Florida Medical License

The Medical Board of Florida

The Florida Board of Medicine plays a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards of medical practice across the state. It operates with a clear mission: to ensure that every physician practicing in Florida meets the essential requirements for safe and competent practice. Recognizing that the practice of medicine is a privilege granted by the state, the Board is committed to its responsibilities of licensing, monitoring, disciplining, educating, and rehabilitating physicians and other practitioners.

In its pursuit of innovation and efficiency, the Florida Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) is set to transform the licensing experience for healthcare practitioners. Starting in mid-2023, the transition to electronic licenses (e-licenses) will replace the traditional method of printing and mailing paper-based licenses. This shift marks a significant step towards modernizing and streamlining the licensing process.

Florida law mandates that an initial application be reviewed within 30 days. The Board aims to process licenses swiftly, targeting 1-3 days for specific categories like Anesthesiologist Assistants and Physician Assistants, and 8-10 days for Medical Doctors (MDs). 

However, applicants should anticipate an overall processing time of two to six months from application receipt. Factors such as malpractice claims, disciplinary actions, arrest records, extensive employment, or state licensure history can contribute to delays.

Florida Medical License Requirements

While the Florida State Medical Board does not recognize reciprocity, if you’ve been effectively treating a patient for at least two of the last four years and have a valid medical license from another state, you may be eligible for a license by endorsement.

Only licensed physicians in FL may provide telehealth services; physicians from other states are required to register with the Department of Health. Also, you’ll need a current DEA license to prescribe restricted medications, which entails submitting an online application and passing a background check.

Florida Medical License Application

The process of obtaining a medical license in Florida state is both comprehensive and meticulous, designed to uphold the highest standards of medical practice in the state. The 27-page application is structured to gather detailed information, ensuring that every licensed practitioner meets the rigorous criteria set forth by the Florida Board of Medicine.

Application Overview

The Florida medical license application delves into several key areas:

• Personal Identification: This section requires precise details about the applicant’s identity and legal residence. Applicants must provide government-issued identification and proof of residence to establish their eligibility.

• Educational Background: The application requires detailed information about the applicant’s medical education. This includes verification from the Federal Credentials Verification Services (FCVS) of medical school transcripts, diplomas, and school verification. This verification is essential to ensure the applicant’s educational qualifications meet the Board’s standards.

• Employment History: A comprehensive record of the applicant’s professional journey, including locations, durations, and the nature of medical practice, is essential. This history provides insight into the applicant’s experience and professional trajectory.

• Health and Criminal History: Applicants must disclose any criminal history, with specific guidelines on convictions that could affect licensure. Those with health issues must provide a self-explanation and a physician’s letter detailing their ability to practice safely. Disciplinary history also requires detailed explanation and documentation.

• Malpractice and Liability Claims: Applicants involved in malpractice suits must be prepared to provide additional information. The application status can be checked online, and it is advised not to make any commitments based on expected licensure until it is officially granted. The process can take two to six months

Florida Medical License by Endorsement: Requirements include being a graduate of an allopathic US medical school or an international medical school with an ECFMG certificate and completion of residency training. Applicants for a Florida state medical license must pass a national examination (NBME, FLEX, or USMLE) and either have actively practiced medicine for two of the past four years or completed a board-approved clinical competency examination or postgraduate training program recently

Licensure History

Medical license Florida applicants with a history of revoked, suspended, or probated licenses must provide detailed explanations. This transparency is crucial for the Board to assess the applicant’s fitness for practice.

Verification and Examinations

• Medical Degree Verification: Verifying the medical degree directly from the issuing institution is a vital step, in confirming the authenticity of the applicant’s educational qualifications.

• Postgraduate Training: Applicants must provide verifiable details of their residency or other postgraduate training programs, including contact information of the institutions. The needed amount — 1 year and 2 years IMG Minimum Postgraduate Training

• Examination Scores (USMLE or COMLEX): Proof of passing these standardized exams is required, as they are critical benchmarks of medical knowledge and competency.

• Florida Laws, Rules, and MPJE: Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Florida’s medical laws and rules, including passing the MPJE, to ensure they are prepared to practice within the state’s legal framework.

