Florida Medical License

The Medical Board of Florida: A Guide to Licensing & Renewals

The Florida Board of Medicine was established to guarantee that all Florida doctors are fully certified to deliver safe healthcare services. Its aim is clear: to ensure that all physicians practicing in Florida meet the strict standards required for reliable and efficient medical treatment.

Through its structured and committed operations, the Board not only licenses but also continually monitors and disciplines, while providing educational opportunities and rehabilitation programs when needed, all in the service of Florida’s populace.

The Board itself has fifteen members, all appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. This includes twelve members who are licensed, practicing or teaching physicians with at least four years of experience prior to their appointment. Among these, one must be privately practicing while also being a full-time staff member at a teaching hospital within Florida, and another a graduate from a foreign medical school. The remaining three members are Florida residents who have never held a healthcare practitioner license.

Florida Physician Workforce Overview

Florida has seen significant demographic shift, increasing by 1.9% since 2021 to become the most rapidly growing state in the United States. This increase has a direct impact on the healthcare industry, particularly in terms of medical personnel requirements. To deal with this surge, the state’s Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) is tasked with ensuring that over 1.4 million medical professionals are licensed as soon as possible and successfully.

Based on the 2023 Physician Workforce Annual Report, 14,465 additional licensed physicians were added to Florida’s active physician population during the most recent biannual license renewal session, bringing the total to 94,925.

In terms of geographical spread, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach areas account for about one-third (31.36%) among all Florida physicians who provide direct care for patients, with Miami-Dade County accounting for 13.98%. Although these counties are among the most densely inhabited, other areas, such as Alachua, Seminole, Sarasota, Duval, Escambia, and Hillsborough, have higher physician density per capita.

Approximately one-third of Florida’s counties have less than ten physicians per 10,000 population, showing that healthcare services are concentrated in urban areas. Among practicing physicians, 34.17%, or 19,396, are 60 or older.

Internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics are the most common specialties among Florida physicians, accounting for more than half of those who provide direct patient care. Of all licensed physicians, 1,454 stated that they were enrolled in a training program, including residencies, internships or fellowships, and so not providing direct patient care. A large majority of these physicians are training within Florida, although significant numbers are also training in other states like New York, Texas, California, and Ohio.

A significant portion of Florida’s physicians in training are located within the state itself, accounting for 82.19% of those in residency programs. For those training outside of Florida, the states with the highest concentrations include New York, Texas, California, and Ohio, showcasing a diverse geographical spread that reflects the broad scope of Florida’s medical education reach. The remaining states collectively host less than 5% of these residents, illustrating Florida’s central role in the training and development of new medical talent.

This extensive training network underscores the Florida Board of Medicine’s commitment to not only maintaining high standards within the state but also facilitating the professional growth of its future medical practitioners, ensuring they’re equipped to provide exceptional care wherever they might practice.

Florida Medical License Requirements

Obtaining a medical license in Florida requires meeting rigorous educational and professional criteria designed to ensure that all practitioners provide safe and competent care. Here’s a thorough summary of what’s required:

For all applicants:

• U.S. Medical Graduates: Applicants must’ve graduated from a recognized allopathic U.S. medical school accredited by the U.S. Office of Education and completed at least a year of approved residency program.
• International Medical Graduates (IMG): A valid credential issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is necessary, as well as at least two years of authorized residency in a single specialty area.
• 5th Pathway Graduates: Those who have completed all of the requirements of an international medical school except for the internship or social service requirement, must have completed Parts I and II of the NBME or a comparable exam, and an academic year of mentored clinical training, and finished a two-year accredited residency.

Additional requirements for Licensure by Examination:

• Pass a national examination like the NBME, FLEX, or USMLE.
• If already licensed in the U.S. or Canada for ten years, you must have actively practiced under that license, passed a state board or LMCC examination, and the SPEX examination.
• If licensed before 1974 based on a state board exam, you must currently hold licenses in at least three other jurisdictions in the U.S. or Canada and have practiced under these licenses for at least 20 years.

For Licensure by Endorsement:

• Pass all parts of a U.S. national examination (NBME, FLEX, or USMLE).
• Before applying, you must be licensed and actively practiced in another state for at least two of the previous four years, pass a board-approved clinical proficiency examination within the past year, or successfully finish a board-approved postgraduate education program within two years.

