NLC COMPACT STATE0% STATE INCOME TAXCNOR PREFERREDCVOR SPECIALTY

Travel OR Nurse Jobs in Florida

Florida offers enormous surgical volume — the third-largest state population, a massive retiree demographic driving cardiac and orthopedic OR demand, Moffitt Cancer Center's world-class oncological OR, and a snowbird surge that spikes elective procedures every October through April. Travel OR nurses earn $2,200–$3,400/week with zero state income tax.

12+Active FL OR Positions
$2,200–$3,400Weekly Package
0%State Tax
NLCCompact
Oct–AprSnowbird Surge
Florida is a full NLC Compact state — multistate license holders start immediately, no additional FL license required.

April 2026 Florida OR Market Update

Snowbird Season Wind-Down

Snowbird season (Oct 2025–Apr 2026) is concluding, but elective surgical backlogs at Gulf Coast facilities (Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers) have created carry-forward demand. Lee Health, NCH Healthcare, and Sarasota Memorial are continuing to post travel OR contracts through May 2026 to clear procedure backlogs.

Moffitt Oncological OR Expansion

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa has expanded its robotic surgery program in 2026 with additional da Vinci systems and increased oncological OR case volume. Perioperative oncology and robotic OR travel nurses are in active demand — Moffitt positions represent some of the highest-paying FL OR travel contracts in April 2026.

Jackson Memorial Trauma OR

Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami maintains year-round high-acuity trauma OR demand as the largest public hospital in the southeastern US. Level I trauma OR contracts for April–June 2026 are open with competitive weekly packages for nurses with trauma surgical experience and current ACLS certification.

Why Florida for Travel OR Nursing

Five structural advantages that make Florida one of the most attractive OR travel markets in the US.

0% Florida State Income Tax

Florida has no state income tax on wages or contract earnings. At the same $2,800/week gross contract rate, FL travel OR nurses take home an estimated $150–$350 more per week than nurses working in California or New York. Over a 13-week contract, that is $1,950–$4,550 in additional take-home pay.

NLC Compact — Start Immediately

Florida is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Multistate compact license holders can accept a Florida OR contract and start within weeks — no separate endorsement required. Non-compact nurses (CA, NY) typically receive FL BON endorsement in 4–8 weeks. CatSol submits your FL application Day 1.

Snowbird Surgical Surge Oct–Apr

An estimated 1–2 million seasonal residents aged 65+ arrive each October from northern states with deferred elective procedures. Southwest FL (Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers), Tampa Bay, and Southeast FL (Palm Beach, Boca) see elective scheduling spike 30–40% during snowbird season — creating predictable peak contract demand every winter.

Moffitt Cancer Center — Oncological OR

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa is one of the top NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the US. Its OR program features robotic surgery, complex multi-specialty oncological resections, and cytoreductive procedures. Travel OR nurses with perioperative oncology experience are in high demand here year-round.

Warm Weather Year-Round Lifestyle

Florida delivers year-round sunshine, beaches, and outdoor recreation — a major lifestyle advantage for travel nurses on 13-week contracts. The Gulf Coast (Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers), Miami Beach, and the Keys offer world-class living environments that make extending or rebooking Florida contracts extremely common.

Top Florida OR Facilities

Tampa General, Moffitt Cancer Center, Jackson Memorial, AdventHealth Orlando, and Orlando Health represent the flagship OR programs for travel nurses in Florida.

Tampa General Hospital

Tampa, FL

Level I Trauma

OR Types: Trauma OR, CVOR, Ortho, General

Tampa General is a Level I trauma center and one of the largest hospitals in Florida. Its OR program spans trauma surgery, cardiac (CVOR with TAVR and open-heart), orthopedic joint replacement, and complex robotic cases. BayCare Health System partnership drives significant travel OR volume across Tampa Bay.

Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, FL

NCI Cancer Center

OR Types: Oncological OR, Robotic, Complex Surgical

Moffitt is one of the premier cancer surgical centers in the US. Oncological OR cases include complex resections, robotic-assisted oncological surgery (da Vinci), cytoreductive procedures, and multi-specialty surgical oncology. Travel OR nurses here encounter some of the most specialized case mix in Florida.

Jackson Memorial Hospital

Miami, FL

Level I Trauma

OR Types: Trauma OR, Neuro, CVOR, General

Jackson Memorial is the largest public hospital in the southeastern United States and a Level I trauma center. Its OR handles high-acuity trauma surgery, neurosurgery, cardiovascular procedures, and transplant surgery. UM affiliation makes this an academic OR environment with complex case volume year-round.

