Florida Medical Marijuana Card

How Do I Get a Florida Medical Marijuana Card in 2026?

Critical Information: Florida law requires in-person physician evaluations for initial medical marijuana certifications. Unlike most states where we offer telehealth appointments, FL mandates face-to-face consultations for first-time patients. This isn't our policy-it's Florida statute. However, we maintain a network of qualified physicians across Florida to make your in-person evaluation as convenient as possible.

Florida's Amendment 2 medical marijuana program has grown into one of America's largest, with over 840,000 active cardholders accessing more than 630 Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers across all 67 counties. From Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Tampa and Orlando, from Jacksonville to the Panhandle, registered patients enjoy comprehensive access to therapeutic cannabis. The Sunshine State's program, approved by 71% of voters in 2016, has matured into a robust system serving patients with cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD, and other qualifying conditions.

While recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida-Amendment 3 in 2024 received 57% support but failed to reach the required 60% threshold-your medical card is the only legal pathway to cannabis access. This makes certification essential for anyone who uses cannabis in Florida.

Find In-Person Evaluation Locations

Why Does Florida Require In-Person Evaluations?

Florida Statutes Chapter 381.986 establishes specific requirements for how physicians may certify patients for medical marijuana. Understanding these requirements helps you prepare for your evaluation.

What the Law Requires

Face-to-Face Initial Evaluation: Your first certification must occur in-person at a physical medical office. Video consultations are not permitted for initial certifications under Florida law.

Physical Examination: Qualified physicians must conduct a comprehensive physical examination, not merely a records review or brief consultation.

Treating Physician Relationship: The certifying physician becomes your treating physician for cannabis therapy. This creates an ongoing care relationship rather than a one-time transaction.

Medical Records Review: Physicians must review your medical history and any available documentation supporting your qualifying condition.

90-Day Relationship Period: Initially, Florida required a 90-day patient-physician relationship before certification. This has been modified but the relationship requirement remains.

What This Means for Patients

• You cannot complete your initial evaluation from home
• Plan for a 30-60 minute appointment (longer than telehealth evaluations in other states)
• Bring medical documentation supporting your qualifying condition
• Travel to a physician's office may be required depending on your location

Renewal and Follow-Up Evaluations

After establishing care with your certifying physician, certain follow-up appointments may occur via telehealth if:

• You have an established, ongoing patient-physician relationship
• Your condition remains stable
• Your physician offers telehealth follow-up services
• You've completed at least one in-person visit within the past 12 months

This makes renewals potentially more convenient than initial certification.

How Large Is Florida's Medical Marijuana Program?

Florida's medical marijuana program has experienced extraordinary growth since dispensaries first opened in 2017.

Current Program Statistics (December 2026)

Florida represents approximately 12% of all legal medical cannabis sales in America-one of the largest single-state markets regardless of recreational status.

Why Florida's Market Is So Large

Several factors contribute to Florida's massive patient population:

No Recreational Alternative: Unlike states where some consumers skip medical registration, Florida patients have no legal option except the medical program.

Large Elderly Population: Florida's retirement-heavy demographics include many residents managing chronic pain, cancer, and other conditions responsive to cannabis therapy.

Veteran Population: Substantial military retiree communities, particularly in areas near major bases, bring PTSD and service-related condition patients to the program.

Progressive Expansion: Florida has steadily expanded qualifying conditions and reduced bureaucratic barriers since program launch.

What Conditions Qualify for a Florida Medical Marijuana Card?

The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) recognizes specific debilitating conditions. Florida's list is more restrictive than some states but covers the most common reasons patients seek cannabis therapy.

Specifically Named Qualifying Conditions

Cancer: All types and stages qualify. Whether you're seeking relief from the disease itself, managing chemotherapy side effects like nausea and appetite loss, or addressing cancer-related pain, you may be certified.

Epilepsy: All seizure disorders qualify, including treatment-resistant forms. Florida was among the early states to recognize cannabis for seizure management, particularly following the Dravet syndrome awareness movement.