Note, that Florida law mandates that the medical board refuse licensure, certification, or examination admission to applicants who:

• Have been convicted or pled guilty or no contest to a crime connected to public health, welfare, Medicare, Medicaid, controlled drugs, or comparable offenses in other jurisdictions, regardless of adjudication, unless specified rehabilitative conditions are satisfied.
• Have been suspended from the Florida Medicaid plan or any state Medicaid plan for cause, until reinstated in a good standing for a minimum of five years.
• Are on the Excluded Individuals and Entities List maintained by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.

Florida Medical License Application Overview

The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) is preparing the way for a digital future by transitioning to electronic licenses (e-licenses) in mid-2023. The transition from conventional paper permits to e-licenses is intended to accelerate the licensing process, improve security, and decrease environmental effect.

Obtaining for a medical license in Florida is a meticulous procedure that adheres to the state’s stringent medical criteria. The thorough 27-page application is designed to gather significant information to ensure that all candidates fulfill the Florida Board of Medicine’s rigorous standards.

Essential Elements of the Application Include:

• Personal Identification: Applicants must provide comprehensive personal information and proof of legal residency to verify eligibility.
• Educational Background: You are required to submit evidence of your medical education, including medical school transcripts and diplomas, verified through the Federal Credentials Verification Services (FCVS).
• Employment History: The application requires a full account of your professional experience, listing all places of medical practice and the duration of each.
• Health and Criminal History: Applicants must completely reveal any criminal past and give information about any health issues that may limit their ability to perform medicine safely.

To avoid processing delays, ensure that you submit all relevant documentation with your application. This comprises diplomas, residence certificates, and other documents. Approximately 30 days after filing your application, you may get a deficiency notice describing any missing elements.

For candidates with past criminal convictions, the subsequent documents are required:

• Self-Explanation: If you reported infractions on your application, include a personal statement outlining the details of each occurrence.
• Final Dispositions/Arrest Records: You must receive final disposition documents from the secretary of the court wherein the arrest occurred. If records are not accessible, the clerk’s letter on official paper must indicate this.
• Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions: Evidence of completed probationary periods, financial consequences, and parole must be obtained from the proper court clerk or the Department of Corrections. Again, if these data cannot be accessible, the court must provide a letter certifying their unavailability.

How to Get a Florida Medical License

Obtaining a medical license in Florida necessitates a full grasp of the procedure and strict adherence to specified requirements. Here is a complete tutorial to each step:

1. Verify Educational Requirements

First, ensure that you graduated from a medical school approved by the Florida Board of Medicine. International graduates must guarantee that their educational institution has been approved by the board. In addition, all applicants must have passed either the USMLE or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.

2. Complete Training Requirements

You must have at least one year of postgraduate training in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

3. Gather Required Documentation

Assemble all required documentation, including:

• Official medical school transcripts.
• Verification of completed postgraduate training.
• Scores from the USMLE or COMLEX.
• Proof of any specialty board certifications.
• A valid government-issued ID.

4. Submit a Detailed Application

Complete out the medical license application at the Florida Board of Medicine’s website completely to ensure correctness and avoid delays.

5. Pay the Application Fee

This non-refundable charge varies according on the kind of licensing and the time of application. The Board’s website provides information on current fees.

6. Complete a Background Check

Go through a criminal background check, involving fingerprinting, which is required to assess your eligibility for license. Licenses are only granted once background checks have been conducted and handled to the Board.

Use a Livescan service provider to send fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The findings are transmitted to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, which subsequently forwards them to the Department for evaluation throughout the licensure process.

7. Verify Your Credentials

Ensure that all credentials are submitted directly from your medical school and training institutions.

8. Demonstrate English Proficiency

If English is not your first language you may be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.

9. Await Board Review

Once all documents are submitted, your application will be reviewed. This can take several months and may require additional information.

10. Receive Your License

If approved and all criteria are met, you will be granted a Florida medical license, authorizing you to practice medicine within the state.

Processing Time for Florida Medical License

Florida law requires that initial applications for medical licenses be reviewed within 30 days. The Board strives to process licenses for Anesthesiologist Assistants and Physician Assistants within 1-3 days, and for Medical Doctors (MDs) within 8-10 days.

However, the total period between submitting your application and getting your license might range from two to six months. Previous malpractice lawsuits, disciplinary proceedings, jail records, or a lengthy career and state licensing history might all contribute to an extension of this timetable.

To verify the status of your license, utilize the website’s Florida medical license lookup function. Your license information will be made available via the web 24 to 48 hours upon the issuance.

