Travel nursing jobs in Florida offer an exciting mix of career advancement and Sunshine State lifestyle. Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who take short-term assignments (typically 8–13 weeks) at hospitals and clinics across the U.S.. In Florida, demand for travel nursing is fueled by population growth, retirees, and seasonal “snowbird” influxes. Florida’s warm climate, famous attractions and no state income tax make it a top draw for healthcare professionals. For example, Florida’s winter “snowbird” season increases the elderly population by nearly 20%, spiking flu cases and hospital census. Fast-growing states like Florida rely on travel RNs to cover these seasonal and chronic staffing surges.
👩⚕️ Florida travel nurse in blue scrubs with stethoscope. Florida hospitals depend on travel nurses to cover high-demand periods and help fill staffing gaps.
Florida’s robust healthcare industry and lifestyle perks draw many travel nursing candidates. Large hospital systems (e.g. AdventHealth, HCA, Tampa General) and specialty facilities (e.g. cancer centers, children’s hospitals) hire travelers year-round. As the American Nursing Association and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) note, U.S. RN jobs are growing faster than average, and Florida is among states with booming healthcare needs. In short, travel nursing jobs Florida represent a growing, competitive market offering high pay and adventure travel nursing jobs in florida. This guide covers top specialties, cities, pay rates, licensure, and how to find Florida travel nurse jobs in 2025.
Why Florida is a Top Travel Nurse Destination
Florida’s Sunshine State appeal benefits travel nurses. The state’s warm weather, beaches and theme parks (Disney World, Universal, etc.) offer a desirable backdrop to work assignments. Notably, Florida has no state income tax, allowing travel nurses to keep more of their earnings. These lifestyle perks complement Florida’s strong healthcare infrastructure. For example, Orlando and Tampa are major medical hubs with multiple hospitals and research centers, drawing nursing talent from around the country travel nursing jobs in florida.
Florida’s demographics also drive demand. The state’s large retiree population and many chronically ill seniors create steady needs for nursing care. During winter, “snowbirds” – retirees who migrate from northern states – can boost Florida’s elderly population by about 20%. This seasonal influx strains healthcare resources, especially during flu season, leading facilities to bring in travel nurses to maintain safe staffing levels travel nursing jobs in florida travel nursing jobs in florida
Healthcare industry experts note that Florida’s fast growth and seasonal surges make travel RNs essential. One industry report explains that “in fast-growing states like Florida, hospitals often face patient surges from population growth and seasonal spikes, so travel RNs let them quickly increase capacity without long hiring processes”. In other words, travel nurses act as a “silver bullet” to plug staffing gaps during busy periods travel nursing jobs in florida
Florida is also part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which lets nurses with a multi-state license practice in Florida without a separate local license. This expedites travel assignments for RNs. Nurses simply pay a Florida license fee (currently $110) and renew it every two years. The NLC status means travel nurses can move to Florida assignments more easily than in non-compact states travel nursing jobs in florida
Key takeaways: Florida combines a high-demand healthcare market with attractive lifestyle factors. The state’s booming hospitals and clinics need nurses, especially during seasonal population spikes. Travel nursing jobs Florida tend to pay very well (often above the national average) and come with the bonus of no state income tax and warm weather travel nursing jobs in florida
In-Demand Travel Nurse Specialties in Florida
Florida offers travel nursing opportunities across many specialties. Travel nurse contracts are most common in critical and high-volume areas, where staffing needs fluctuate. The most sought-after specialties include:
- Intensive Care (ICU/CCU/PICU): Critical care nurses are always in demand. ICU travel roles (often at Level I trauma centers) can pay very high weekly rates (sometimes exceeding $2,000–$3,000) due to the acuity. Florida’s large hospitals in Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami frequently seek ICU travelers travel nursing jobs in florida
- Emergency Room (ER/Trauma): Emergency departments see constant patient flow. Travel ER nurses help cover high-traffic shifts and provide rapid-response expertise. ER travel jobs in Florida are plentiful, especially around busy tourist seasons.
