Can an NP prescribe Xanax in Florida?

Yes — Florida NPs can prescribe Xanax (alprazolam), a Schedule IV controlled substance when prescribing is consistent with their education, training, experience, and applicable protocol or qualifying autonomous primary-care authority.¹ Florida lists alprazolam in Schedule IV.² Florida NPs also need qualifying graduate education for controlled-substance prescribing and DEA registration. The Schedule II seven-day cap does not apply to Xanax.

For Xanax prescribing, Florida generally requires review of the patient’s controlled-substance history in the PDMP before prescribing, unless a statutory exception applies.⁴ One important pediatric limitation applies: only psychiatric nurses may prescribe psychiatric mental health controlled substances to patients younger than 18.³ Autonomous registration does not authorize general independent psychiatric-specialty practice.