CBRN

I have decided to go back into nursing after 10 years only to find out that my FL license expired and became null and void. FL says that I will have to retake NCLEX. Has anyone ever had to do this, or heard of anyone who has? I wanted to apply for endorsement in NC, and it states on their website that "If the license has not been current within the past five years in another state, evidence of completion of a NC Board of Nursing approved refresher course must be submitted before the endorsement process can begin." It also says that I must have an unencumbered license in all jurisdictions in which a license is or has been held. So, my biggest question is can I apply for a NC License or not? Florida has no idea, and the person in NC is out until Thursday....