Family nurse practitioners or FNPs are nurses who manage patients of all ages in cooperative agreement with physicians. Their tasks include examining, diagnosing, prescribing medications, and counseling patients. They also help develop treatment plans for their patients.
Being an FNP is considered a lucrative career in the state of Florida, where nurses earn an average of $118,648. If you want to delve into this fulfilling practice, then here are several FNP programs in Florida worth exploring.
Florida FNP Programs Quick Facts
- Universities Offering FNP Programs in Florida: 16
- CCNE Accredited FNP Programs in The State: 13
- ACEN Accredited FNP Programs in the State: 1
- Average Tuition Costs: $16,500 to $44,800
How to choose an FNP program in Florida
Family Nurse Practitioner is the most common NP specialty in Florida, offered at nearly every graduate nursing program in the state. The decision typically comes down to MSN vs. BSN-to-DNP, and online vs. hybrid. Public-university MSN-FNP tracks at University of Florida, Florida State, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic, FIU, and UNF are significantly cheaper than private alternatives. BSN-to-DNP pathways at UF, University of Miami, and Florida Gulf Coast University deliver the AACN-recommended terminal degree in one pathway.
Two Florida-specific factors shape the decision. First, under Florida Statutes Chapter 464, NPs practice under written supervisory protocols unless they qualify for Autonomous Practice Registration with 3,000+ hours of qualifying practice. Second, Florida is a top-5 state for NP employment, with distinct clinical markets in Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. For online-forward flexibility, University of West Florida, Herzing, University of St. Augustine, Keiser, and Palm Beach Atlantic run online MSN-FNP pathways.
Florida FNP Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 18+ CCNE-accredited FNP programs — Florida has one of the largest FNP program inventories in the Southeast.
- Autonomous Practice Registration — qualifying Florida NPs can gain autonomous practice after 3,000+ hours of post-licensure practice.
- Top-25 national program — University of Florida consistently places among U.S. News top 25 nursing graduate programs nationally.
- 100% online MSN-FNP options — University of West Florida, Herzing University, University of St. Augustine, Keiser, and Palm Beach Atlantic.
- BSN-to-DNP FNP pathways — University of Florida, University of Miami, and Florida Gulf Coast University.
- National certification — FNP graduates sit for the AANP FNP-C or ANCC FNP-BC exam and apply for APRN licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing.
- Top-5 state for NP employment — Florida is among the largest NP workforces in the country per BLS OEWS Florida.
- Affordable public tuition — state universities (UF, FSU, USF, UCF, FAU, FIU, UNF, FGCU, UWF) run significantly below private competitors.
FNP Programs Accepting Florida Applicants
Florida RN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
Florida offers two RN to FNP programs designed for RNs who wish to advance their careers and meet the growing demand for primary care providers across the state. These online bridge programs allow RNs with an associate degree to build on their clinical experience and pursue advanced practice roles. Whether you choose Herzing or the University of St. Augustine, they are sure to accommodate your schedule as you master the art of delivering family-centered healthcare across the lifespan.
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 64
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: approximately $36,240 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Herzing’s online RN-to-FNP is built for associate-degree RNs who want to complete the whole pathway (RN→BSN→MSN→FNP) at one school. Students sit for 630 clinical hours and target roughly 500 patient encounters across the 24-month MSN portion. It fits nurses who value a single-institution progression and asynchronous coursework; it’s less of a fit for RNs who already hold a BSN and only need the FNP portion.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with one required on-campus clinical intensive
Credit Hours: 59
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $49,515 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USAHS runs its RN-to-MSN-FNP as a trimester program with an accelerated option, which tends to draw ADN-prepared nurses with at least a year of clinical work looking to compress the bridge. The school leans on a clinical placement network rather than asking students to find sites themselves, which is worth factoring in if you’re in a rural part of Florida where preceptors are scarce. Published first-time certification pass rates sit in the mid-90s, per USAHS.
Florida BSN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
As the name suggests, the BSN to FNP program is for nurses who hold a Bachelor’s degree. Depending on the institution, it could lead to an MSN or DNP diploma, making the student eligible to take the FNP certification exam.
In Florida, students can easily find a BSN-FNP program that suits their needs. Residents in search of a quality yet affordable program will benefit the most from the University of Central Florida, which also has a clinical coordinator who can help students find their sites. Those looking for a speedy route, meanwhile, should consider the University of Saint Augustine’s 2-year curriculum.
