| Advocacy Days |
Advocacy DaysFebruary 4-5, 2026 | Tallahassee, FLPresented by the Florida Nurses Association and the Florida Nurse Practitioner NetworkEmpowering Nurses, Amplifying VoicesAdvocacy Days is FNA’s annual event that brings nurses together to advocate on legislative issues impacting nursing and healthcare in Florida. Unite with peers, learn about key bills, and meet face-to-face with legislators to make a difference.  LEARN & LEADDive into dynamic sessions led by experts who break down the latest legislative issues and their impact on nursing and patient care. Gain the knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively. CONNECT & COLLABORATETeam up with fellow nurses from your local area to practice engaging with legislators. Work together in group activities to refine your message, share insights, and build confidence in presenting your concerns directly to policymakers.   MAKE A MARKSit down with legislators and their staff to share your insights on the pressing issues facing nursing today. This is your chance to directly influence healthcare policy and advocate for the changes that matter most. Conference Venue + Additional Locations Conference Sessions
|
| 7:30 am – 8:00 am Registration, Lab Coat Distribution and Breakfast |
| 8:00 am – 8:15 am Conference Welcome |
| 8:15 am - 9:15 am Grassroots Advocacy, the FNA Legislative Agenda, and Update on Current Legislation in the 2026 Session (1.0 CH) Erin Ballas | Vice President, Public Affairs Consultants |
| 9:15 am - 10:15 am Session TBD |
| 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Session TBD |
| 12:00 n – 1:30 pm Advocacy Luncheon Legislative Group Meetings: Groups Meet to Prepare for Legislative Visits, Distribute Legislator Packets, Review Appointments, Create an Action Plan |
| 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Walk to Capitol and Check-In through Security |
| 2:00pm - 5:00pm Legislative Visits at the Capitol |
| 5:15pm - 6:30pm Legislative Reception |
| 7:30 am - 8:00 am Registration, Return Lab Coats, and Networking |
| 8:00 am – 8:05 am Welcome and Introductions |
| 8:05 am – 9:00 am Grassroots Advocacy Reflection on Legislative Visits |
| 9:00 am - 10:00 am Session TBD |
| 10:00am - 10:10am Break |
| 10:10 am - 11:10 am Session TBD |
| 11:10 am - 12:10 pm Session TBD |
| 12:10 pm - 1:10 pm Lunch Provided - Conference Concludes |
Erin Ballas is the Vice President of Public Affairs Consultants, the lobbying firm that represents FNA. She has extensive experience in the legislative process, including providing committee testimony, educating members on client issues, tracking legislation, and preparing reports and briefs.
PhD, RN
Dr. Letourneau is the Executive Director of the Florida Center for Nursing. Her work focuses on nursing workforce development, transition to practice, nurses’ health and wellness and quality and safety education for nurses.
DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, CBCN, AP-PMN, CWCN-AP, CWS, CPHQ
Dr. Tedesco is the current President of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network. She has been active with the Florida Coalition of Advanced Practice Nurses for many years. She authored the NP Legislative Toolkit available to all Florida NPs.
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, LNC
Dr. Wright currently serves as the 1st Vice President - Legislation for the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network.
What are the Legislative Appointments?
Legislative appointments are a central component of the Advocacy Days experience, offering attendees the opportunity to meet directly with legislators at the Florida Capitol Building and advocate for key nursing priorities.
When do the appointments take place?
These visits will take place on Wednesday, February 4th between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
How are groups assigned for the appointments?
When you arrive at the conference, you will be assigned to a Legislative Group based on your Florida Senate District. Your group will meet to develop a plan of action before heading to scheduled meetings with legislators. Each group will be guided by designated leaders to ensure a productive and organized experience.
Each group will receive:
Additional preparation details and resources will be provided to registered participants to ensure a successful and impactful visit.
February 4, 2025
5:15pm - 6:30pm
Location TBA
Join us for the FNA Annual Legislative Reception, an evening of relaxation and networking to conclude a productive day of advocacy.
This event provides an excellent opportunity for nurses to engage with Florida legislators in an informal setting. Your legislators have been invited to drop by, offering a chance to connect and discuss key healthcare issues. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and the opportunity to unwind after a busy day.