Glaucoma: When elevated intraocular pressure threatens vision and conventional treatments provide inadequate control, medical cannabis offers an alternative approach.

HIV/AIDS: Patients qualify for management of wasting syndrome, neuropathic pain, appetite stimulation, and other symptoms associated with HIV infection and AIDS.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): All trauma types qualify-combat-related, assault-related, accident-related, childhood trauma, and other PTSD presentations.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Lou Gehrig's Disease patients qualify for symptom management, muscle spasticity relief, and quality-of-life improvement.

Crohn's Disease: This inflammatory bowel condition causes severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and malnutrition. Cannabis has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential for Crohn's patients.

Parkinson's Disease: This progressive neurological disorder causes tremors, rigidity, and movement difficulties. Many patients report meaningful symptom relief through cannabis therapy.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord causes spasticity, pain, fatigue, and mobility issues. Cannabis provides relief for many MS symptoms.

Terminal Condition

Any medical condition diagnosed as terminal with a life expectancy of 12 months or less qualifies for compassionate access. Terminal patients may also receive expedited OMMU processing.

Chronic Nonmalignant Pain

Florida explicitly recognizes chronic nonmalignant pain caused by or originating from a qualifying medical condition. This category covers:

• Chronic back pain from injury, surgery, or degeneration
• Fibromyalgia with widespread musculoskeletal pain
• Neuropathies including diabetic, peripheral, and chemotherapy-induced forms
• Arthritis affecting any joints-rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, psoriatic
• Migraine disorders with chronic, recurring headaches
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis

Comparable Conditions

Florida law includes provision for conditions "of the same kind or class" as those explicitly listed. Physicians have discretion to certify patients with conditions producing similar symptoms:

• Anxiety disorders when causing chronic pain or comparable physical symptoms
• Insomnia secondary to a qualifying condition
• Depression when significantly affecting physical health
• Ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel conditions
• Severe irritable bowel syndrome
• Endometriosis
• Interstitial cystitis
• Lupus and other autoimmune conditions

How Do I Complete the Florida MMJ Certification Process?

Step 1: Find a Qualified Physician

Locate a OMMU-registered physician near you:

Official Registry: Search knowthefactsmmj.com (Florida's official OMMU information site) using the physician search tool. Filter by county, city, or zip code.

Our Physician Network: MMJ.com maintains relationships with qualified physicians throughout Florida. We can help you locate convenient in-person evaluation appointments in:

• Miami/Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area
• Orlando and Central Florida
• Tampa Bay region
• Jacksonville and Northeast Florida
• Palm Beach County
• Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota)
• Panhandle region (Tallahassee, Pensacola)

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Prepare the following before your appointment:

Required:

• Government-issued photo ID (Florida driver's license or state ID preferred)
• Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, mail showing current address)

Strongly Recommended:

• Medical records documenting your qualifying condition
• Current medication list
• Imaging results if applicable (MRI, X-ray, CT scans)
• Specialist consultation notes

Pro Tip: Having detailed medical records significantly streamlines your evaluation and strengthens your case. While physicians can certify based on examination alone, documentation demonstrating the chronic nature of your condition makes approval more straightforward.

Step 3: Complete Your In-Person Evaluation (30-60 Minutes)

During your face-to-face appointment, the physician will:

1. Review your complete medical history and any records you've provided
2. Conduct a physical examination appropriate to your condition
3. Discuss your symptoms, their severity, and their impact on daily life
4. Explain how medical marijuana might address your specific condition
5. Determine whether you qualify under Florida law
6. Discuss recommended routes of administration (smoking, vaping, edibles, topical)
7. Set your initial milligram dosing limits for each administration route

Step 4: Physician Certification Entry

If approved, your physician enters your certification into the OMMU patient registry. This certification includes:

• Your qualifying medical condition(s)
• Approved routes of administration
• Maximum milligram amounts for each product type per 70-day period
• Certification duration (up to 210 days for non-terminal conditions)

Step 5: Complete OMMU Registration

Using your physician certification:

1. Visit mmuregistry.flhealth.gov
2. Create your patient profile account
3. Upload a passport-style photograph (neutral background, face clearly visible)
4. Upload proof of Florida residency
5. Pay the $75 state registration fee

Step 6: Receive Your Florida Medical Marijuana Card

OMMU processes applications with a statutory goal of 5-7 business days. Processing times:

• Standard applications: 5-7 business days
• Terminal patients: Expedited processing available
• Peak periods may extend processing slightly

Upon approval, you receive an email with your patient registry ID. This ID allows immediate dispensary purchases. Your physical card arrives by mail within 1-2 weeks after approval.

