Q & A Regarding Florida Nursing Applicants and Criminal Offenses

The following information was found on Florida’s Department of Health’s website.  We have summarized the information.

These are a few of the many questions that the Florida Board of Nursing often receives from applicants regarding prior criminal offenses:

Question: What types of crimes must be reported on the nursing application?

Answer: All types of convictions, guilty pleas and nolo contendere pleas must be reported, (except for minor traffic violations not related to the use of drugs or alcohol.) including misdemeanors, felonies, “driving while intoxicated (DWI)” and “driving under the influence “(DUI).” Crimes must be reported even if they are a suspended sentence.

Question: Can you obtain a license as a nurse if you have a misdemeanor or felony crime on your record?

Answer: Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by The Florida Board of Nursing,  The Board considers the nature, severity, and how recent the offense was, rehabilitation, and other factors.

Question: Do you have to report charges if you complete a period of probation and the charges were dismissed or closed?

Answer: Yes. Those offenses must be reported to the Florida Board of Nursing even if you received a suspended sentence and the record is considered closed.

If you feel your Florida nursing license is in jeopardy, please contact us.
Remember, your license is your livelihood.

If you are a Florida nursing student or a Florida nurse with licensing issues, Attorney Lars Soreide, of Soreide Law Group, will represent you in front of the Florida Board of Nursing. To speak with a lawyer regarding your nursing license please call: (888) 760-6552.