Florida remains one of the most popular destinations for aspiring nurses, and for good reason. With a booming retiree population and world-class medical hubs like the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and AdventHealth in Orlando, the demand for Registered Nurses (RNs) is skyrocketing. However, the path to a Florida nursing license is paved with a specific set of academic hurdles known as Florida Nursing Prerequisites.
In 2026, Florida nursing schools have become increasingly selective. Whether you are eyeing a local community college ADN program or a prestigious BSN track at the University of Florida, your success depends on how well you navigate these early requirements. This guide will break down everything you need to know to get your application to the top of the pile, and how PrereqCourses.com can help you cross the finish line faster.
Unlike some states that have a uniform “points system,” Florida nursing programs vary slightly by institution. However, almost all programs—from Miami Dade College to Florida State University—share a core “Common Prerequisite” list mandated by the state’s education framework.
Completing these courses isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about proving you can handle the academic rigors of a “Limited Access” program. In Florida, “Limited Access” means that even if you meet the minimum requirements, you aren’t guaranteed a seat. You are competing against thousands of other applicants based on your prerequisite performance.
In Florida, the “Big Three” science courses found in other states often become the “Big Four” because many BSN programs require a specific chemistry or biology sequence.
These are non-negotiable. You must master the human body from the cellular level to the organ systems.
This course is often the “gatekeeper” for many Florida students. It covers bacteria, viruses, and the principles of infection control.
While some Associate programs only require one general science elective, Florida BSN and Accelerated Nursing Programs usually require at least one semester of General Chemistry I with Lab.
One major difference in Florida nursing prerequisites compared to other states is the heavy emphasis on Nutrition and Lifespan Psychology.
While some states bake nutrition into the nursing curriculum, many Florida schools (like Keiser University and the University of West Florida) require Fundamentals of Human Nutrition as a standalone prerequisite before you can apply.
This course (often called Lifespan Development) covers the physical and psychological changes from birth to death. It is a core requirement for almost every RN program in the state of Florida.
| Course | Required for ADN? | Required for BSN? |
| Human Nutrition | Frequently | Always |
| Lifespan Development | Always | Always |
| Statistics | Occasionally | Always |
| Sociology/Anthropology | Always | Always |
Technically, you can apply to many Florida programs with a 2.8 or 3.0 GPA. However, in the current 2026 landscape, “minimum” and “competitive” are two very different things.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field (be it Marketing, Biology, or Art), Accelerated Nursing Programs in Florida offer the fastest route to your RN. These “Second Degree BSN” tracks are intensive, often lasting only 12 to 16 months.
Accelerated students often face a stricter timeline. Many programs require that all science prerequisites be completed within 5 years of the application date, whereas traditional programs might allow up to 10 years. Additionally, some ABSN tracks require Pathophysiology as an entry requirement, which isn’t standard for traditional BSNs.
To prove you are ready for the Florida nursing prerequisites to pay off, you’ll need to pass a standardized entrance exam.
Pro Tip: In Florida, you are often limited in how many times you can take these exams per year. If you fail to hit the target score after two attempts, many schools will make you wait a full calendar year to try again.
Once you’ve cleared the academic hurdles, the State of Florida has specific “Level 2” compliance requirements:
The biggest mistake Florida students make is “sequential” learning—taking one class at a time. To get into a program by 2027, you need a more aggressive strategy.
Many students don’t realize they can take self-paced courses for their general education credits. PrereqCourses.com allows you to find these fast-track options, enabling you to finish a year’s worth of prerequisites in a single semester.
If you are moving to Florida from out of state, ensure your credits are “regionally accredited.” Florida schools are generally very transfer-friendly, but they specifically look for accreditation from bodies like SACSCOC.
| School Type | Common Prereqs | Entrance Exam | Typical Duration |
| ADN (Community College) | A&P I/II, Micro, Psych, English | TEAS | 2 Years |
| Traditional BSN | A&P I/II, Chem, Stats, Nutrition | TEAS or HESI | 4 Years (Total) |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | All of the above + Bachelor’s Degree | HESI or TEAS | 12-16 Months |
Mastering Florida Nursing Prerequisites is the most significant barrier between you and a lucrative, stable career in healthcare. The Florida sun is bright, but the competition is fierce. By staying organized, maintaining a high science GPA, and utilizing resources like PrereqCourses.com to find the most efficient path through your coursework, you can secure your spot in a 2026 nursing cohort.
The healthcare field in Florida needs you. Are you ready to take the first step?