With options available for in-person, online, or hybrid learning, BSN to FNP programs in Florida offer flexibility for working professionals while preparing graduates to serve diverse populations across a variety of healthcare settings. Below are 10 BSN to FNP programs offered in the Sunshine State:
Advent Health University
- Orlando, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 91
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $670 per credit for 91 credits – $60,970 plus other fees
Program Overview:
AdventHealth University’s BSN-to-FNP leans part-time and tends to attract working RNs inside the AdventHealth system who want a Christian-affiliated program without leaving their job. The longer timeline (up to five years) is the point here; students take one or two courses per term rather than compressing the MSN. If you’re targeting a two-year graduation, this isn’t the right match; AdventHealth’s pacing is for nurses who can’t carry a full course load.
Barry University
- Miami Shores, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,050 per credit for 91 credits – $79,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Barry’s part-time BSN-to-FNP spreads coursework across roughly 12 semesters, which keeps the per-term load manageable for RNs still working bedside. The Miami Shores location gives students access to South Florida’s large, diverse patient panel, and Barry handles clinical placement rather than offloading it to the student. It’s a reasonable pick for RNs who can’t take a year off to front-load coursework; full-time candidates will finish faster elsewhere.
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 81
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 81 credits – $30,243.78 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 81 credits – $105,353.46 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FGCU’s BSN-to-MSN-FNP runs out of Fort Myers with an emphasis on primary care in Southwest Florida’s aging population. Students complete the precepted clinical portion in the region, which is an advantage if you plan to practice along the Gulf coast and a drawback if you’re trying to build out-of-state rotations. In-state tuition is competitive among Florida publics, making it a mid-range public option between UF/USF and the private schools.
Florida International University
- Miami, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 81
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 81 credits – $30,243.78 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 81 credits – $105,353.46 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FIU’s Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing offers the BSN-to-DNP-FNP track, which means you exit with the doctorate rather than a stand-alone MSN. That matters for applicants planning to finish school credential-complete under the AACN’s DNP-for-APRN-entry direction. It’s a fit for Miami-area RNs who want a research-intensive, urban-patient-population setting and who can commit to the longer DNP timeline; nurses wanting a shorter MSN path should look elsewhere.
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Hybrid + Campus + Online
Modality: Hybrid (On-campus NP courses + online DNP courses)
Credit Hours: 70
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, for students with a GPA of 3.0 and below
Tuition: $720 per credit for 70 credits – $50,400 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Jacksonville University’s BSN-to-FNP leans into small cohorts and faculty-led clinical coordination, which shows up in consistently strong certification pass rates. The Keigwin School of Nursing pairs students with preceptors in Northeast Florida, making it a practical pick for RNs already rooted in the Jacksonville metro. Tuition is private-school level, so it competes more with Barry and Nova than with UF or USF on cost.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Hybrid + Online + Face-to-face classes
Modality: Hybrid (Online and face-to-face classes)
Credit Hours: 75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $835 per credit for 75 credits – $62,625 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NSU’s BSN-to-FNP runs through the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing and offers both MSN and DNP tracks under one roof, which helps students who want the option to articulate upward without re-applying. NSU places students across South Florida’s acute-care and outpatient networks. It’s a fit for applicants who want credential flexibility and a large private university footprint; cost is on the higher side, so shop it against FIU and USF if that’s a primary concern.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid with intensives twice a year
Credit Hours: 74
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $288 per credit for 74 credits – $21,312 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,113 per credit for 74 credits – $82,362 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UCF’s BSN-to-DNP with an FNP specialization logs 1,020 precepted clinical hours, well above the 500-hour national minimum for certification. The Graduate Program Clinical Coordinator handles placements rather than leaving RNs to negotiate sites themselves. That combination makes UCF a strong public pick for Central Florida RNs who want the DNP credential and don’t want to build their own clinical network; applicants wanting a faster MSN-only path should compare against USF or UF.
University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- Hybrid + Online + Campus
Modality: Hybrid (online learning with periodic campus visits)
Credit Hours: 76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $531 per credit for 76 credits – $40,356 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,255 per credit for 76 credits – $95,380 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UF’s BSN-to-DNP-FNP sits inside the state’s flagship academic medical center in Gainesville, which gives students exposure to Shands Hospital’s referral panel and the broader UF Health network. Coursework is community-primary-care heavy, and the program consistently ranks among the top 25 NP programs in U.S. News. In-state tuition plus the credential of the flagship makes it the default ‘best value’ pick for Florida RNs who can commit to Gainesville residency during intensives.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Hybrid + Online + Campus
Modality: Hybrid (online with 3-4 weeks on campus)
Credit Hours: 39-47
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $55,000 to $95,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Miami offers two pathways to FNP practice: a part-time MSN (about five semesters) and a DNP track that runs longer. The MSN route fits RNs who want the credential quickly without committing to the doctorate, while the DNP appeals to applicants planning a practice-leadership or faculty career. Both run through the School of Nursing and Health Studies in Coral Gables with access to UHealth’s patient population.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 52
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $431.43 per credit for 52 credits – $22,434.36 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $877.17 per credit for 52 credits – $45,612.84 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USF’s College of Nursing offers the BSN-to-DNP-FNP with strong Tampa Bay clinical networks, and the program’s academic-medical-center embedding shows up in both its ranking and preceptor access. In-state tuition is competitive with UF; the choice between the two often comes down to geography and specialty focus. USF is a reasonable default for RNs who want the DNP credential and already live or plan to stay in the I-4 corridor.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with one required on-campus clinical intensive
Credit Hours: 50
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $41,961 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USAHS’s BSN-to-MSN-FNP compresses into 6–9 trimesters, roughly two to three calendar years, with January, May, and September start dates plus a mid-term option. The trimester cadence tends to attract bachelor’s-prepared RNs who want to graduate faster than a traditional two-semester academic year allows. Placement support is offered, which helps if you’re juggling work and coursework.
