Why Florida Is the Best State to Start Your NP Telemedicine License

Today, I want to tell you exactly which one I believe should be your first. 

FLORIDA.

It checks so many telemedicine boxes, especially for nurse practitioners coming from non-compact RN states. The application process is fairly quick and painless. You don’t need a separate Florida RN license to apply as an NP. And—you have the opportunity to apply for autonomous practice.

In my eyes?

That’s a telemedicine NP dream setup.

Now, yes—you can just apply for Florida’s telehealth registration instead of a full license. But here’s why I feel all in is better:

✅ A full license + autonomous practice = maximum freedom. 

Whether you're working 1099 jobs (especially for those that don't provide a collaborating physician) or thinking about starting your own practice, this route gives you more control.

WHY FLORIDA IS THE BEST STATE TO START

When you're mapping out your telemedicine licensing strategy, one question should lead the way:

“Which state will let me act fast, avoid unnecessary hurdles, and actually support my telehealth goals?”

I’ve helped a lot of NPs think through this exact question—and for me personally, there’s one state that clearly rose to the top.

It offered speed, simplicity, and long-term flexibility in ways most others didn’t.

Let’s talk about why this state might be your smartest first move.

3 REASONS FLORIDA WINS FOR TELEMEDICINE NPs

1. High Demand & Volume Potential

Florida is a big state with a large, diverse population—many older adults, many patients needing telehealth care, chronic condition management, primary care, and behavioral health. That means more opportunities for telemedicine.

If you’re trying to build a telehealth practice or looking for a solid 1099 side gig, you want a state where patient volume is real and the regulatory barrier isn’t massive.

2. No RN or Compact RN License Required — Seriously!

One of the most incredible things about Florida is that you don’t need an RN license—Florida or compact RN license—to apply for your NP license.

Yes, you read that right. Florida is (as far as I know) the only state that allows this. And that’s a huge deal.

It not only eliminates a major licensing headache, especially for those of you in non-compact states, but it also saves you time, money, and unnecessary steps. You can go straight for your NP license without having to hold or apply for an RN license in the state at all.

This is one of the key reasons I feel Florida is such a smart first step for NPs getting started in telemedicine.

3. Florida Offers a Path to Recognized Autonomous Practice

This is where Florida really separates itself from the pack. Once you’re licensed, the state gives you the opportunity to apply for autonomous practice—a formal recognition that allows you to practice independently without a physician collaborator.

And if you’re an NP, you already know how powerful that is. Autonomy isn’t just a regulatory perk—it’s a professional milestone. It means freedom, respect, and control over how you deliver care.

For telemedicine NPs, that independence matters more than ever:

• Some 1099 telehealth jobs don’t offer a collaborating physician, which can hold you back if you don’t already have autonomy.

• If you're pursuing private practice, autonomous status removes a major obstacle and lets you fully lead your care model—especially important in a high-volume state like Florida.

Simply put: Florida doesn’t just make it easier to get licensed—it gives you room to thrive on your own terms.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Florida’s Autonomous NP Practice Requirements

If you’re planning to leverage Florida for telemedicine and want full flexibility, here are key requirements for autonomous NP practice in Florida:

• You must hold an active, unencumbered Florida APRN/NP license.

  
  

• You must complete at least 3,000 clinical practice hours under the supervision of a physician (MD or DO) within the past 5 years.

  
  

• You must have completed 3 graduate‑level semester hours (or equivalent 45 CE hours) in Differential Diagnosis AND 3 graduate‑level semester hours (or equivalent) in Pharmacology within the last 5 years.

  
  

• You must not have been subject to disciplinary actions in Florida or any other jurisdiction in the past 5 years.

• You must demonstrate financial responsibility: professional liability coverage (minimum $100k per claim, $300k annual aggregate) or equivalent. Autonomous practice is currently limited to primary care specialties (family medicine, general pediatrics, general internal medicine) unless changes occur.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’ve been stuck wondering, “Where do I start with telemedicine licensure as an NP?”—I hope this gave you some clarity.

In my personal experience, Florida has been one of the smartest, most strategic states to start with. The process was smoother, the options were wider, and the opportunities made sense for where I wanted to go in telemedicine.

But here’s what I always say: this is my journey—and you’ve got to make the decision that fits your goals, your state situation, and your career path.

Starting with a Florida license doesn’t guarantee jobs, but it does open doors. And with the right strategy, it can be a powerful first move in building the telemedicine career you’re dreaming about.

You’re capable. You’re ready. You don’t need to wait.

Florida might just be your launchpad.

READY FOR REAL SUPPORT FROM SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN THERE?

If you’re staring down the maze of state licensure, dreaming about private practice, or just trying to get your telemedicine career off the ground—I’ve got you.

I offer 1:1 coaching sessions where we walk through your licensing strategy, career goals, or business plans—step by step, with zero fluff. Whether you’re stuck on your first license or scaling into full-blown telehealth independence, I’ll help you make a smart, customized game plan.

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Disclaimer:

The content shared on this blog is based on my personal experiences and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. I am not offering legal, financial, tax, or medical advice. Any strategies or insights shared are not guarantees of results—everyone’s journey is different, and outcomes will vary. Please consult with licensed professionals for guidance specific to your situation. Use of this information is at your own discretion and risk.

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