The energy and spectroscopic characteristics of the first excited 2s-like electron state of the F center are presented according to the calculations performed in the framework of the variational model proposed by Gourary and Adrian. The relaxation of the crystal lattice in the vicinity of the excited F center is described. The problem of the spatial propagation of the F center is discussed. The results obtained for the 2p and 2s states of the F center are compared with each other and with the relevant experimental data.