Online Florida Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
Several Florida FNP programs offer fully online didactic coursework paired with local clinical placements, which is the format most working RNs need. Herzing University‘s 20-month MSN-FNP runs 48 credits with 585 clinical hours and six annual start dates, making it a common pick for self-paced learners. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences uses a trimester cadence with multiple entry points per year and handles placement coordination, which matters in markets where preceptors are competitive.
Keiser University runs an online MSN-FNP that completes in 18–24 months, and Rasmussen University offers a longer 27-month online MSN-FNP for part-time pacing. For nurses who want the DNP credential online, Florida State University and University of North Florida both offer accredited online DNP tracks with in-state public tuition. RNs living in regions where in-person campus programs aren’t reachable will get more value from the placement-supported programs (Herzing, USAHS) than from self-placement online options.
Best FNP Programs in Florida
‘Best’ depends on what you’re optimizing for. If you’re ranking-focused, University of Florida‘s BSN-to-DNP-FNP is consistently ranked in U.S. News’s top 25 nursing graduate programs and leverages Shands as its academic medical center. University of Miami and University of South Florida also place in the national top 50.
If you want strong clinical volume without the flagship price tag, UCF‘s BSN-to-DNP logs 1,020 precepted clinical hours (double the national minimum) with faculty-coordinated placements. For RNs prioritizing faith-integrated programs, Palm Beach Atlantic and AdventHealth are the two clearest fits. See the comparison table above for credit counts, clinical hours, and tuition side-by-side.
MSN to FNP Post-Graduate Certifications
MSN to FNP post-graduate certificate programs in Florida offer licensed nurses who already hold an MSN the opportunity to specialize as Family Nurse Practitioners without completing a second degree. These certificate programs are ideal for MSN-prepared nurses seeking to expand their clinical scope to include primary care across the lifespan.
In Florida, residents can enjoy a variety of affordable options, including those offered by Florida Southern College or Florida National University. Those who wish to obtain a degree quickly may do so at Miami Regional University, where the program can be completed in 4-18 months.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable or accelerated offering, the post-master’s FNP certificate programs below can surely help you become a competent FNP
Barry University
- Miami Shores, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 38
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,050 per credit for 38 credits – $39,900 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Barry’s FNP post-master’s certificate is aimed at already-credentialed APRNs in other specialties who want to add FNP scope. Applicants go through the same admissions bar as the MSN track and receive an individualized curriculum plan based on prior coursework, so credit-for-prior-learning can materially shorten the timeline. It’s a fit for CNS/AGNP-prepared nurses in South Florida adding primary-care breadth.
Florida National University
- Hialeah, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 18
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, if with a GPA of under 2.5
Tuition: $650 per credit for 18 credits – $11,700 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FNU’s FNP post-graduate certificate is six courses and 500 precepted practicum hours, which sits at the national minimum for certification eligibility. The Hialeah-based school tends to draw Miami-Dade MSN holders adding FNP scope, and Spanish-language fluency in its clinical site patient population is a practical advantage. It’s a fit for cost-conscious applicants wanting to add the FNP credential without a long program.
Florida Southern College
- Lakeland, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 15
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, with waiver (case-to-case basis)
Tuition: $650 per credit for 15 credits – $9,750 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Florida Southern’s online FNP post-master’s certificate is CCNE-accredited and applies dual credit toward its DNP, so it doubles as an on-ramp for APRNs planning doctoral completion. The program is fully online for didactic work; 585 clinical hours are completed on-site with a preceptor in the student’s region. Certification eligibility applies to both the AANP and the ANCC exams.
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $735 per credit for 33 credits – $24,255 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Herzing’s online post-master’s FNP certificate mirrors the Florida Southern structure (585 clinical hours, dual DNP credit) and is built for already-licensed APRNs adding primary-care scope. The strength here is the school’s placement support and asynchronous didactic coursework, which helps full-time-working APRNs stay in their jobs during the program. Applicants planning immediate DNP completion should ask admissions to confirm the dual-credit articulation in writing.
