CNA Programs & Career Opportunities in Florida
Florida is home to 191 CNA training programs and over 2,000 healthcare facilities. Our guide currently highlights 113 cities, where we cover all local CNA programs and a selection of healthcare facilities. Explore CNA classes, salary information, and career opportunities to learn more about becoming a CNA in Florida.
Get Information from CNA Programs in Florida
- Major Cities for CNA Careers in Florida
- Training & Certification Requirements in Florida
- Explore CNA Classes by City in Florida
- Free CNA Classes in Florida
- Online CNA Classes in Florida
- 4-Week CNA Classes in Florida
- Evening Classes in Florida
- Weekend Classes in Florida
- Salary & Job Outlook as a CNA in Florida
- Salary Overview by Area
- Frequently Asked Questions
Starting your CNA Career in Florida
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Training Programs191State-approved Programs
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Cities113Cities Currently Covered
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Healthcare Facilities2,000+Total Facilities
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Median Annual Salary$36,340Median Yearly Pay
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Median Hourly Salary$17.47Median Per Hour
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Total CNAs Employed89,600CNAs Working Statewide
With nearly 200 CNA training programs statewide, Florida provides extensive educational opportunities in major metropolitan areas such as Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie. Currently, about 89,600 Certified Nursing Assistants work across Florida, reflecting strong and ongoing demand for frontline healthcare professionals. Students completing Florida CNA programs can expect median earnings of 36,340 annually and 17.47 per hour.
With a population of more than 23.3 million residents and one of the largest and fastest-growing senior populations in the United States, Florida offers excellent long-term career opportunities for CNA graduates. From large healthcare systems such as HCA Florida Healthcare, AdventHealth, Baptist Health, and Jackson Health System to thousands of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies statewide, Certified Nursing Assistants play a critical role in supporting patient care across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community-based settings throughout both urban and rural Florida.
Get Information from CNA Programs in Florida
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Major Cities for CNA Careers in Florida
Explore CNA opportunities in Florida's largest cities and metropolitan areas.
St. Petersburg
Port St. Lucie
Training & Certification Requirements in Florida
Before starting your training, it's important to understand exactly what Florida requires to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Meeting these standards ensures you're eligible to test, be placed on the state registry, and work in approved healthcare settings across Florida.
Eligibility
- Age requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years old to become certified and employed as a CNA in Florida.
- Program enrollment: You must complete a Florida Board of Nursing–approved Nursing Assistant Training Program. Approved programs are offered by high schools, career and technical centers, community colleges, and licensed healthcare facilities.
- Background screening: All CNA candidates must pass a Level II criminal background screening in accordance with Florida law. Individuals with disqualifying offenses listed under Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, are not eligible for CNA certification or employment in long-term care.
- Good standing: Employers are required to verify CNA registry status prior to hire. Individuals with substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or exploitation are not eligible to work as CNAs in Florida.
Training Hours & Clinicals
Florida requires a minimum of 120 total hours of CNA training. This includes at least 80 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical training in a licensed healthcare facility, with at least 20 hours completed in long-term care clinical instruction in a licensed nursing home.
Before any direct patient contact, students must complete at least 16 hours of instruction covering federally required OBRA topics, including communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, residents' rights, safety and emergency procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver), and promoting independence and dignity.
Florida healthcare facilities may employ individuals as nurse aide trainees for up to 120 days while training and testing requirements are completed. After this period, individuals must be fully certified and listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry.
Competency Exam (Knowledge & Skills)
After completing an approved training program (or qualifying through an approved challenge route), candidates must pass the Florida Nurse Aide Competency Examination, administered by Prometric on behalf of the Florida Board of Nursing. The exam consists of:
- Knowledge test: 60 multiple-choice questions covering basic nursing skills, infection control, safety, resident rights, communication, and personal care. Candidates are given 90 minutes to complete the exam. An oral version is available for an additional fee.
- Skills evaluation: Demonstration of five randomly selected nurse aide skills, including mandatory hand hygiene and at least one measurement skill. Candidates must correctly perform all critical steps to pass.
You must pass both the knowledge and skills components to become certified. Candidates have up to three attempts to pass each portion of the exam. Those who do not pass within three attempts must complete a new Board-approved training program before retesting.
Placement on the Registry & Working as a CNA
Once both exam components are passed, your name is added to the Florida Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Florida Board of Nursing. Prometric transmits exam results electronically to the state. You may then work as a CNA in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Florida.
Renewal
Florida CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must have performed at least one day (8 hours) of paid nursing-related services during the renewal period under the supervision of a licensed nurse. CNAs who do not meet the work requirement may be required to retest before returning to active status.
