Florida’s 2025 legislative session has introduced proposed updates to nursing education standards through HB 121 (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/121) and SB 254 (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/254). Both bills aim to enhance quality assurance and accountability across Florida’s health science and nursing programs. The proposed legislation responds to ongoing efforts to improve NCLEX pass rates and strengthen confidence in the state’s nursing education system. If enacted, the measures would raise expectations for faculty qualifications, require verified clinical agreements, shorten annual reporting timelines to 30 days, and introduce structured remediation or tuition reimbursement plans for programs that do not meet performance benchmarks. The intent is to promote transparency and support consistent student preparedness statewide.

Many of Florida’s technical colleges and established CTE nursing programs already meet or exceed these expectations through structured admissions, NCLEX preparation, and student support initiatives. However, the proposed oversight and added program director responsibilities could increase administrative demands, particularly for smaller or developing programs. While the reforms are designed to improve program quality and strengthen Florida’s reputation for producing highly qualified graduates, implementation may present short-term challenges, including resource and staffing adjustments. The long-term goal remains focused on improving licensure readiness, workforce alignment, and overall program integrity.

For ongoing legislative updates, visit the Florida Board of Nursing (https://floridasnursing.gov/), the Florida Department of Education Career and Adult Education Division (https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/), and FACTE Legislative Watch (https://facte.wildapricot.org/Legislative-Watch).