Florida Medical Marijuana Doctors

Florida Medical Marijuana Doctors: Complete Guide

Florida has one of the largest medical marijuana programs in the United States, with over 850,000 active patients. However, Florida's program has unique requirements that set it apart from other states - most notably, the in-person evaluation requirement.

Important: Florida Does NOT Allow Telehealth for MMJ Evaluations

⚠️ Florida law specifically prohibits telemedicine for medical marijuana evaluations. Unlike most other states, all initial evaluations and many follow-up appointments must be conducted in-person at a licensed physician's office.

This means MMJ.com cannot currently provide medical marijuana evaluations for Florida residents. However, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand Florida's program and find a qualified physician.

Understanding Florida's Medical Marijuana Program

Florida's Medical Marijuana program, officially called the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), was established in 2016 following the passage of Amendment 2. The program has grown to become one of the largest in the nation.

Florida Program Statistics:

• Active Patients: 850,000+
• Qualified Physicians: 3,500+
• Licensed Dispensaries: 600+
• Annual State Fee: $75
• Card Validity: 1 year

Why Florida Requires In-Person Evaluations

Florida's in-person requirement stems from the state's interpretation of the "bona fide physician-patient relationship" requirement in state law. The Florida Department of Health has determined that:

1. The initial evaluation establishing the patient-physician relationship must be in-person
2. Physicians must conduct a physical examination
3. The physician must maintain responsibility for the patient's care
4. Follow-up visits may be conducted via telehealth only after the initial in-person visit

Finding a Qualified Florida MMJ Doctor

Since telehealth is not an option, here's how to find a qualified physician in Florida:

Option 1: OMMU Physician Registry

The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use maintains an official registry of qualified physicians. You can search for doctors by:

• Location/zip code
• Physician name
• Medical specialty

Access the registry at: knowthefactsmmj.com/registry

Option 2: Dedicated MMJ Clinics

Many clinics in Florida specialize exclusively in medical marijuana evaluations:

• DocMJ: Locations throughout Florida
• Miracle Leaf: Multiple Florida locations
• Compassionate Healthcare of Florida: Statewide locations
• FLUENT: Dispensary with in-house physicians

Option 3: Your Primary Care Physician

If your primary care doctor is a qualified physician, they may be able to provide your certification. However, not all physicians choose to participate in the program.

What to Expect at Your In-Person Evaluation

Before Your Appointment:

• Gather medical records documenting your qualifying condition
• Bring valid Florida ID or driver's license
• Prepare to discuss your medical history and symptoms
• Budget $150-$300 for the evaluation

During Your Appointment:

• Physical examination by the physician
• Discussion of your qualifying condition
• Review of your medical history
• Explanation of medical cannabis treatment options
• Entry into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (if approved)

After Your Appointment:

• Pay the $75 state fee online
• Receive your digital medical marijuana card
• Visit any licensed Florida dispensary

Florida's Qualifying Medical Conditions

Florida recognizes a broad range of qualifying conditions:

Specifically Named Conditions:

1. Cancer - All types, including treatment side effects
2. Epilepsy - Including treatment-resistant forms
3. Glaucoma
4. HIV/AIDS
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
6. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
7. Crohn's Disease
8. Parkinson's Disease
9. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
10. Chronic Nonmalignant Pain - Caused by or originating from a qualifying condition
11. Terminal Conditions - Diagnosed with less than 12 months to live

Additional Qualifying Conditions:

Florida law also allows physicians to certify patients with "medical conditions of the same kind or class as or comparable to" the specifically named conditions. This has allowed physicians to certify patients with:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Neuropathy
• Insomnia
• And many other chronic conditions

Florida Medical Marijuana Card Costs

Fee Reduction Programs

Florida offers reduced registration fees for certain patients:

• Veterans may qualify for reduced fees
• Some low-income assistance programs available
• Contact OMMU for specific eligibility requirements

For Physicians: How to Become a Qualified Medical Marijuana Doctor in Florida

Are you a Florida-licensed physician interested in recommending medical marijuana to your patients? Florida has specific requirements for physicians to become "qualified ordering physicians" under the state's program.

Eligibility Requirements

Licensure Requirements:

To become a qualified physician in Florida, you must:

• Hold an active, unrestricted license under:
  • Chapter 458 (Medical Practice Act - MD)
  • Chapter 459 (Osteopathic Medicine - DO)
• License must be in good standing with no restrictions affecting prescribing privileges
• Must not have been convicted of a felony related to practicing medicine
• Must not have had a DEA registration suspended or revoked

Important Note: Florida currently limits qualified physician status to MDs and DOs only. Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are NOT eligible to become qualified physicians, though legislation has been proposed to expand eligibility.

Mandatory 2-Hour Course and Examination

Florida requires all physicians to complete a 2-hour continuing medical education (CME) course and pass an examination before becoming a qualified physician.