Reciprocity
Florida offers certification by endorsement (reciprocity) for CNAs certified in other states. Applicants must hold an active certification in good standing, meet Florida's background screening requirements, and provide verification that their training met federal OBRA standards. Some applicants may be required to pass the Florida competency exam if documentation is incomplete or standards are not met.
Costs
Florida CNA exam fees are set by Prometric. Fees vary depending on whether you take the written or oral exam and the skills evaluation, and are paid at the time of scheduling. Under federal law, Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must pay for or reimburse CNA training and testing costs for individuals they employ or have offered employment to, provided the individual is hired within 12 months of completing training.
Sources: Florida Board of Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant, Prometric — Florida Nurse Aide Testing, Prometric — Florida Candidate Information Bulletin, 42 CFR 483.152 — Federal Training Requirements
Explore CNA Classes by City in Florida
Explore CNA classes in Florida by city. We currently feature 113 cities, each with a full list of CNA training courses, salary details, and selected healthcare facilities.
Free CNA Classes in Florida
Looking for free CNA classes and training programs in Florida? These 12 options are available at no cost through employer sponsorship, state support, or other financial assistance.
Riveroak Technical College
Program Details
North East Florida State Hospital CNA Training
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Clyde E. Lassen State Veteran's Nursing
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Suncoast Technical College
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Meridian West Central College
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Santa Fe College
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South Florida Healthcare Institute
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Pine Ridge High School
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Port Saint Lucie High School
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Pepin Academies
Program Details
Online CNA Classes in Florida
These 7 programs offer CNA classes online in Florida, giving you the flexibility to complete the classroom portion remotely. However, all CNA programs also require in-person clinical training, which must be completed at an approved healthcare facility before certification.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System (Smhcs)
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Meridian West Central College
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Marion Technical College
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Healthcare Educational Center Of Florida
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Gulf Coast State College
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Ultimate Medical Academy
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South Florida Healthcare Institute
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4-Week CNA Classes in Florida
These 20 programs offer accelerated CNA training in Florida, typically ranging from 3-5 weeks, with 4-week programs being the most common. Accelerated CNA classes are one of the fastest ways to become a CNA in Florida, making them ideal if you want to start your healthcare career quickly.
St. Johns River State College CNA Training
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Riveroak Technical College
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Suncoast Technical College
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Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System (Smhcs)
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Meridian West Central College
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Marion Technical College
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Medical Institute Of Palm Beach
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Manatee Technical College
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FTC Training Center
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Cambridge College Of Healthcare & Technology
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Evening Classes in Florida
These 28 programs offer evening CNA classes in Florida, designed for working professionals and those with daytime commitments. Evening classes typically run after 5 PM on weekdays, allowing you to maintain your current schedule while pursuing CNA certification.
Sumter Career And Adult Education
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Indian River State College
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Florida Gateway College (FGC)
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Desoto County Nursing Program
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Palm Beach State College- PCT Program
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Meridian West Central College
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Marion Technical College
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Medical Institute Of Palm Beach
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FTC Training Center
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Daytona State College
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Weekend Classes in Florida
These 9 programs offer weekend CNA classes in Florida, perfect for those who work Monday through Friday. Weekend programs typically meet on Saturdays and/or Sundays, allowing you to complete your CNA training without disrupting your weekday work schedule.
Florida Gateway College (FGC)
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Medical Institute Of Palm Beach
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FTC Training Center
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South Florida Healthcare Institute
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Flagler Technical College
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FVI School Of Nursing And Technology
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FVI School Of Nursing And Technology
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First Coast Nursing Assistant Training Center
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Career Training Institute
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Salary & Job Outlook as a CNA in Florida
Florida is one of the largest and most active employment markets in the U.S. for Certified Nursing Assistants, driven by its large population, high proportion of older adults, and extensive long-term care infrastructure. With more than 89,600 CNAs working statewide and over 2,005 healthcare facilities, Florida offers a wide range of entry-level and experienced CNA opportunities. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the state includes more than 695 nursing homes, 221 hospitals, and 1,089 home health agencies that employ CNAs. While CMS data may not capture every facility type, it highlights the scale of Florida’s healthcare system.
Salary Overview
The median annual income for all workers in Florida is approximately $45,070, or $21.67 per hour. Certified Nursing Assistants in Florida earn a median of $36,340 annually, which equals about $17.47 per hour. While CNA wages are below the statewide median, Florida’s large volume of healthcare employers creates consistent job availability. Many CNAs increase their earnings through overtime, night and weekend shifts, or by moving into higher-paying healthcare roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
Job Outlook
The job outlook for CNAs in Florida remains strong and long-term. With 89,600 CNAs currently employed and one of the highest concentrations of healthcare facilities in the country, demand is expected to remain steady. Florida’s rapidly growing senior population and continued expansion of home health and long-term care services are key drivers of CNA demand.
