Transferring license to FL?

[StudentM2021]

Hey all,

I am a new nurse w/ 6 months of experience right now. I graduated May 2021 and was granted my NYS license in August, started working in September. I have a criminal record w/ 2 misdemeanor DWIs - convictions dates of May 2017 and July 2021, and a DWAI from 2012 (I was told this is "only" a traffic violation and does not come up on a background check, at least in NYS). I am in recovery, completed substance abuse treatment and am on criminal probation from that July 2021 conviction. My probation is 3 years however as long as I continue on the right path I have the chance for early termination in January 2023. I lived in Florida a few years ago and my plan has always been to move back there after nursing school (that was obviously put on hold). I did look on the FL BON website and I know I have to successfully complete probation before I can even begin an application/transfer of my nursing license from NYS to FL. I am seeking advice on what I should do when the time comes.. do I hire a licensing attonery? Gather letters attesting to my moral character and the changes I've made in my life since these convictions? I have heard the licensing board in FL and other southern states tends to be more strict than in NY (we're big on recovery I guess). Does anyone have personal experience they could share on what my chances may be and if so a time frame? I really would like to go back to FL, be with family, work as an RN, and just have a new lease on life. If my chances do not look good is it possible to keep my NYS license and maybe try for a WFH position for an insurance company based in NYS but live out of state? I would like to start preparing or get an idea of what I will need to do in the future. TYIA!

Edit: I would like to add I had an arrest in FL in 2020, it was a battery charge that was dropped, nothing ever came of it. Long story short: my friends boyfriend was hitting her and her dog, had been going on a long time, and I was still drinking at the time, hit him with a broom and I was the one arrested. I was taken to jail for a few hours and let out. Like I said charges dropped and no conviction (the bf was arrested for assault and battery on her the next week). Would this be something I need to disclose on the app? Should I try to get this sealed or expunged if possible?

I know reading my post given the recent offenses I look like a mess, I truly have turned my life around and will continue on this path.

[BoardofNSG, BSN]

Glad to hear you are doing well. Honestly I’ve heard FL is super rough on any crimes involving substances… you might get stuck in their monitoring program for a few years