• Background Check: Applicants must submit fingerprints via a Livescan service provider for a criminal history background check. This screening is crucial and applicants bear all costs

The introduction of HB 1133 marks a significant change, especially for physician assistants. It revises the eligibility criteria for PA licensure, accommodating those who matriculated into approved programs by the end of 2020. Moreover, it allows licensing for PA applicants who pass the certifying exam but may not meet certain educational standards.

Florida Medical License Renewal

FL medical license renewal involves 40 hours of CME. DEA registrations also need to be renewed every three years, with a fee and proof of current licensure required. It is recommended to renew licenses at least 90 days before expiration to avoid any penalties or delays.

It should be noted that medical licenses in Florida are biennial, which means that these educational requirements must be completed every two years. The licences expire every year on 31 January, with Group 1 licences expiring in even-numbered years and Group 2 in odd-numbered years. This structured timeline guarantees a continual updating of skills and knowledge in the constantly evolving medical sector.

For the first renewal period, the Florida Board of Medicine has established specific CME hour requirements. Furthermore, the Florida State Medical Board sets out additional criteria for subsequent renewals. These stipulations, outlined by the Board, are intended to maintain the utmost levels of medical professionalism and patient welfare within the region.

Every third renewal requires MDs to complete a full 40 hours of CMEs, with at least two of those CMEs being in a Category 1 or Category 2 prevention of medical errors program as well as two hours in a Category 1 or Category 2 domestic violence program.

Florida Medical License Lookup

The Florida Department of Health provide a florida medical license lookup tool for verifying medical licenses. You can search by name, license number, profession, or location and view license status, expiration dates, disciplinary actions, and other information. The search tool is free to use and updated daily.

Florida Physician Assistant License Requirements

You must complete an approved course of physician assistant training and pass the NCCPA exam to become a licensed physician assistant. Additionally, you need to hold a current certificate issued by the NCCPA, complete the online application, and pay the required fees. You must also report your continuing medical education hours to CE Broker. Before reactivating your license, you might need to finish extra education or training if you have been inactive or retired for more than two consecutive biennial cycles.

Florida Physician Assistant License Renewal and CME Requirements

Once you have obtained your physician assistant license in FL, you need to renew it every two years online. As part of the renewal process, you must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education, of which at least 50 hours must be Category I CME-approved by certain organizations. You must also complete specific courses on the prevention of medical errors, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS. Physician assistants with prescribing privileges must complete 10 hours of CME in their specialty area, including 3 hours on safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances.

Physician Assistant License from Puerto Rico to Florida

If you are licensed in Puerto Rico, you can practice in FL if you meet certain requirements. You must have a current license in good standing from Puerto Rico and have completed a physician assistant training program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessor organization. Also, you must be certified by the NCCPA and pass their competency exam in order to work as a physician assistant.

Florida Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

You must retain a current registered nurse license from any state in order to practice as a nurse practitioner in FL. You also need to have finished a master’s or post-degree master’s program or program leading to certification in a nursing specialty and have been granted national advanced practice certification by an organization recognized by the nursing specialty boards. You must also submit proof of malpractice insurance or exemption, submit electronic fingerprints, and pass a background check.

How to Renew APRN License in Florida

You must renew your licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) every two years. Depending on the group you are a member of—Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3—the renewal procedure will vary. Each group has different expiration dates and fees. You also need to complete certain continuing education requirements, such as courses on the prevention of medical errors, Florida laws and rules, and recognition of impairment in the workplace. You can renew your license online through the Board of Nursing website.

Expedite Florida Department Of Health Medical License

Obtaining a medical license in FL can be a time-consuming and complicated process. However, you can expedite the process. One option is to apply for a medical license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which allows physicians with a full and unrestricted medical license in their home state to apply for expedited licensure in participating states. Another option is to work with a medical licensure service. MedicalLicensing.com can help navigate the complex licensing requirements and paperwork, potentially saving significant time and effort.

Florida Medical Licensing Service

At MedicalLicensing.com we understand the complexities of the licensing process and are ready to provide expert assistance with everything from filling out applications and submitting documentation to navigating regulations and requirements. Let us do the legwork while you concentrate on your patients.

If you would like more information about getting a medical license in the state of florida in 2023-2024 then you can read our new article.