Are you a travel nurse looking for the perfect place to settle down for a contract? Why not choose the Emerald Coast? Just think…sunny shores, blue skies, and miles of gorgeous ocean coast to explore daily. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Beyond the gorgeous weather and natural beauty, there are plenty of exciting activities to explore along the Emerald Coast as well that make it an attractive option for traveling nurses. In this blog, we’ll break down all the best reasons to call Florida home for your next travel nursing contract!
Is Florida a Good Place to Be a Travel Nurse?
Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals like Beach Daze (part of our monthly special offer) are just steps away from the beach! Sit out on the sand, watch the sunset, and let the stress of life melt away.
Yes! According to GHR Travel Nursing, an agency that connects qualified registered nurses with short-term travel contracts across the country, Florida was #3 on their list of the top ten states for travel nursing in the United States.
Just think about it—with miles of sandy shores, beautiful weather, a gorgeous ocean to look out on, and so many local events and activities, who wouldn’t want to spend some time living in Florida?
Here are our top reasons to choose the Emerald Coast for your next contract:
Exciting Events like the 30A Songwriter’s Festival
Take advantage of your days off and hear some fantastic music! You never know which star you’ll listen to at the 30A Songwriter’s Festival (past performers include Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and Emmylou Harris).
Not here in January? No worries! The Sandestin Gumbo Festival in February is just as fun to explore—your taste buds will thank you!
Delicious Dining at Emerald Coast Restaurants
No matter what you’re craving for dinner, you’ll find it all along the Emerald Coast. Check out places like Cuvee 30A for an upscale night out, and AJ’s for something casual.
Stunning Beaches
Did you know Emerald Coast beaches rank amongst the best in the United States? Whether you’re staying on 30A and exploring incredible places like Grayton Beach and Rosemary Beach or staying in one of our Destin rentals and heading to Henderson Beach State Park or Miramar Beach, you really can’t go wrong.
Vibrant Local Community
While you’re here, you'll want to experience a sense of community. After all, you’ll be calling the Emerald Coast home for a few months, so it's natural to want to feel comfortable and settled in. There are several community events like local farmers markets that you can attend to not only purchase some fresh produce but also get plugged into the local community. Check out more community events on our events page!
Still want to learn more about the Emerald Coast before you make your decision? Totally understandable! Read through our Emerald Coast Area Guide to learn more about our favorite restaurants, entertainment, events, and things to do on the Emerald Coast.
What Month is Best to Spend in Florida as a Travel Nurse?
If you're staying with a group of nurses, you could consider an option like the Real McCoy Rental. You'll have your own vacation rental with acess to amenities like this community pool.
We recommend snowbirding on the Emerald Coast—also known as spending your winter months somewhere warm to escape the cold further up north. Many people choose Florida as a snowbird destination for its mild winters. The weather is relatively the same throughout the winter with some slight variations, so the exact month is up to you and what works in your schedule.
Speaking of…
What is the Weather Like in Florida in the Winter?
Well, there’s a reason so many people choose to spend the winter months down here!
These are the average temperatures on the Emerald Coast in winter:
November: 70°F / 56°F
December: 64°F / 52°F
January: 61°F / 48°F
February: 63°F / 52°F
March: 68°F / 58°F
Are There Florida Travel Nurse Jobs?
The short answer is yes. Many hospitals are open to travel nursing contracts, but these are some of the top hospitals in the area that are known to hire traveling RNs:
Panama City Beach – Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
Fort Walton Beach – Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Miramar Beach - Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
Use a Travel Nurse Agency to Find a Travel Nurse Position in Florida
If you know you want to spend some time in Florida on a contract, the best way to find a travel RN position in Florida is to use a travel nurse agency or company!
Most travel nurses use companies like GHR Healthcare, Nightingale, or Aya Health Care to find the best options that suit their needs.
Does Benchmark Management Have Rental Property Specials for Travel Nurses?
Yes, we do! We have several monthly snowbird rental specials that run from October through March, which is perfect for a nice winter stay. Since most travel nurse contracts last about 13 weeks, this is ideal. If your contract is longer, you can stay longer! It’s a win-win.
Stay With Us at Benchmark Management!
Some of our winter stay options have amenities like pools looking right out onto the ocean.
Of course, one of the most important aspects of choosing where to settle down for a travel nursing contract is the available accommodations. It’s hard, and we understand! You need to find an affordable, furnished, short-term rental option. That can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Don’t worry, though; we have great options for you in our Benchmark Management Rental catalog!
If you’re interested in taking advantage of our special monthly winter rates next year, please take a look at our winter stays page. The prices you see on the page are not set in stone for next winter—you’ll have to give our Guest Relations team a call at 850.745.4555 so they can walk through your options and see what your special monthly rate will be. It doesn’t hurt to browse the catalog and get a feel for where you could stay, though!
We hope you’re excited at the prospect of being a travel nurse on the Emerald Coast next winter; we’re certainly excited to host you! With great rates and an exciting location, you’ll be counting down the days until your next travel nursing contract here!