Major employment hubs include South Florida (Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach), the Tampa Bay area, Orlando and Central Florida, Jacksonville, and Southwest Florida. Large health systems such as HCA Florida Healthcare, AdventHealth, Baptist Health South Florida, Orlando Health, and Memorial Healthcare System employ CNAs across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient centers, and home health services.
Florida also has one of the largest home health workforces in the U.S., which creates additional opportunities for CNAs who prefer in-home care or flexible scheduling. As many CNAs advance into nursing or allied health roles, regular workforce turnover continues to generate new job openings across the state.
If you’re considering this career path, explore our list of CNA training programs in Florida or learn more about certification in our CNA License & Registration guide.
Why Become a CNA in Florida?
Becoming a CNA in Florida is a fast and practical way to enter the healthcare workforce. Training programs can often be completed in a few weeks, allowing you to begin working quickly. With more than 695 nursing homes, 221 hospitals, and a large network of home health agencies, Florida offers CNAs a wide range of employment settings. The state’s extensive system of technical schools, community colleges, and healthcare facility–based programs also makes CNA education widely accessible. For many individuals, CNA work serves as both a stable career option and a stepping stone toward LPN or RN licensure. You can also explore free CNA classes, online CNA programs, or accelerated CNA programs available across Florida.
CNA Salaries Across Florida
CNA wages vary by region. Metropolitan areas such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville often offer higher pay due to cost of living and large hospital systems, while smaller cities and rural regions may fall closer to the statewide median. Below is a breakdown of CNA salaries across Florida.
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS Nursing Homes (July 2025), CMS Hospitals (July 2025), CMS Home Health Agencies (July 2025)
CNA Salary by Area in Florida
Compare CNA salaries across different metropolitan areas and regions in Florida. Salary data includes both annual and hourly wages for nursing assistants.
| Area | Annual salary | Hourly salary |
|---|---|---|
| Florida (statewide) | $36,340 | $17.47 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $38,340 | $18.43 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $35,230 | $16.94 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $34,930 | $16.79 |
| Gainesville | $39,410 | $18.95 |
| Homosassa Springs | $34,090 | $16.39 |
| Jacksonville | $36,770 | $17.68 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $35,230 | $16.94 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $37,030 | $17.80 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | $37,360 | $17.96 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | $37,800 | $18.17 |
| Ocala | $34,850 | $16.76 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $36,200 | $17.41 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Panama City | $36,470 | $17.53 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $33,940 | $16.32 |
| Port St. Lucie | $33,920 | $16.31 |
| Punta Gorda | $35,200 | $16.92 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| Sebring | $34,180 | $16.44 |
| Tallahassee | $31,230 | $15.02 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $36,580 | $17.59 |
| The Villages | $34,130 | $16.41 |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Florida
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Florida?
In Florida, CNA programs require a minimum of 120 hours of training, which includes 40 hours of clinical practice. Most students complete their training in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether they choose a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Florida?
CNA classes in Florida generally cost between $800 and $1,500. Some programs may be more expensive at private schools, while community colleges and healthcare providers often offer lower-cost options. Employers may also cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there free CNA classes in Florida?
Yes. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and state workforce programs in Florida offer free CNA training. These are often employer-sponsored programs where you agree to work for the facility after completing training and certification.
Are online CNA programs available in Florida?
Several schools in Florida offer hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. While theory can often be completed online, state rules require that clinical skills be performed in a supervised, hands-on healthcare setting.
Are accelerated (4-week) CNA programs available in Florida?
Yes, some schools and healthcare providers in Florida offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. These programs are intensive and best for students who can commit to full-time study and clinical practice.
How do I become a CNA in Florida?
To become a CNA in Florida, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the Florida Nurse Aide Examination, and be listed on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry. The process is overseen by the Florida Board of Nursing.
I’m a CNA in another state. Can I transfer my license to Florida?
Yes. Florida allows CNAs certified in other states to transfer their license through reciprocity. This process places you on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry without retaking training. Learn more in our guide to CNA License Reciprocity in Florida.
How often do I need to renew my CNA license in Florida?
CNAs in Florida must renew their certification every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid employment in an approved healthcare setting during that period. See our CNA License & Registration page for renewal details.
How can I check if my CNA license is active in Florida?
You can verify your status on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry online. For step-by-step instructions, visit our guide on CNA License & Registration in Florida.
How much do CNAs earn in Florida?
The median CNA salary in Florida is $36,340 per year, or about $17.47 per hour. Pay can vary by region, employer, and years of experience. Many CNAs in Florida also use the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Where do CNAs work in Florida?
Certified Nursing Assistants in Florida work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Opportunities are widely available across both urban and rural areas.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.