AdventHealth Orlando

Orlando, FL

Largest Surgical Program

OR Types: General, Robotic, Ortho, Oncological

AdventHealth Orlando operates one of the largest surgical programs in Florida with 60+ OR suites on the flagship campus alone. The system covers 14+ hospitals across Central FL. Robotic surgery (da Vinci) volume is among the highest in the southeastern US. Elective surgical volume is boosted year-round by 75M annual Orlando-area tourists.

Orlando Health

Orlando, FL

Level I Trauma

OR Types: Trauma OR, General, Ortho, Robotic

Orlando Health is a Level I trauma center serving Central Florida with major OR programs at Orlando Regional Medical Center and multiple satellite hospitals. Travel OR contracts span trauma surgery, orthopedic, robotic, and general surgical cases in one of the country's busiest tourist metros.

Florida OR Travel Pay by Market

Weekly packages vary by market, facility type, specialty, and shift. Level I trauma centers and oncological OR programs command the highest rates. All figures include tax-free stipends where applicable.

Florida MarketWeekly Pay RangePeak DemandKey OR Specialties
Tampa Bay (Tampa General / BayCare / Moffitt)$2,400–$3,400/wkOct–Apr (snowbird)CVOR, Trauma OR, Oncological OR
Miami / Fort Lauderdale (Jackson Memorial / Baptist Health)$2,300–$3,200/wkYear-roundTrauma OR, CVOR, General OR
Orlando (AdventHealth / Orlando Health)$2,200–$3,100/wkYear-roundGeneral OR, Robotic, Ortho
Jacksonville (UF Health / Mayo Clinic Jacksonville)$2,200–$3,000/wkSteady year-roundNeuro OR, General OR, Complex Surgical
Gulf Coast Resort (Naples / Sarasota / Fort Myers)$2,400–$3,200/wkExtreme Oct–AprOrtho, General OR, Elective Surgical

Pay ranges reflect all-in weekly package including taxable base + tax-free housing and M&IE stipends. Actual offer depends on facility, shift, experience, and certifications. Florida 0% state income tax applies to all markets.

Open Florida OR Assignments

Updated every 4 hours from our live assignment pool. Sorted by weekly pay.

Florida OR positions open frequently.

OR contracts move fast — join our priority list and we'll match you to FL openings before they post publicly. Snowbird season (Oct–Apr) is peak demand — apply early.

Join FL OR Priority List

Florida OR Certifications — CNOR, CVOR & Robotic OR

Certifications determine both eligibility and pay rate for Florida OR travel contracts. CNOR is the most impactful credential; CVOR experience and robotic OR certification command premium packages.

CNORCertified Nurse Operating Room
Strongly Preferred / Often Required

Issuer: AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses)

CNOR is the core perioperative certification and is listed as preferred or required on most Florida hospital OR contracts — including HCA Healthcare, AdventHealth, BayCare, and Jackson Health. It validates perioperative competency across scrub, circulating, and specialty OR roles.

CVORCardiac OR Certification
Required — Cardiac OR Contracts

Issuer: Documented cardiac OR experience + ACLS

CVOR positions at Tampa General, BayCare, Baptist Health South Florida, and UF Health require documented cardiac OR or open-heart surgical experience plus ACLS. CVOR is a premium specialty in Florida given the large senior population driving cardiac surgery volume.

Robotic OR / da VinciIntuitive Surgical da Vinci Certification
Required — Robotic OR Contracts

Issuer: Intuitive Surgical or institutional training

Florida ranks among the top 3 states nationally for da Vinci robotic case volume. AdventHealth and HCA facilities require documented robotic training or console experience. Robotic OR travel nurses command $200–$400/week premium over general OR rates across FL contracts.

BLSBasic Life Support
Required — All FL OR Contracts

Issuer: American Heart Association

Current AHA BLS certification is required before the first shift at every Florida OR facility. CatSol verifies and tracks expiration dates for all placed nurses.

ACLSAdvanced Cardiovascular Life Support
Required — Most FL OR Contracts

Issuer: American Heart Association

ACLS is required at virtually all Florida hospital OR settings, particularly CVOR, Trauma OR, and Neuro OR contracts. Required universally at academic medical centers including Jackson Memorial, UF Health, and Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.

Florida OR Specialty Guide

Florida's OR landscape is driven by cardiac surgery, oncological OR at Moffitt, robotic surgery expansion, and Level I trauma programs across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville.

Cardiac OR (CVOR)

Florida's 65+ senior population drives sustained cardiac OR demand year-round. Tampa General Hospital, BayCare, Baptist Health South Florida, and UF Health Jacksonville all run active CVOR programs covering CABG, valve repair, TAVR, and WATCHMAN. CVOR travel nurses earn $2,600–$3,400/wk in Florida.