How Much Does a Florida Medical Marijuana Card Cost?

Fee Structure

*Physician evaluation costs vary by provider and location. Prices range from approximately $150 for efficiency-focused clinics to $299+ for comprehensive initial consultations.

Fee Waiver Eligibility

Florida offers registration fee waivers for qualifying patients:

• Veterans receiving VA benefits
• Patients receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Low-income patients receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI benefits

Documentation required: Current benefit award letter or eligibility verification from the issuing agency.

Ongoing Costs

Florida certifications last up to 210 days (approximately 7 months). This creates multiple annual costs:

• Physician recertifications: 2 per year at $150-$299 each
• OMMU registration renewal: $75 annually
• Total annual cost: $375-$673 depending on physician pricing

Cost Reduction Strategies

Annual Physician Packages: Some physicians offer discounted rates for patients who commit to ongoing care relationships or purchase certification packages.

Dispensary First-Time Discounts: Most Florida MMTCs offer 20-50% off first purchases-significant savings that offset program costs.

Patient Assistance Programs: Several MMTCs offer reduced pricing for low-income patients, veterans, and seniors.

What Are Florida's Medical Marijuana Laws?

The 70-Day Supply System

Florida's possession framework differs from most states:

• No fixed ounce limit for most products
• Your physician sets milligram maximums for each 70-day period
• Separate limits for each route of administration
• Smoking has a specific limit: 2.5 ounces per 35-day period
• All purchases tracked through OMMU registry
• Dispensaries verify remaining allotment before every sale

Routes of Administration

Florida permits multiple consumption methods, each requiring specific physician authorization:

• Smoking (Whole Flower): Added in 2019 following legal challenge. Requires separate physician authorization.
• Vaporization: Inhalation via approved vaporizer devices
• Sublingual: Tinctures placed under the tongue
• Oral: Edibles, capsules, oils, beverages
• Topical: Creams, lotions, transdermal patches
• Suppository: For specific medical applications

Your physician must specifically authorize each route you wish to use. If you want to smoke flower, ensure you discuss this during your evaluation.

Consumption Location Restrictions

Permitted:

• Private residences with property owner permission
• Not visible or accessible from public areas

Prohibited (Zero Tolerance):

• All public places, parks, and sidewalks
• Motor vehicles, even as passenger
• Schools, daycares, and university campuses
• Workplaces
• Federal property and buildings
• Hotels and vacation rentals unless explicitly permitted

Home Cultivation

Florida prohibits patient cultivation entirely. Growing any amount of cannabis remains a felony regardless of medical status. All cannabis must be purchased from licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers.

Employment Protections (None)

Florida provides no employment protections for medical marijuana patients:

• Employers may maintain and enforce drug-free workplace policies
• Employers may test for cannabis and terminate based on positive results
• No protection for off-duty cannabis use
• Florida is an at-will employment state

Exception: Some employers voluntarily choose not to test for cannabis, particularly in industries facing labor shortages. Always review specific employer policies.

Florida DUI Laws

Florida enforces strict impaired driving standards:

• No per-se THC blood limit (unlike alcohol's 0.08%)
• Impairment determined through observation and field sobriety testing
• Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluation may be utilized
• Medical patient status provides absolutely no immunity from DUI charges
• Penalties include license suspension, substantial fines, and potential jail time

Where Can I Find Florida Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?

Florida operates a "vertically integrated" system where companies cultivate, process, and retail through their own branded locations.