- Medical-Surgical and Telemetry: These roles cover general floors and telemetry units. Florida hospitals use med/surg travelers to adjust staff levels during census changes. Pay is moderate (often $1,500–$2,000/week) but consistent demand exists year-round travel nursing jobs in florida
- Operating Room (OR) and Surgical Services: Perioperative nurses (e.g. OR circulators, scrub nurses) fill gaps when full-time OR staff take leave or when elective surgery volumes surge. Travel OR nurses often need credentials like CNOR. In Florida, travelers perform surgery support in hospitals like AdventHealth Orlando or Aventura Hospital travel nursing jobs in florida
- Labor & Delivery (L&D) and OB/GYN: Florida’s busy maternity wards (driven by families and retirees alike) regularly need L&D travelers to cover vacations and high-birth months. For instance, one recent Florida L&D travel job (Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West) offered $2,101/week travel nursing jobs in florida
- Specialty Units (Dialysis/Oncology/NICU): Florida’s large dialysis clinics and cancer centers bring in RNs for specialized floors. Pediatric specialties (NICU, PICU, pediatric ICU) also use travelers, especially at hospitals like Tampa General or Nemours Children’s travel nursing jobs in florida
- Allied Health (PT/OT/RT): Though focus is nursing, allied travel roles (e.g. Radiology Techs, Physical Therapists) also exist in Florida’s healthcare staffing.
For example, current job listings show the variety of Florida travel contracts. One recent listing in Orlando was for a Dialysis RN at $3,002/week. Another Orlando contract, a Pediatric Renal Oncology RN, paid $2,740/week. In Tampa, a Cardiac Cath Lab RN job was listed at $2,715/week, and an OR First Assist RN at $2,202/week. Even general med-surg roles, like a Key West Med-Surg RN, paid around $1,453/week.
Key specialties: ICU/CCU, ER, med-surg/telemetry, OR/L&D, dialysis, pediatric critical care. Travel nurses with certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, CNOR, etc.) in these areas will find the most jobs and highest pay travel nursing jobs in florida
Top Florida Cities and Hospitals for Travel Nurses
Florida’s travel nursing opportunities are concentrated in its largest metro areas and tourism centers. The cities with the most travel nurse jobs include Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, and West Palm Beach. Other hotspots are Fort Myers (Southwest Florida), Sarasota, and rural coastal towns that see seasonal population swings. Data shows the top 5 Florida cities hiring travel RNs are:
- Tampa, FL: A Gulf Coast healthcare hub. Tampa hospitals (Tampa General, AdventHealth Tampa, BayCare) hire many travelers. One job board currently shows 124 open travel nurse positions in Tampa. Examples: Tampa listings include a Cardiac Cath Lab RN at $2,715/week and an OR First Assist at $2,202/week for travel nursing jobs in florida
- Orlando, FL: Central Florida’s largest city, major hospital: AdventHealth Orlando (2,900+ beds). Orlando’s draw includes theme parks, warm climate, and no state income tax. Hospitals like Orlando Health and Nemours Children’s hire travelers. Pay averages there: a June 2023 report found travel RNs in Orlando earned about $1,815/week. Recent Orlando jobs include dialysis RNs at $2,700–$3,000+/week for travel nursing jobs in florida
- Jacksonville, FL: Northeast Florida’s largest city with multiple trauma centers (UF Health, Baptist MD Anderson). Many travel ICU and ER jobs. For instance, one Jacksonville L&D RN position paid $1,452/week for travel nursing jobs in florida
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL: South Florida’s heavily populated coast. Miami-Dade hospitals (Jackson Memorial, Aventura Hospital) and Fort Lauderdale (Broward Health) consistently need travelers. For example, travel RN roles at HCA Florida – Aventura Hospital (Miami) recently listed around $1,677–$1,695/week for travel nursing jobs in florida
- West Palm Beach / Fort Pierce: Treasure Coast area with seasonal retirees. Hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Martin Health hire traveling nurses for med-surg and OR.