Course Content Includes:

• Florida's Medical Marijuana Use Registry and regulatory framework
• The endocannabinoid system and pharmacology of cannabis
• Approved delivery methods and products
• Patient evaluation and certification procedures
• Dosing considerations and titration
• Potential drug interactions and contraindications
• Adverse effects and safety monitoring
• Legal and ethical responsibilities
• Record-keeping and compliance requirements

Approved Course Providers:

The course must be offered by one of the following organizations:

1. Florida Medical Association (FMA) - fmaonline.org
2. Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) - foma.org

Course Details:

• Duration: 2 hours
• Format: Online or in-person
• Cost: Approximately $150-250
• Examination: Must pass with minimum score
• Renewal: Required with each medical license renewal (every 2 years)

Registration with OMMU

After completing the 2-hour course and examination, physicians must register with the Office of Medical Marijuana Use.

Step-by-Step Registration Process:

Step 1: Complete the 2-Hour CME Course Enroll in and complete an FMA or FOMA-approved course. Pass the examination and save your certificate of completion.

Step 2: Access the Medical Marijuana Use Registry Visit knowthefactsmmj.com and navigate to the physician registration portal.

Step 3: Create Your Qualified Physician Account Register with your:

• Florida medical license number
• DEA registration number
• Practice location(s) information
• Contact information
• Certificate of completion from CME course

Step 4: Submit Required Documentation Upload:

• Proof of completing 2-hour course and passing examination
• Active Florida medical license verification
• DEA registration documentation

Step 5: Attestation and Agreement Acknowledge understanding of:

• Physician responsibilities under Florida law
• Record-keeping requirements
• Patient evaluation standards
• Compliance with all OMMU regulations

Step 6: Registration Approval The Department of Health reviews applications and typically approves qualified physicians within 5-10 business days.

Certifying Patients in Florida

Once registered as a qualified physician, you can begin certifying patients:

Certification Requirements:

1. Establish Bona Fide Relationship: Conduct an in-person physical examination
2. Diagnose Qualifying Condition: Confirm patient has qualifying medical condition
3. Determine Benefit: Conclude that medical marijuana would benefit the patient
4. Document Findings: Maintain comprehensive medical records
5. Enter Certification: Use the Medical Marijuana Use Registry to certify the patient
6. Determine Quantity/Route: Specify the amount and forms of marijuana the patient may purchase

Certification Limits:

• Physicians may order up to a 70-day supply of medical marijuana
• Must specify which routes of administration are approved
• Can limit or expand the types of products available to the patient
• Smoking marijuana requires separate certification with additional documentation

Ongoing Responsibilities:

• Conduct follow-up appointments (can be telehealth after initial in-person)
• Renew patient certifications as needed (minimum every 210 days)
• Review patient's Medical Marijuana Use Registry profile before each certification
• Maintain patient records for at least 5 years
• Complete 2-hour CME course renewal with each license renewal

Legal Protections for Florida MMJ Physicians

Florida law provides certain protections for qualified physicians:

• Cannot be disciplined solely for recommending medical marijuana
• Protected from federal prosecution under state law
• May charge reasonable fees for evaluations
• May not be required by employers to recommend or not recommend marijuana

Important Restrictions:

Physicians are prohibited from:

• Certifying themselves or immediate family members
• Accepting kickbacks or having financial interest in dispensaries
• Advertising specific dispensaries or products
• Delegating certification authority to non-physicians

Resources for Florida Physicians

• Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU): knowthefactsmmj.com
• Florida Medical Association: fmaonline.org
• Florida Osteopathic Medical Association: foma.org
• Florida Department of Health: floridahealth.gov
• Medical Marijuana Use Registry: mmuregistry.flhealth.gov

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida MMJ Doctors

Why can't I use telehealth for a Florida MMJ evaluation?

Florida law requires an in-person physical examination for the initial medical marijuana evaluation. This requirement is based on the state's interpretation of the "bona fide physician-patient relationship" standard. Follow-up appointments may be conducted via telehealth after the initial in-person visit.

How do I find a qualified physician near me?

Use the official OMMU physician registry at knowthefactsmmj.com/registry to search for qualified physicians by location. You can also contact dedicated MMJ clinics like DocMJ or Miracle Leaf which have locations throughout Florida.

How much does a Florida MMJ evaluation cost?

Initial evaluations typically cost $150-$300, plus the $75 state registration fee. Renewal visits are usually $100-$200. Prices vary by clinic and location.

How long does it take to get a Florida medical marijuana card?

After your physician enters your certification in the registry and you pay the $75 state fee, you receive a temporary digital card immediately. Your physical card arrives by mail within 10 business days.

Can nurse practitioners certify patients in Florida?

No, currently only MDs and DOs can become qualified ordering physicians in Florida. Legislation has been proposed to expand this to include advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants, but has not yet passed.

How often do I need to see my doctor to maintain my Florida MMJ card?

Physicians must recertify patients at least every 210 days (approximately 7 months). The annual card renewal ($75) is separate from physician certifications.

Looking for Telehealth MMJ Evaluations?

If you live in a state that permits telehealth evaluations, MMJ.com can help you obtain your medical marijuana card from the comfort of your home.

We serve patients in 20+ states including:

• Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey
• Arizona, Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan
• Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, and more

MMJ.com Telehealth Benefits:

• $149.99 evaluation fee
• Same-day certification available
• 100% money-back guarantee if not approved
• Licensed physicians in your state

Check If Your State Allows Telehealth Evaluations

Content verified as of December 15, 2025 Sources: Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), Florida Department of Health, Florida Medical Association, Florida Statutes Chapters 458 and 459, Florida Administrative Code 64-4