Oncological OR

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa is a top NCI-designated cancer surgical center with complex multi-specialty resections, robotic oncological surgery, and cytoreductive procedures. Oncological OR travel nurses with perioperative cancer surgery experience are consistently in demand at Moffitt and at the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Robotic Surgery (da Vinci)

Florida is one of the top robotic surgery states in the US. AdventHealth Orlando alone operates among the highest-volume da Vinci programs in the southeast. Travel OR nurses with Intuitive Surgical certification or documented robotic case experience earn $200–$400/week premiums across Florida contracts. Robotic OR experience built in FL transfers to top programs nationwide.

Trauma OR

Florida has multiple Level I trauma centers with major trauma OR programs: Jackson Memorial (Miami), Orlando Health, Tampa General, and UF Health Jacksonville. Trauma OR contracts involve high-acuity cases including penetrating trauma, complex orthopedic trauma, and neurosurgical emergencies. 24/7 call structures are standard. Trauma OR nurses typically earn $2,500–$3,200/wk.

Florida Travel OR Nurse FAQ

Does Florida accept NLC compact OR nursing licenses?

Yes — Florida is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state. If you hold a multistate RN license issued by your home compact state, you can work in Florida with no separate FL license required. This is one of the primary reasons OR travel nurses prioritize Florida — zero license wait time means you can accept a contract and start within weeks. If you hold a single-state license (e.g., California or New York), you will need to apply for a Florida endorsement, which typically takes 4–8 weeks through the Florida Board of Nursing.

How much do travel OR nurses make in Florida?

Travel OR nurses in Florida typically earn $2,200–$3,400 per week depending on OR specialty, facility type, market, and shift. Level I trauma centers and cancer OR programs (Moffitt, Jackson Memorial) can reach $3,400/week for specialty cases. CVOR and robotic OR positions command premiums above general OR rates. All rates are all-in weekly packages including taxable base pay and tax-free housing and M&IE stipends where applicable.

What certifications do travel OR nurses need in Florida — CNOR and CVOR?

CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room, issued by AORN) is the core OR credential — preferred or required at most major FL hospital contracts including HCA, AdventHealth, BayCare, and Jackson Health. BLS and ACLS are required at all FL OR facilities. CVOR (Cardiac OR) positions at Tampa General, BayCare, and Baptist Health South Florida require documented open-heart or cardiac OR experience plus ACLS. Robotic OR contracts require Intuitive Surgical/da Vinci training or documented console experience. CNOR holders typically earn $2–4/hour above non-certified OR nurses on FL contracts.

What is the snowbird season impact on FL OR demand?

Florida's snowbird season runs October through April, when an estimated 1–2 million seasonal residents aged 65+ relocate from northern states specifically to Florida's Gulf Coast (Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers), Southeast Florida (Palm Beach, Boca Raton), and Tampa Bay. These snowbirds frequently arrive with deferred elective procedures — orthopedic joint replacements, cardiac interventions, cataract and ophthalmic surgery — that they schedule for their Florida winter. The practical effect on OR demand: elective surgical scheduling spikes 30–40% in snowbird markets during peak season, creating predictable contract demand that CatSol recruits specifically to fill. Apply by September for a November or December start in Southwest or Southeast Florida.

What makes Moffitt Cancer Center a top OR travel destination?

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa is one of the premier NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Its operating room program covers complex multi-specialty oncological resections, robotic-assisted cancer surgery (da Vinci), cytoreductive surgery (HIPEC), and advanced minimally invasive oncological cases. Travel OR nurses at Moffitt encounter a highly specialized case mix that builds perioperative oncology expertise valued at academic cancer centers nationwide. Moffitt is consistently among the highest-demand FL OR travel placements with competitive weekly packages for oncological OR-experienced nurses.

What is the difference between CNOR and CVOR for travel OR nurses?

CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) is the broad perioperative certification issued by AORN — it validates competency across all OR specialties including general surgical, scrub and circulating roles, and specialty cases. CNOR is the foundational credential for any OR travel nurse and is preferred or required at most FL hospital systems. CVOR refers specifically to Cardiac OR experience — it is not a formal certification exam in the same way as CNOR, but rather a designation for nurses with documented cardiac surgical experience (open-heart, CABG, valve repair, TAVR, WATCHMAN). CVOR nurses need ACLS and typically require prior open-heart OR case experience. Both credentials can be held simultaneously — many experienced FL OR travel nurses carry CNOR certification with CVOR experience, making them eligible for the highest-paying FL OR contracts.

Related Travel Nursing Resources

Ready for Florida OR Travel Work?

NLC Compact multistate holders start in weeks. Single-state license? CatSol submits your FL BON endorsement Day 1 — credentialed and contracted before it arrives.

Snowbird season peaks Oct–Apr. Apply by September for Southwest and Southeast Florida placements. Moffitt Cancer Center oncological OR and Jackson Memorial trauma OR positions fill early.