Several Florida hospitals are well-known for travel nursing demand. AdventHealth Orlando (flagship of a large system) is routinely among the top employers. Lower Keys Medical Center (Key West) frequently appears as a high-payer in the Florida Keys. Sarasota Memorial Hospital and other public health systems also list many contracts. In general, any major hospital in a tourist-heavy region (beaches, theme parks) or dense metro area is likely to hire travelers for travel nursing jobs in florida
Top markets summary: Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, and West Palm are the busiest Florida travel nurse hubs. Smaller cities like Fort Myers, Sarasota, and even Pensacola see seasonal travel assignments. When looking for travel nursing jobs Florida, focus on these urban and resort regions for travel nursing jobs in florida
Salary and Pay Packages for Florida Travel Nurses
Florida travel nurses enjoy high pay rates, often above the state and national norms. According to salary data, the average travel RN in Florida earns about $2,217 per week (≈$55.43/hr). That’s roughly $115,284 per year (pre-tax) assuming 52 weeks. By comparison, staff RNs in Florida make around $40–$42/hr, so travel contracts can pay about $14–$15/hr more. Another source reports the average Florida travel RN pays about $1,936/week, reflecting recent trends (note that wages rise and fall with demand). These figures show travel assignments often offer a substantial premium over regular staff roles for travel nursing jobs in florida
The range of pay depends on specialty and location. Critical-care and specialty contracts can top $3,000/week. For example, a travel ICU RN in a top market might earn $3,000+ per week. On the lower end, med-surg or float roles might pay around $1,500–$1,800/week. In the Advantis listings, many Florida positions ranged from $1,500 to $3,067/week. Indeed, Advantis notes travel nurses in Florida can earn “up to 22% more” than staff nurses.
A few sample pay examples from recent Florida contracts:
- Key West (Lower Keys Med Ctr): L&D RN – $2,101/week. Med-Surg RN – $1,453/week.
- Fort Myers (Lee Health): L&D RN – $2,044/week.
- Miami (Aventura HCA): OR RN – $1,695/week; OR RN (night shift) – $1,677/week.
- Orlando: Dialysis RN – $3,002/week; Pediatric Dialysis RN – $2,740/week.
- Tampa: Cardiac Cath Lab RN – $2,715/week; OR First Assist – $2,202/week.
These figures (as of mid-2025) illustrate the lucrative nature of Florida travel nurse jobs. Factors affecting pay include facility demand, nurse-to-patient ratios, and local market competitiveness. Major metro and tourist regions generally pay more. Also, any shift pay differentials (nights, weekends) and bonuses (completion or referral) add to total compensation.
LPN Travel Nurse Pay: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) also fill travel roles in Florida, though pay is lower than RNs. According to recent data, LPN travel nurses in Florida earn on average about $22.33 per hour (roughly $46,400/year, or ~$893/week). The top 25% of LPN travel RNs make over $25/hr, while bottom 25% are ~ $18.50/hr. Note: LPN travel staffing is less common than RN, and Florida ranks #50/50 for LPN travel demand, but opportunities exist, especially in long-term care or rehab settings.
How to Find Travel Nursing Jobs in Florida
Securing a travel nursing job in Florida involves registration with travel staffing agencies or using specialized job boards. Major travel nursing agencies (e.g. Aya Healthcare, AMN Healthcare, Cross Country, Fastaff, Host Healthcare, Health Carousel) frequently list Florida contracts. Job platforms like Vivian Health, TravelNurseSource, and Indeed aggregate openings from these agencies. For example, job sites often show over 100 active Florida travel RN positions at any time. Agencies typically handle credentialing, licensure and housing logistics, so once you qualify (valid Florida license, background check, certifications) they can quickly place you in a facility.
Steps to find jobs:
- Register with multiple agencies. Having accounts with 3-5 agencies maximizes listings you see. Ask recruiters specifically for Florida contracts if you have a geographic preference.
- Monitor job boards daily. Travel contracts open and close fast. Sites like Vivian (which shows 124 Tampa FL jobs as of this writing) update hourly.
- Network and referrals. Talking to peers or joining travel nurse groups can alert you to openings.
When evaluating offers, compare the pay package (hourly base, bonuses, per diems) and benefits (housing stipend, health insurance, travel reimbursement). Agencies often list total weekly compensation, but clarify what portion is taxable pay vs allowances. Many Florida travel assignments include a generous per diem to cover lodging.
Requirements and Licensure for Florida Travel Nurses
To work as a travel nurse in Florida, you must be licensed in Florida and meet standard RN or LPN requirements. Florida issues separate licenses for RNs and LPNs. Key points:
- Florida Nurse License: Hold a current Florida RN (or LPN) license. Florida is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so if you have a multistate compact license from another NLC state, you can practice in Florida immediately. If not, apply for a Florida license via endorsement (the process can take 2–4 weeks). The fee is $110 for a two-year license.
- Renewals and Portability: Florida licenses renew every 2 years. As an NLC state, Florida nurses licensed there can also work in 39+ other compact states without additional licenses.
