Statement from the Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses (FCAPN):

There has been a great deal of confusion among Florida Advanced Practice Nurses regarding their licensure options. The State of Florida allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) to decide between the options of holding a Registered Nurse license with an APRN license or surrendering their Registered Nurse License and solely maintaining an APRN license.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Florida have reported challenges getting a license in other states when they do not have the Registered Nurse License in addition to the Advanced Practice Registered License.

The Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses (FCAPN) recommends that all APRNs maintain their registered nurse (RN) licenses in addition to their APRN licenses. While current practice may not require active RN status, future professional, personal, or regulatory circumstances can change unexpectedly. Keeping your RN license active helps prevent potential barriers to employment, credentialing, or practice transitions. Maintaining both licenses ensures flexibility, security, and readiness for any opportunity that may arise throughout your nursing career.