The Complete Career Guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Davie, FL

Welcome to Davie, Florida. If you're an LPN considering a move here, you're looking at a town that's more than just a suburban dot on the map between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It’s a place where a distinct equestrian culture meets rapid suburban growth, and where healthcare opportunities are as varied as its neighborhoods. As a local with a keen eye on the healthcare job market, I’ll give you the unvarnished, data-driven breakdown of what it really means to build an LPN career here.

Davie’s metro population is 107,814, and it’s part of the larger Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area, which means you have access to a massive healthcare ecosystem while living in a community that still retains a unique, semi-rural feel in parts. Let's dive into the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the reality of life as an LPN in Davie.

The Salary Picture: Where Davie Stands

Let’s start with the most pressing question: what can you expect to earn? The licensed practical nursing (LPN) salary in Davie is competitive for the region, but it's crucial to understand the full spectrum. The median salary for an LPN in Davie is $56,553 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.19.

To put this in perspective, the national average for LPNs is $54,620/year. This means Davie pays slightly above the national average, a common trend in South Florida due to the higher cost of living. The job market itself is active but not explosive; there are currently 215 LPN jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 5%. This growth is steady, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient and home health services.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown by experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range in Davie
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $53,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$56,000 - $62,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$63,000 - $69,000
Expert/Lead LPN	15+ years, specialized certs	$70,000+

Insider Tip: The "Expert/Lead" salary often includes roles like LPN Supervisor in home health or a lead LPN in a specialty clinic (e.g., wound care, dialysis). These positions require additional certifications and carry more responsibility but are a key path to breaking the $70k ceiling.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities:

• Miami: Higher pay (median ~$58,000) but significantly higher rent and congestion. The pace is faster.
• Jacksonville: Lower pay (median ~$52,000) but also a much lower cost of living. A different lifestyle.
• Tampa: Very similar to Davie in both pay (~$56,000) and cost of living. It’s a direct competitor for talent.
• Orlando: Slightly higher pay (~$57,000) but more competition from the tourism-driven healthcare sector.

Davie offers a solid middle ground: a salary that’s competitive with major metros but in a community that’s less frenetic than downtown Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $56,553 salary sounds good on paper, but the Florida sunshine comes with a price tag. Let’s break down the monthly reality for an LPN earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax):

• Gross Monthly Salary: $4,712
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State - FL has no income tax): ~$990
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $3,722/month

Monthly Expenses:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,621/month
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): ~$200
• Car Insurance & Gas: ~$300 (Florida has high auto insurance rates)
• Groceries: ~$400
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): ~$300
• Miscellaneous/Leisure: ~$500
• Total Estimated Expenses: $3,321

Monthly Surplus: $401

This is a tight but manageable budget. It leaves little room for significant savings or unexpected expenses if you're living alone on the median salary. Insider Tip: Many LPNs in Davie share housing to bring rent down to the $1,000-$1,200 range, which dramatically improves financial flexibility.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Davie is approximately $450,000. For a conventional mortgage, you'd need a down payment of around $90,000 (20%). With a monthly surplus of $401, saving for that down payment would take nearly 19 years without factoring in interest or other financial goals. FHA loans (3.5% down, ~$15,750) are a more realistic path, but you'd still need to save for years. The monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,800, which is over 75% of your take-home pay. Bottom line: Buying a single-family home in Davie on a single LPN salary is extremely challenging. Consider condos, townhomes, or looking to neighboring, more affordable areas like Lauderhill or Hollywood.

Where the Jobs Are: Davie's Major Employers

Davie is not a major hospital hub itself—those are in Fort Lauderdale (Broward Health) and Miami (Jackson Health). However, it’s a prime location for a wide range of healthcare employers who serve the local population and the broader South Florida region.

1. Broward Health Medical Center (Fort Lauderdale): A 5-minute commute for Davie residents. This is a Level I trauma center and one of the largest employers in the region. They hire LPNs for med-surg, ER, and specialty units. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a preference for LPNs with acute care experience.
2. Memorial Healthcare System (Hollywood/Pembroke Pines): Another major system just west of Davie. Their LPN roles are often in outpatient clinics, urgent care, and rehab facilities. They are known for a strong community focus. Hiring Trend: Actively expanding their outpatient network, creating jobs for LPNs in clinic settings.
3. Aveanna Healthcare (Local Office): A major home health agency with a significant presence in Broward County. This is a fantastic option for LPNs who prefer autonomy and one-on-one patient care. Hiring Trend: High demand for LPNs in pediatric and adult home health. Shifts can be flexible but sometimes unpredictable.
4. The Villages of Wellington (Wellington, 20-min drive): A large senior living community with a dedicated skilled nursing facility. They hire LPNs for long-term care and assisted living. It’s a stable employer with a focus on geriatrics. Hiring Trend: Steady hiring due to the aging population. Less turnover than hospitals.
5. Local Private Practices & Specialty Clinics: Davie has numerous family practice, orthopedic, and cardiology clinics. These offer a more predictable 9-5 schedule. Insider Tip: Check listings for clinics affiliated with Baptist Health or Cleveland Clinic Florida. They often post jobs on local boards.
6. Davie Nursing & Rehabilitation Center: Located right in town, this is a classic long-term care employer for LPNs. It’s a good entry point for new grads or those transitioning from hospital work. Hiring Trend: Always need staff, but be prepared for the physical and emotional demands of LTC.
7. Sunrise Children’s Hospital (Sunrise, 15-min drive): A major pediatric hospital. LPN roles are competitive and often require pediatric experience or a strong passion for the specialty. Hiring Trend: Selective, but they invest in staff development.

