What happens if a Florida nursing license expires or lapses?

• A. The license automatically renews after a grace period.
• B. The nurse must reapply for licensure only with no education requirements.
• C. The nurse can continue practicing while waiting for licensure.
• D. The nurse must apply for relicensure, meet current requirements, and may need to pay late fees or demonstrate competency.

Answer: (D)

When a Florida nursing license expires or lapses, you no longer have an active license and cannot practice until it is relicensed. The path is relicensure: you must submit a relicensure application and satisfy the current requirements in effect at that time, which can include completing required continuing education for the elapsed period, paying any late renewal penalties, and demonstrating current competency as determined by the Board. Depending on how long the license has been inactive, additional steps may be required, but the essential point is that you must go through relicensure with updated standards before you can practice again.