Florida Medical Marijuana Caregiver Requirements 2026
A medical marijuana caregiver in Florida is a registered individual who assists qualifying patients with purchasing, possessing, and administering their medical cannabis. The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) oversees the caregiver program, ensuring patients who cannot obtain their own medicine have legal access through a trusted assistant.
Quick Facts: Florida Caregiver Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $75 |
| Card Validity | 1 year |
| Max Patients | 1 (or multiple immediate family members) |
| Processing Time | 5-10 business days |
| Home Cultivation | Not permitted |
| Minimum Age | 21 years old |
| Residency | Florida resident required |
Who Can Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Florida?
To qualify as a caregiver in Florida, you must meet the following eligibility requirements established by the OMMU:
Age & Residency:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must be a legal Florida resident with valid proof of residency
- Must possess a valid Florida driver's license or state ID
Background Check Requirements: Florida has some of the strictest caregiver background check requirements in the country:
- Must pass a Level 2 background screening (state and federal)
- Disqualifying offenses include:
- Any felony conviction (lifetime lookback)
- Drug-related misdemeanors within the past 5 years
- Violent crimes
- Fingerprinting is required through an approved vendor
Additional Requirements:
- Cannot be a qualified physician
- Cannot be employed by or have economic interest in a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC)
- Cannot be employed by a marijuana testing laboratory
- Must agree in writing to assist the patient with their medical marijuana use
How to Register as a Florida Caregiver: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Patient Designation The qualifying patient must first designate you as their caregiver. This is done through the patient's profile in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
Step 2: Create Your Registry Account Visit the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry and create a caregiver account.
Step 3: Complete the Application Provide all required information including:
- Personal identification details
- Contact information
- Attestation that you meet all eligibility requirements
Step 4: Submit to Background Check Schedule and complete your Level 2 background screening:
- Fingerprints must be submitted through an FDLE-approved vendor
- Results are typically processed within 3-5 business days
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee Submit the $75 non-refundable registration fee through the online portal.
Step 6: Receive Your Caregiver ID Card Once approved (typically 5-10 business days), your caregiver ID card will be available for download and printing from the registry.
Required Documents for Florida Caregiver Registration
- Valid Florida driver's license or state-issued ID
- Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
- Patient's caregiver designation form (completed in registry)
- Level 2 background check consent and fingerprints
- Passport-style photograph
- $75 registration fee payment
Florida Caregiver Rights and Responsibilities
What Caregivers CAN Do:
- Purchase medical marijuana from licensed MMTCs on behalf of your patient
- Possess the patient's 70-day supply of medical marijuana
- Transport medical marijuana between the dispensary and patient's residence
- Administer medical marijuana to the patient as directed by their physician
- Access the patient's available dispensation amounts in the registry
What Caregivers CANNOT Do:
- Consume any of the patient's medical marijuana
- Grow or cultivate marijuana plants (not permitted in Florida)
- Purchase more than the patient's recommended 70-day supply
- Assist more than one patient (unless immediate family members)
- Transfer, sell, or give medical marijuana to anyone other than your designated patient
- Possess medical marijuana without your valid caregiver ID card
Possession Limits for Florida Caregivers
Florida uses a unique dispensation system based on physician recommendations:
- Supply Limit: Up to a 70-day supply as determined by the patient's qualified physician
- Tracking: All purchases are tracked through the Medical Marijuana Use Registry
- Routes of Administration: Patients are certified for specific routes (smoking, vaping, edibles, topicals, etc.)
- THC Caps: Some routes have THC milligram limits set by the physician
Costs and Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Caregiver Registration | $75 |
| Annual Renewal | $75 |
| Background Check | ~$50-75 (paid to fingerprint vendor) |
| Replacement Card | $15 |
Note: There is no additional fee if the caregiver is also serving as caregiver for immediate family members who are qualifying patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Florida caregiver application take? Once all documents are submitted and the background check clears, approval typically takes 5-10 business days. The background screening itself may take an additional 3-5 business days.
Can I be a caregiver for multiple patients in Florida? Generally, caregivers are limited to one patient. However, you may serve multiple patients if they are immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling) residing in the same household.
What disqualifies you from being a caregiver in Florida? Any felony conviction at any point in your life will disqualify you. Drug-related misdemeanors within the past 5 years are also disqualifying. Florida conducts both state and federal background checks.
Can Florida caregivers grow marijuana for their patients? No. Florida does not permit home cultivation for patients or caregivers. All medical marijuana must be purchased from a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center.
Do I need to renew my Florida caregiver card? Yes, caregiver registrations must be renewed annually. The renewal fee is $75, and you must continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
Can a Florida caregiver also be a medical marijuana patient? No. Florida does not allow registered caregivers to simultaneously hold a patient registration.
Official Resources
- Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU)
- Caregiver Registration Portal
- Find Licensed Dispensaries
- Florida Statutes Chapter 381.986
Why Choose MMJ.com for Your Florida Medical Marijuana Needs?
Whether you're a patient seeking certification or looking to designate a caregiver, MMJ.com connects you with licensed Florida physicians who can evaluate your qualifying condition and help you navigate the medical marijuana program. Our telehealth platform makes the process simple, convenient, and affordable.