CPR Renewal Requirements for Florida Nurses in Florida

If you’re a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or nursing student working or studying in Lakeland, Florida or the surrounding areas of Polk County, staying current with your CPR certification is not only essential—it’s required. Whether you’re renewing your Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers card or you’re not sure what the latest Florida CPR renewal requirements for nurses are, this blog will give you everything you need to know.

At [Your CPR Training Business Name], we offer mobile CPR classes and onsite BLS renewal for nurses and healthcare providers throughout Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, and nearby cities in Central Florida.

Keep reading to learn more about CPR renewal requirements, how often nurses need to renew CPR, and where you can get American Heart Association BLS certification in Lakeland.

Why CPR Certification is Required for Florida Nurses

CPR certification, particularly BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers, is a mandatory requirement for nurses in Florida. According to the Florida Board of Nursing, all actively practicing nurses must maintain an up-to-date BLS certification to ensure they are prepared to handle life-threatening emergencies like cardiac arrest, choking, and respiratory failure.

Florida Board of Nursing CPR Requirement Overview:

• Must be American Heart Association (AHA) or Red Cross certified.

• Must include hands-on skills training (online-only courses are NOT accepted).

• Must be renewed every 2 years.

• Required for employment in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home health, and urgent care centers.

Pro Tip: Most employers in Lakeland and Polk County prefer (or require) AHA BLS certification, especially major health systems like Lakeland Regional Health, BayCare, and AdventHealth.

How Often Do Nurses Need to Renew CPR Certification?

In Florida, CPR certification for nurses must be renewed every 2 years. The AHA BLS Provider card is valid for 2 years from the issue date. However, it’s recommended that nurses renew their CPR training before the card expires to avoid lapses in employment eligibility or disciplinary action from the Board of Nursing.

When Should You Renew?

• 60 to 90 days before expiration is ideal.

• Employers in Lakeland may send reminders, but it’s your responsibility to maintain current certification.

• If your certification has already expired, you must complete a full BLS course instead of a renewal.

What is Covered in a CPR Renewal Course for Nurses?

A CPR renewal course for nurses typically follows the American Heart Association’s BLS for Healthcare Providers curriculum. The course is streamlined for those who have previously been certified and focuses on reinforcing life-saving skills through practice and scenarios.

Topics Include:

• High-quality chest compressions and rescue breathing

• AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use

• CPR for adults, children, and infants

• Team dynamics and role clarity in emergency response

• Choking relief techniques

• Integration with code blue protocols in hospital settings

Courses are usually 1.5 to 2 hours long, depending on class size and skill level. At [Your Business Name], we offer same-day BLS cards upon successful completion, making it easy to meet work or license renewal deadlines.