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 21
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, for students with a GPA of 3.0 and below
Tuition: $650 per credit for 21 credits – $13,650 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Jacksonville’s FNP post-master’s certificate runs through the same small-cohort Keigwin School model as its MSN, with faculty-led clinical placements in Northeast Florida. It’s a practical pick for APRNs in the Jacksonville metro who want to stay local for preceptors. Out-of-region applicants should verify that JU will coordinate placements in their home state before committing.
Miami Regional University
- Miami Springs, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 10-37 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $14,400 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Miami Regional’s FNP post-master’s program is unusually flexible on timeline, running anywhere from 4 to 18 months depending on the student’s prior coursework and pace. That range makes it a fit for APRNs who need to slot the certificate around clinical employment. The curriculum blends lecture, lab, and clinical immersion, and graduates exit eligible for the FNP national certification exams.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online and In-person
Credit Hours: 24 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $835 per credit for 24 credits – $20,040 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NSU’s FNP post-master’s certificate, delivered through the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, prepares students for both FNP certification and (optionally) doctoral continuation. Coursework covers primary-care concepts across the lifespan, with graduate-level pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology required if not already completed. It’s a fit for APRNs who want NSU’s private-university resources and are already based in South Florida.
Rasmussen University
- Various locations in Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 53 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $26,525 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Rasmussen’s online FNP post-master’s certificate is built for full-time-working APRNs who need asynchronous coursework and a national clinical placement model. The school emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and primary-care management across the lifespan. It’s a fit for self-directed learners in smaller Florida markets where in-person campus-based programs aren’t reachable; applicants wanting a traditional cohort experience should look elsewhere.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 20-23 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,500 per credit for 20-23 credits – $30,000 to $34,500 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Miami’s FNP post-master’s certificate runs out of the School of Nursing and Health Studies and is aimed at MSN-prepared nurses (including APRNs in other specialties) who want FNP primary-care scope. The Coral Gables campus gives students access to UHealth’s clinical network for practicum placements. It’s a fit for Miami-area APRNs prioritizing an academic-medical-center setting and willing to pay private-university tuition.
Most Affordable FNP Programs in Florida
Florida’s public universities consistently beat the private options on total cost. University of Central Florida publishes $288/credit (~$21,312 total for 74 credits), which lands as the cheapest BSN-to-DNP-FNP route for Florida residents. Florida Atlantic University and Florida Gulf Coast University are close behind at roughly $371–$373 per credit (in-state), with total published costs between $19,000 and $30,000 depending on credit count.
On the private side, Herzing University‘s ~$36,240 total FNP track is the most competitive of the online-first privates, undercutting Advent Health University ($60,970) and Barry University ($79,800). Out-of-state applicants should check each school’s non-resident rate carefully — the gap between in-state and out-of-state can be substantial at public flagships.
FNP Licensure Requirements in Florida
Degree level needed: Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
Supervised hours total: 500 minimum
Required exams:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
Background-check: Level 2 background screening, including fingerprinting, as initiated by the Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse
State licensing board: Florida Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Florida FNP Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida grant full practice authority to FNPs?
Florida grants Autonomous Practice Registration to qualifying FNPs who complete at least 3,000 clinical practice hours over the preceding 5 years, pass a jurisprudence exam, and meet continuing-education and professional-liability requirements. FNPs without autonomous registration practice under a written supervisory protocol with a physician per Florida Statutes Chapter 464.
How long does it take to earn an FNP in Florida?
Most MSN-FNP programs in Florida run 2 to 3 years full-time. BSN-to-DNP FNP tracks at UF, University of Miami, and FGCU take 3 to 4 years. Part-time pathways extend completion to 4-5 years. After graduating, candidates sit for the AANP FNP-C or ANCC FNP-BC certification exam and apply for APRN licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing.
Which Florida FNP programs are available online?
University of West Florida, Herzing University, University of St. Augustine, Keiser University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University all offer online-forward MSN-FNP pathways. Most state university programs are hybrid with online didactic paired with on-campus sessions and in-person clinicals.
What is the FNP salary in Florida?
Florida’s NP mean annual wage is slightly below the national average per BLS OEWS Florida, though lower cost of living compared to California, New York, or Massachusetts shifts real purchasing power. Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Tampa metros offer the highest salary concentration and job density.
What’s the most affordable Florida FNP program?
Florida state universities (FSU, UF, USF, UCF, FAU, FIU, UNF, FGCU, UWF) offer public-university MSN-FNP tuition significantly below private competitors. Private options at Barry, Jacksonville, Nova Southeastern, University of Miami, and AdventHealth University charge private per-credit rates. Herzing University, Keiser, and Palm Beach Atlantic offer mid-range private online options.