- Certifications: Most travel positions require basic certifications like BLS and ACLS. Specialized units may require PALS, TNCC (trauma), CNOR (OR), etc. Make sure all certifications are current.
- Health/Drug Screening: You’ll undergo pre-employment screenings, TB tests, and background checks. Agencies can often expedite credential processing.
- Experience: Many travel jobs require at least 1-2 years of experience in your specialty (e.g. ICU or ER). Having a strong CV with completed travel assignments helps.
In summary, Florida licensure and credentialing are standard steps. The main advantage is NLC membership – if you already have a compact license, you save time on getting permission to work in Florida.
Benefits and Lifestyle of Florida Travel Nursing
Beyond the paycheck, travel nursing in Florida comes with personal and professional perks. Higher pay and flexibility: Travel contracts tend to pay more than staff positions, and you can take breaks between contracts. Variety of experience: You can choose assignments in different cities and specialties, building a diverse resume. Lifestyle advantages: Florida’s warm climate, beaches, and attractions mean your downtime can be spent outdoors or on mini-vacations. Many travelers live in furnished housing or have generous stipends for food/housing, keeping expenses lower.
Florida has no state income tax, so your paycheck goes further. For example, a travel RN earning $2,500/week keeps more take-home pay here than in states with high taxes. In cities like Orlando or Miami, outdoor activities are abundant. A travel nurse could work 3 days a week and spend the rest exploring theme parks, beaches, or nature trails. That quality-of-life factor is often cited by travelers who chose Florida.
Moreover, Florida’s large network of clinics and agencies means you have access to many professional support resources. Groups of travel nurses often form on social media, giving tips on housing, locale, and referrals. Some even share ride-shares down I-95! Florida healthcare facilities also offer robust support and mentorship for travelers, especially in big systems that regularly host contract nurses.
Finally, travel nursing can be very fulfilling. By moving between facilities (e.g. Tampa in summer, Miami in winter), nurses avoid monotony and gain adaptability. It’s a good fit for adventurous nurses who want career growth (often travel nurses learn new protocols quickly) and personal flexibility.
Challenges and Considerations
Travel nursing in Florida has huge benefits, but also some drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Cost of Living Variation: Florida’s cost of living is mixed. Miami, Naples and Boca Raton are expensive, whereas some rural or smaller towns (Pensacola, Gainesville) are lower cost. High housing stipends usually cover expenses, but if you exceed them, you pay out-of-pocket.
- Seasonal Demand Fluctuations: Many contracts start in fall/winter (flu/snowbird season). If you need continuous work, you may have to shift assignments or even relocate within Florida. Conversely, summer may see fewer openings in some areas.
- Licensing Delays: If you are not compact-licensed, Florida’s endorsement process can be slower than some states. Plan for 2–4 weeks (as noted in Jacksonville Nurse Professionals). Begin the process early if you’re planning a Florida travel assignment.
- Travel and Housing: Even though Florida has good infrastructure, you may have travel between assignments. Housing in major markets can be competitive; agencies often secure apartments or shared homes for you. Some travel nurses avoid the hot Florida summers by working in the Keys or Everglades region in cooler months, but those areas have limited amenities.
- Professional Adaptation: As a traveler, you need to quickly adapt to new teams and charting systems. Florida hospitals use various EMR systems (Epic, Cerner, Meditech). If you switch contracts often, expect a steep learning curve each time.
Overall, be prepared for the administrative tasks of travel nursing (paperwork, interviews) and the personal adjustment of moving frequently. Networking with other Florida travel nurses can ease the transition.
LPN Travel Nurse Jobs in Florida
While most travel nursing roles are for RNs, there are openings for LPN travel nurses as well. These are typically in long-term care, rehab centers, or smaller hospitals. LPN travelers may cover med-surg floors, wound care units, or clinics. Pay is lower: the average LPN travel nurse in Florida earns about $22.33/hour (approximately $46,400 per year). By comparison, travel RNs earn roughly double that per hour.
Some key points for LPN travelers in Florida:
- Licensure: You need an active Florida LPN license (the state also has a Compact LPN multistate option as of 2025, since the LPN Compact took effect in January 2025).
