Travel Nurse Pay in Florida 2026: Salary, Stipends & Beach Life

Florida combines no state income tax with year-round warm weather, making it a top destination for travel nurses. Whether you want Miami beaches or Orlando theme parks, here’s what you can expect to earn in the Sunshine State.

Florida Travel Nurse Pay Overview (2026)

Reality check: Florida pay rates are lower than California or the Northeast, but the tax savings and lifestyle often compensate.

Top-Paying Florida Markets

Miami-Dade / South Florida

The largest and highest-paying market in Florida.

• Average blended rate: $65-$78/hr
• Housing stipend: $2,000-$2,600/week
• Top facilities: Jackson Memorial, Baptist Health, Mount Sinai
• Housing costs: $2,000-$3,000/month (expensive)
• Net stipend profit: $400-$800/week
• Best for: Those who want beach access + higher pay

Tampa Bay

Growing market with major hospital systems.

• Average blended rate: $62-$75/hr
• Housing stipend: $1,800-$2,400/week
• Top facilities: Tampa General, Moffitt Cancer Center, BayCare
• Housing costs: $1,500-$2,200/month
• Net stipend profit: $600-$1,100/week
• Best for: Balance of pay, cost of living, and lifestyle

Orlando / Central Florida

Theme park capital with steady healthcare demand.

• Average blended rate: $60-$72/hr
• Housing stipend: $1,700-$2,300/week
• Top facilities: Orlando Health, AdventHealth, Nemours
• Housing costs: $1,400-$2,000/month
• Net stipend profit: $600-$1,100/week
• Best for: Families, theme park enthusiasts

Jacksonville

Northeast Florida’s major medical hub.

• Average blended rate: $58-$70/hr
• Housing stipend: $1,600-$2,200/week
• Top facilities: Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Baptist Health, UF Health
• Housing costs: $1,200-$1,800/month
• Net stipend profit: $700-$1,200/week
• Best for: Highest net take-home in Florida

Fort Lauderdale / Broward County

Beach lifestyle with solid healthcare infrastructure.

• Average blended rate: $62-$75/hr
• Housing stipend: $1,900-$2,500/week
• Housing costs: $1,800-$2,600/month
• Net stipend profit: $500-$900/week

Florida Tax Advantages

No State Income Tax Savings

Cost of Living Reality Check

Florida’s cost of living varies dramatically by region:

Seasonal Considerations

Peak Season (November-April)

• Demand: Very high (snowbirds increase population 20%)
• Pay: 10-15% higher than off-season
• Housing: More competitive, book early
• Best strategy: Lock in contracts by September

Hurricane Season (June-November)

• Risk areas: Coastal cities (Miami, Tampa, Fort Myers)
• Contract clauses: Verify cancellation policies for weather events
• Upside: Some facilities offer “storm pay” during hurricanes
• Tip: Inland cities (Orlando, Gainesville) have less weather disruption

Summer (May-September)

• Demand: Moderate
• Pay: Slightly lower
• Lifestyle: Hot and humid, but beaches are less crowded
• Pro tip: Great time to explore if you don’t mind heat

Florida Nursing License

Florida is a Compact License State (NLC member). If you have a compact multistate license from another NLC state, you can work immediately.

If you need a Florida license:

• Processing time: 4-6 weeks
• Application fee: $110 + $43 fingerprinting
• CE requirements: Must complete HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, and human trafficking courses

Check your compact status with our Compact License Lookup.

Florida-Specific Contract Tips

Traveler-Friendly Facilities

Some Florida systems are known for treating travelers well:

• Tampa General: Excellent traveler reputation
• AdventHealth: Large system with consistent assignments
• HCA Florida: Many facilities, mixed reviews—research specific locations

Watch Out For

• Low-ball offers in tourist areas: Some agencies assume you’ll take less for “beach access”
• Seasonal staffing: Some facilities reduce hours May-September
• Hurricane clauses: Ensure contracts address storm-related cancellations

Unique Opportunities

• Cruise ship medical: Port cities offer unique assignments
• Trauma experience: Jacksonville and Miami have Level 1 centers
• Pediatric specialties: Orlando (Nemours, Arnold Palmer) is a pediatric hub

Housing Tips for Florida

Best Housing Strategies by Market

Miami/South Florida:

• Avoid tourist areas (South Beach, Brickell)
• Look at Coral Gables, Kendall, or Aventura
• Consider a roommate—common among travelers

Tampa:

• Westchase and Brandon offer value
• Avoid Ybor City (party district)
• St. Petersburg has beach access + reasonable prices

Orlando:

• Stay away from International Drive (tourist pricing)
• Winter Park and Lake Mary are professional areas
• Hunter’s Creek offers affordable furnished options

Jacksonville:

• Best value in Florida
• San Marco and Riverside for walkable neighborhoods
• Beaches area if you want oceanfront

Use Furnished Finder or Airbnb monthly stays for the best rates.

Compare Your Florida Offer

Florida might look lower on paper, but the math often works out. Calculate your actual take-home:

• Pay Calculator - Compare Florida vs. other states after taxes
• Blended Rate Calculator - Convert any package to hourly
• Stipend Calculator - Compare to GSA rates

Florida vs. Other Warm-Weather States

The Bottom Line

Florida offers:

• No state income tax (save $4,000-$8,000/year)
• Year-round assignments with seasonal peaks
• Lifestyle perks (beaches, weather, no winter gear)
• Diverse markets from urban trauma to community hospitals

The key is choosing the right city. Jacksonville offers the best net take-home, while Miami offers the highest gross but also the highest living costs.

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Last updated: January 2026. Pay rates based on aggregated contract data. Individual offers vary by experience, certifications, and facility.