Getting Licensed in FL

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to endorse your license to Florida. If you're a new grad, you'll apply for initial licensure.

Requirements for Endorsement (from another state):

1. Have an active, unencumbered LPN license from your home state.
2. Pass a background check with fingerprints.
3. Submit an application through the Florida Board of Nursing (floridasnursing.gov).
4. Provide proof of licensure and official transcripts.
5. No additional exam is required if your license is from a compact state (e.g., GA, AL, NC). If not, you may need to take the NCLEX-PN again.

Costs:

• Application Fee: ~$175
• Background Check & Fingerprinting: ~$100
• Total: ~$275

Timeline:
The process typically takes 4-8 weeks for a complete application. Start the process before you move, as you cannot work without a Florida license. Insider Tip: The Florida Board of Nursing can be slow. Apply early and keep copies of every document.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live will define your commute and lifestyle. Davie is diverse, with neighborhoods catering to different needs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Davie Downtown (SW 64th Ave)	Walkable, equestrian charm, local cafes. Commute to Fort Lauderdale hospitals is 10-15 mins.	$1,700	LPNs who want a small-town feel with city access.
Western Acres / Pine Island Ridge	Quiet, suburban feel with single-family homes. More family-oriented. Commute to western employers is easy.	$1,550	LPNs with families or those seeking a peaceful, residential area.
Coconut Creek (just north)	Master-planned community with parks and shopping. A bit more upscale. 15-min commute to most Davie jobs.	$1,800	LPNs looking for a polished, safe, and amenity-rich environment.
Laurel Park (Fort Lauderdale adjacent)	Older, more affordable apartments. Direct access to I-595 for a 10-min commute to hospitals.	$1,450	LPNs on a tight budget who prioritize a short commute above all else.
Pembroke Pines (west of Davie)	Large, diverse city with many healthcare employers (Memorial). More congestion but more job options nearby.	$1,680	LPNs who want to minimize their commute to western healthcare campuses.

The Long Game: Career Growth

As an LPN in Davie, your career path isn't a dead end. It’s a launchpad.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• IV Certification: A must-have. It’s often required for hospital roles and can add $1-2/hour to your pay.
• Wound Care Certification (WCC): High demand in long-term care and home health. Can lead to a Wound Care LPN role.
• Gerontology: With Florida's aging population, expertise in geriatric care is invaluable and can open doors to supervisory roles in skilled nursing facilities.
• Transition to RN: This is the most common advancement. Many hospitals (like Broward Health) offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs to become RNs. An ADN (Associate's Degree in Nursing) program at Broward College (located nearby) is a popular and affordable path.

10-Year Outlook:
The 5% job growth is reliable. The demand will be driven by:

1. Home Health: As care shifts from hospitals to homes, LPNs will be essential.
2. Outpatient Clinics: More procedures are done in clinics, requiring skilled LPNs.
3. Specialized Senior Care: The "Silver Tsunami" will hit Florida hard, and LPNs with geriatric certs will be in the highest demand.

The Verdict: Is Davie Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, above-average salary for the role.	High cost of living, especially housing.
Access to a massive healthcare job market in the wider metro area.	Traffic congestion on I-595 and I-75 can be a daily challenge.
Unique suburban lifestyle with equestrian culture and green spaces.	Buying a home is difficult on a single LPN salary.
No state income tax, which boosts take-home pay.	Hurricane risk and associated insurance costs.
Proximity to beaches, entertainment, and a diverse culture.	Competitive job market for the best hospital positions.

Final Recommendation:
Davie is an excellent choice for an LPN who values a balance between a vibrant career and a distinctive community feel. It’s best suited for:

• New Grads looking for a wide variety of entry-level jobs in LTC, home health, and outpatient settings.
• Mid-Career LPNs with 3-7 years of experience who can command the median salary and enjoy the lifestyle.
• LPNs with a partner or roommate to share housing costs, making the budget much more comfortable.

It’s less ideal for someone who wants to buy a single-family home immediately on a single income or who prefers a purely urban, walkable environment. For those willing to be strategic with housing, Davie offers a rewarding, stable, and sunny career path.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy for an LPN to find a job in Davie without local experience?
A: Yes, but your first job might not be your dream job. Be open to starting in long-term care or home health, which are high-demand areas. Once you have 6-12 months of Florida experience, transitioning to a hospital or outpatient clinic becomes much easier.

Q: What’s the commute like from Davie to major hospitals?
A: It’s generally good. To Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, it’s 10-20 minutes via I-595. To Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines, it’s 15-25 minutes. Traffic during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) can add significant time, so plan accordingly.

Q: Do Florida hospitals hire LPNs?
A: Yes, but roles are more limited than RNs. LPNs are commonly found in med-surg units, rehab floors, dialysis, and outpatient procedures. The trend is toward using LPNs in specialized roles where their skills are most effective.

Q: What’s the weather like, and how does it affect healthcare work?
A: Hot and humid for most of the year. Winters are mild. The main impact is on patient populations—summer sees spikes in heat-related illnesses and respiratory issues from storms. Also, always be prepared for hurricane season (June-November), which requires emergency preparedness at healthcare facilities.

Q: Are there networking opportunities for LPNs in the area?
A: Absolutely. Join the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) and attend local Broward County chapter meetings. Many hospitals also host internal networking events. LinkedIn is very active in the South Florida healthcare sector.

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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida Board of Nursing, Zillow, RentCafe, and local job board data as of 2024.