Can You Become Licensed as a Nurse in Florida After Being Convicted of a Crime?

Our office is often asked if an application for becoming a nurse in the State of Florida can be approved if the applicant has been convicted of a crime, whether it be a misdemeanor or a felony.  The Florida Board of Nursing evaluates each applicant for a license and looks at the application on a case-by-case basis.  The Board will look at how recent the offense occurred, the nature of the offense and how severe it was.  The Board is also looking to see what rehabilitation has occured.  The Board looks at the application as a whole, plus any supporting documentation, before they can decide whether or not to approve or deny the applicant.

If the applicant has a criminal history or has been diciplined, The Florida Board of Nursing will encourage the applicant to be completely prepared with all of the information regarding their background.  It is highly recommended starting the application process early.

All applicants in the State of Florida who have had previous arrests or disciplinary actions on their licenses will not be authorized to practice nursing in the State of Florida until all documentation is reviewed by the Florida Board of Nursing or cleared by Board staff. 

For all updated information go to Florida Department of Health’s Nursing Division on their website.

If you are a Florida nursing student or a Florida nurse with licensing issues, Attorney Lars Soreide, of Soreide Law Group, PLLC, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Nursing. If you need to speak to a lawyer regarding your nursing license please call: (888) 760-6552, or visit our website at www.floridaprofessionallicense.com.