What is the NCLEX pass rate in Florida?

Florida's NCLEX-RN first-attempt pass rates for US-educated candidates have historically tracked near the national average of 85–88%, though individual program results vary significantly. Florida has one of the largest nursing education infrastructures in the country, with programs ranging from community college ADN programs to large university BSN programs.

Where can I find Florida nursing program NCLEX pass rates?

The Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) and NCSBN publish annual NCLEX pass rate data. Individual program pass rates are available through the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance. CCNE and ACEN accreditation reports also include pass rate documentation.

Florida Nursing Programs

Florida NCLEX Pass Rates: Benchmarks and Improvement Strategies

Florida is home to one of the largest and most diverse nursing education ecosystems in the country. NCLEX pass rates across Florida programs vary widely — and the shift to Next Generation NCLEX has amplified those differences.

Request a Demo National NCLEX Data

Florida's Nursing Education Landscape

Florida consistently produces among the highest numbers of nursing graduates in the United States, driven by a large state university system, robust community college ADN programs, and numerous private nursing schools. The Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) monitors NCLEX pass rates as a key program quality indicator.

With Florida's rapidly aging population and one of the country's highest demands for healthcare workers, the pressure on nursing programs to produce competent, NCLEX-passing graduates is significant. Programs that fall below FBON benchmarks face scrutiny, potential enrollment caps, or required corrective action.

The 2023 NGN transition has been particularly challenging for Florida programs with high volumes of ADN graduates, who historically rely more on content memorization strategies that NGN deprioritizes in favor of clinical judgment.

Florida NCLEX-RN first-attempt pass rate (approximate)

~84–87%

Varies by program type; BSN programs trend higher than ADN

Florida Board of Nursing minimum benchmark

80%

Programs below this threshold may face regulatory review

Number of approved FL nursing programs

200+

One of the largest nursing education ecosystems in the US

NGN impact on Florida first-year results

Notable

Programs without updated clinical judgment curricula saw early dips

Why Florida Programs Are Focusing on Clinical Judgment

Florida nursing faculty are reporting that students who struggle with the NGN are typically strong on content but weak on applying clinical judgment under pressure. The ability to recognize what's wrong with a patient, synthesize the data, and communicate a clear recommendation — the core of ISBARR — maps directly to the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) that NGN tests.

Florida programs that have integrated simulation-based clinical communication training — particularly ISBARR telephone communication exercises — report that students enter clinical rotations with stronger assessment articulation skills. These same skills are what distinguish students who pass NGN on the first attempt from those who don't.

For Florida Faculty

SimPhone Pro™ provides Florida nursing programs with a scalable ISBARR simulation platform that documents student performance against CJMM-aligned competencies — giving you objective evidence for CCNE/ACEN accreditation reports and a clear picture of which students need targeted coaching before boards.