Access to the Legislative Reception is included with Full Conference registration and Wednesday + Legislative Reception Bundle registration.
The Florida Center for Nursing is the definitive source for information, research, and strategies addressing the dynamic nurse workforce needs in Florida.
In 2001, the Florida Legislature passed Statute 464.0195 establishing the Florida Center for Nursing and defined its purpose as:
To address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse workforce resources. The Legislature finds that the center will repay the state's investment by providing an ongoing strategy for the allocation of the state's resources directed towards nursing.
Florida Nurse Practitioners is YOUR Statewide NP Network
Established in 2002, Florida Nurse Practitioners (FNPN) stands as the leading state association for NPs in Florida, spanning various specialties and environments. Embracing collaboration, adaptability, excellence, diversity, and equity, FNPN is dedicated to advancing practice, education, advocacy, and leadership to enhance community health. Elevate your professional journey by becoming a member of FNPN today, gaining access to opportunities for growth, leadership development, legislative insights, conference participation, continuous education, networking, and beyond.
Reservation Cutoff: January 6, 2026
Hotel Reservations: Doubletree by Hilton Tallahassee
101 S Adams St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Nightly Room Rate: $289 plus taxes and fees
Parking: $34 self-park fee per night
Reservation Cut-off: Tuesday, January 6, 2026*
To Reserve Your Room for FNA Advocacy Days
*After the reservation cut-off date, we cannot guarantee availability of rooms. It is important to reserve your room under FNA's room block to ensure you receive the appropriate rate and guarantees.
Early Bird Rates Available Until December 22
Online registration closes January 26 and space is limited. Be sure to reserve your spot early!
| Registration Type | Full Conference | Wednesday with Legislative Reception | Wednesday Only |
Thursday Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FNA Member | Early Bird: $240 Regular: $265 |
Early Bird: $200 Regular: $215 |
Early Bird: $125 Regular: $140 |
Early Bird: $65 Regular: $80 |
| FNA Member - Student or Retiree | Early Bird: $215 Regular: $240 |
Early Bird: $180 Regular: $195 |
Early Bird: $105 Regular: $140 |
Early Bird: $60 Regular: $75 |
| Non-Member RN | Early Bird: $340 Regular: $365 |
Early Bird: $280 Regular: $295 |
Early Bird: $205 Regular: $220 |
Early Bird: $95 Regular: $110 |
| Non-Member RN - Student | Early Bird: $315 Regular: $340 |
Early Bird: $260 Regular: $275 |
Early Bird: $185 Regular: $200 |
Early Bird: $85 Regular: $100 |
| Pre-Licensure Student or Non-Nurse | Early Bird: $165 Regular: $190 |
Early Bird: $140 Regular: $155 |
Early Bird: $65 Regular: $80 |
Early Bird: $40 Regular: $55 |
Full Conference Registration includes access to educational content and nursing continuing education hours for licensed RNs, lunch on both days, and access to Legislative Reception on Wednesday (hors d'oeuvres provided plus cash bar).
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests must be received in writing by January 13 to be eligible for refund. After that date, we are unable to provide refunds.
The Florida Nurses Association (FNA) offers partnerships for nursing organizations to join us in amplifying the collective voice of nurses. By partnering with FNA, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the success of this important event, helping to headline the efforts that empower Florida nurses in the legislative arena.
Why Partner with Us?
A unified and active nursing presence is essential to ensuring that our collective voice is strong and impactful. Together, we can drive meaningful change in healthcare policy.
Partnership Benefits
We offer multiple tiers of partnership, each with unique benefits designed to maximize your visibility and engagement during Advocacy Days. For more information about partnership opportunities, please contact Kaitlin Jordan at kjordan@floridanurse.org.
The Barbara Lumpkin Institute proudly supports nurses by offering scholarships to attend Advocacy Days, fostering greater involvement in legislative action and public policy. Founded to honor Barbara Lumpkin’s legacy, the Institute’s mission is to educate and empower nurses to engage in health policy.
Scholarship Details & Eligibility
What's Included:
Eligibility:
If you are dedicated to enhancing your understanding of policy work and committed to making a difference, we encourage you to apply!
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
December 5, 2025
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