FNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/gerontology/”]Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (AGPCNP-BC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/ag-acnp-vs-ag-pcnp/”]Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner certification[/hen-ui-link] (AGACNP-BC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]Emergency room nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (ENP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/neonatal/”]Neonatal nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (NNP-BC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/womens-health/”]Women’s health nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (WHNP-BC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/what-to-know-about-working-as-a-pediatric-nurse/”]Certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (CPNP-PC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/cardiac/how-to-become/”]Certified acute care pediatric nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (CPNP-AC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/mental-health-nurse/how-to-become/”]Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (PMHNP-BC)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Florida Nurse Practitioner Occupational and Salary Data[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida employs more NPs than any other state, according to BLS data. The greater Miami area also ranks among the metropolitan areas with the most NP jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Total NP Employment[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]24,690[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Median Hourly Wage[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$61.70[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Annual Mean Wage[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$128,340[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Source: BLS, 2024[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Florida Nurse Practitioner Salaries, Ranked by Location[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rank[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Florida Metro Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Mean Wage for NPs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]1[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Florida Metro Area”]Wildwood-The Villages, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage for NPs”]$143,240[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]2[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Florida Metro Area”]Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage for NPs”]$136,210[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]3[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Florida Metro Area”]Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage for NPs”]$132,730[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]4[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Florida Metro Area”]North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage for NPs”]$131,490[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]5[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Florida Metro Area”]Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Mean Wage for NPs”]$129,910[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are nurse practitioners in demand in Florida?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, Florida could see nearly 2,190 job openings for NPs annually from 2022-2032, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/longterm” target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link]. With 58.5% projected job growth, Florida is one of the most favorable states for becoming an NP.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Florida a restricted state for NPs?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No, Florida is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]full practice authority state for NPs[/hen-ui-link]. That means NPs can diagnose and treat patients, including prescribing medication, without a supervising physician. Florida also allows NPs to operate independent practices.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Does Florida have a nursing shortage?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida is currently experiencing a nursing shortage. According to the Florida Hospital Association, 7.8% of nurse positions in Florida are unfilled as of 2024. NPs report particularly strong demand. From 2022-2032, the number of NPs in Florida could grow 58.5%, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/longterm” target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long is nurse practitioner school in Florida?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An NP education in Florida typically takes 2-3 years for full-time students. Part-time students generally require additional time. Those with an MSN can complete a post-master’s certificate in 1-2 years. During an NP program, nursing students complete 500-1,000 clinical hours in their NP specialty area.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]