- Demand: LPN travel demand is relatively low (Florida ranked 50th out of 50 states in LPN travel postings). When it exists, it’s often in private duty, skilled nursing facilities, or understaffed small hospitals.
- Pay range: While the median is ~$22/hr, top LPN travel roles (in high-demand cities) can reach $25/hr or more. ZipRecruiter notes some Florida cities (like Five Points) offer LPN travel pay nearly 40% above the state average.
- Responsibilities: LPN travelers generally have fewer complex responsibilities than RN travelers. Common assignments include assisting RN teams in nursing homes or rehab units.
If you are an LPN seeking travel work, target agency recruiters in Florida who handle licensed practical nurses. Mention that you are willing to fill short-term gaps in med-surg or rehab units. You may need fewer credentials than an RN, but still require Florida LPN licensure and basic certifications (BLS, state-required in-service).
FAQs: Travel Nursing Jobs in Florida
Q: What are the best travel nursing jobs in Florida?
A: The “best” travel nursing jobs often mean highest pay or greatest demand. In Florida, high-paying travel RN contracts have been in specialties like ICU/CCU, ER, OR/CVOR, and L&D. For example, Florida travel RN positions listed pay up to $3,000+ per week for critical units. The best job depends on your specialty and city. For top opportunities, look at hospitals in Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, as they routinely need travelers.
Q: How do I find travel nurse jobs in Florida?
A: Register with travel nurse agencies (e.g. Aya, AMN, Fastaff) and check major job boards (Vivian Health, TravelNurseSource, Indeed). Many agencies have Florida-dedicated recruiters. Job sites often list 100+ Florida travel nurse openings at any time. Narrow by city and specialty. Joining travel nursing forums or groups on Facebook/LinkedIn can also uncover leads.
Q: Do travel nurses need a Florida nursing license?
A: Yes. To accept a travel nurse assignment in Florida, you must hold an active Florida RN (or LPN) license. However, if you already have an RN license from another compact state, Florida allows reciprocal practice without extra applications. Non-compact RN licenses require endorsement. Licensure paperwork should be started well in advance (Florida processing can take a few weeks). Always ensure your licenses and certifications (BLS/ACLS/PALS, etc.) are current before your start date.
Q: What is the average pay for travel nurses in Florida?
A: Pay varies by role and location. On average, travel RNs in Florida earn around $2,200 per week (≈ $55–$60 per hour). Some sources report averages of $1,936/week to $2,217/week. Critical care contracts in top cities can pay $2,500–$3,000/week. Med-surg or general contracts might pay $1,500–$2,000/week. Remember, Florida has no income tax, so travel nurses keep more of their earnings.
Q: Are there travel nursing jobs for LPNs in Florida?
A: Yes, but they are fewer. LPN travel jobs in Florida exist mainly in long-term care, home health, or understaffed hospitals. The average LPN travel nurse salary is about $22.33/hr (~$46,400/year), which is lower than RN travel pay. Cities like Jacksonville and Orlando sometimes have openings for LPN travelers. To pursue these, hold a Florida LPN license (Florida’s LPN Compact started in 2025) and connect with agencies that place LPNs.
Q: What specialties pay the most in Florida?
A: Typically, high-acuity specialties pay the most. Florida travel contracts in Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU), Neuro ICU, Cath Lab, Operating Room (with CNOR), and Labor & Delivery often command top rates. For example, recent Florida Dialysis RN travel jobs paid over $2,700–$3,000/week. Critical care ICU jobs frequently exceed $2,500/week. Emergency and med-surg positions usually pay a bit less but still above state averages.
Conclusion
Travel nursing jobs in Florida offer exciting career opportunities and strong compensation. The Sunshine State’s combination of booming healthcare needs, retiree population, and tax advantages makes it a top destination for travel RNs and LPNs. With demand especially high in cities like Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Jacksonville, savvy nurses can find short-term contracts in their specialty that pay very well. Remember to secure your Florida nursing license (or use your compact license) and partner with reputable travel agencies. With high pay packages (often $1,500–$3,000/week) and the lifestyle perks of year-round warm weather, travel nursing jobs in Florida represent a rewarding career path.
Whether you’re a seasoned travel nurse or considering the first assignment, Florida’s diverse cities and specialties have something to offer. Ready to launch your Sunshine State adventure? Browse current Florida travel nurse job listings or contact top agencies today. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow nurses and feel free to comment with your experiences below!