Major Operators (December 2026)

Regional Distribution

• South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach): 150+ locations
• Central Florida (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk): 80+ locations
• Tampa Bay (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco): 60+ locations
• Jacksonville (Duval, St. Johns, Clay): 35+ locations
• Southwest Florida (Lee, Collier, Sarasota, Manatee): 30+ locations
• Panhandle (Escambia, Leon, Bay, Okaloosa): 20+ locations

Patient Services

• First-Visit Consultations: Staff guidance on products, dosing, and consumption methods
• Online Pre-Ordering: Reserve products for express pickup at most locations
• Delivery Services: Available statewide from all major operators
• Senior/Veteran Discounts: 10-20% off at most locations
• Loyalty Programs: Earn points toward future purchases
• Pharmacist Consultations: Professional guidance available at many locations

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Medical Marijuana

Can I do my Florida evaluation online?

Not for initial certification. Florida law specifically requires in-person, face-to-face evaluations for first-time patients. After establishing a physician relationship, some follow-up appointments may be conducted via telehealth.

How long until I can visit a dispensary?

• Physician evaluation: Same day with appointment
• Certification entry: Usually same day to 24 hours
• OMMU processing: 5-7 business days typically
• Total timeline: 1-2 weeks from evaluation to dispensary access

Will Florida legalize recreational marijuana?

As of December 2025, recreational cannabis remains illegal in Florida. Amendment 3 in 2024 received 57% voter support but failed to meet the 60% threshold required for constitutional amendments. Future ballot initiatives are possible, but currently the medical program is the only legal access pathway.

Can I use my Florida card in other states?

Florida has no formal reciprocity agreements. However, some states accept out-of-state medical cards:

• Oklahoma: Temporary 30-day license available ($100 fee)
• Maine: Accepts visiting patient cards
• Washington DC: Accepts out-of-state cards
• Michigan: Some reciprocity provisions

Critical: Never transport cannabis across state lines-it's a federal felony regardless of medical status.

Can I grow cannabis at home in Florida?

No. Florida prohibits patient cultivation entirely. Growing any amount remains a felony offense. All medical cannabis must be purchased from licensed MMTCs.

Can visitors use Florida's program?

No. Florida requires state residency for program participation. Temporary residents and visitors cannot legally purchase cannabis without becoming Florida patients, which requires establishing residency.

Can I designate a caregiver?

Yes. Florida allows patients to designate up to one caregiver who can:

• Purchase medical marijuana on the patient's behalf
• Possess and transport cannabis for the patient
• Assist with administration if the patient cannot self-administer

Caregivers must be 21+ (or the parent/guardian of a minor patient), pass a background check, register with OMMU, and pay a $75 caregiver registration fee.

Does my card protect me at work?

No. Florida provides no employment protections for medical marijuana patients. Employers can maintain drug-free workplace policies, test for cannabis, and terminate based on positive results.

Why Should I Choose MMJ.com for My Florida Medical Card?

Statewide Physician Coverage

We connect patients with OMMU-qualified physicians throughout Florida-from Miami to Jacksonville, Tampa to Tallahassee, and communities in between.

Transparent Pricing

Know your evaluation cost before scheduling. No hidden fees or surprise charges.

Registration Assistance

Our patient support team guides you through the OMMU application process.

Ongoing Support

Questions about dispensaries, products, renewals, or your certification? We're available to help.

How Do I Start My Florida Medical Marijuana Journey?

While Florida's in-person requirement adds steps compared to telehealth states, the Sunshine State's program provides access to 630+ dispensaries, comprehensive delivery services, and a mature product selection.

Your investment: $225-$374 total (evaluation varies by provider + $75 state fee) Your timeline: 1-2 weeks from evaluation to dispensary access Your access: 630+ MMTCs across all 67 Florida counties Your necessity: The only legal cannabis pathway in Florida

Find Florida In-Person Evaluation Locations

Questions? Call 1-888-MMJ-8178 or chat with patient support.

Content verified as of December 14, 2025 Sources: Florida Statutes Chapter 381.986, OMMU regulations, Florida Department of Health official guidelines