Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for FL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Florida.
Jobs (FL)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Florida
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Florida, individuals must meet the requirements set by the Florida Board of Nursing. This typically involves completing a 120-hour state-approved training program, which includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience. Alternatively, candidates who are at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED may challenge the Prometric CNA Exam without prior training. All applicants must pass the Prometric CNA Exam, which consists of a written and a skills portion, and undergo a Level 2 background screening with electronic fingerprinting. Florida offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided they meet specific criteria and pass a background check.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Florida. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Florida requirements
| Licensing body | Florida Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 120-hour state-approved training program (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical), OR challenge exam without training if 18 years or older with a high school diploma/GED. If challenging and failing three times, a training program is required. |
| Exam | Prometric CNA Exam ($155) |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Florida offers reciprocity for certified CNAs from other states, requiring fingerprinting and background check.Reciprocal states: Florida offers reciprocity for CNAs currently certified in another state and listed on that state's registry, provided they have no findings of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Electronic fingerprinting and a background check are required. |
| Notes | Minimum age for training is 16. To challenge the exam, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. A Level 2 background screening with electronic fingerprinting is required. If an applicant fails the exam three times, they must complete an approved training program before re-examination. |
Source: Florida Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Florida? See whether Florida recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Certified Nursing Assistant license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleFlorida license required — clearer credential signal to employers
Compare Certified Nursing Assistant head-to-head
See all comparisons →Considering a Certified Nursing Assistant vs another career? Side-by-side breakdowns of pay, training time, and licensing.