Florida Medical License Cost

Obtaining a medical license in Florida involves several fees. The application process starts with a $350 fee. The initial licensing fee is typically $355. For individuals participating in residency or fellowship programs, the cost associated with licensure is decreased to $205.

To benefit from the lower costs and have a license that reflects an “in-training” situation, the training director must provide a verification letter to the Florida Board of Medicine detailing the dates of training. 

Florida Medical License Renewal

Medical licenses in Florida are biennial, this implies that educational demands must be met every two years. The licenses expire annually on January 31, with Group 1 licenses expiring in years with even numbers and Group 2 licenses expiring in odd-numbered years.

DEA registrations must be reissued every three years, with a cost and confirmation of current licensing necessary. To prevent penalties or delays, renew your license no later than 90 days before it expires.

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 provides a user-friendly online tool for Florida medical license verification, accessible for free and updated daily. This resource allows searches by name, license number, profession, or location, offering up-to-date details such as license status, expiration dates, and disciplinary actions, catering to individuals or organizations that require verification but not a certified document.

For individuals who want official proof, the Division of Medical Quality Assurance issues a licensure certification for a cost of $25, as per Rule 64B-4.001, F.A.C. This certified certificate, sealed by a division official, provides the licensure status as well as any previous disciplinary history.

While the agency does not provide letters of good standing, the license certification gives a thorough summary of a license’s current status including any regulatory actions taken, meeting the statutory criteria for healthcare practitioners in Florida.

Florida Physician Assistant License Requirements

Physician Assistant (PA) applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be 18 or older.
2. Graduated from a physician assistant program accredited by the ARC-PA.
3. Those who graduated after December 31, 2020, must hold a master’s degree. Graduates who finish their courses before December 31, 2020 must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
4. Applicants must pass the PANCE, administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. 

If the candidate has failed to practice in the last four years and does not hold a current NCCPA certification, they must retake and pass the basic test.

Recent graduates, enrolled in the proficiency exam, may be granted a temporary license. Those who fail the exam may apply for a one-year renewal of their temporary permit, with a limit of two temporary licenses in total.

Application Process:

• Submit a full application together with the $305 application fee ($100 of which is nonrefundable).
• Conduct criminal background checks with an approved Livescan vendor.
• Present a diploma from a recognized physician assistant program.
• Submit primary source verification of program completion and NCCPA certification (or equivalent).
• Provide proof for any affirmative replies on the application.

Florida Physician Assistant License Renewal and CME Requirements

While initial Physician Assistant (PA) licensing in Florida needs NCCPA certification, it is optional to retain this credential for license renewal. PAs who opt not to maintain their NCCPA certification must complete 100 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) each two-year period to renew their license. For those who retain their certification, evidence of certification and completion of particular courses are sufficient to meet renewal criteria.

The required CME hours are categorized into “general” and “core” hours, summing up to a total of 100 hours needed for each biennial renewal period:

• General CME Hours: These hours can encompass any educational activities not explicitly required by law and a current NCCPA certification can satisfy all required general CME hours.
• Core CME Hours: These are mandatory educational hours defined by specific statutes. They include training on medical mistake prevention, as well as a course on domestic violence every third renewal cycle.

At least 50 of these hours must be Category I CME. The remaining 50 hours can be Category II CME.

PAs must ensure that they can show documentation of completed CME hours when asked to verify compliance with the state’s biannual renewal requirements.

Physician Assistant License from Puerto Rico to Florida

If you hold a license in Puerto Rico, you may practice in Florida if you satisfy specific criteria. You must have a valid Puerto Rican license in good standing and have completed a physician assistant training program certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessor. To be eligible to be employed as a physician assistant, you must first obtain NCCPA certification and pass their competence exam.

Florida Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

Candidates for a Florida Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license are required to:

1. Have a Valid RN License

To be eligible for first APRN licensing, applicants must have a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in any US jurisdiction.

2. Meet Educational Qualifications

Those who graduated after October 1, 1998 are required to have a master’s degree or post-master’s degree. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) candidates who graduated on or after October 1, 2001 must have completed a master’s degree program as well.

3. Show Proof of Certification

Candidates must show proof of a national advanced practice certificate from a recognized nursing specialty board.

4. Have a Malpractice Insurance

Evidence of malpractice coverage or a legal exemption must be provided.

5. Undergo a Criminal Background Check

Applicants must utilize a Livescan vendor to provide fingerprinting to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

The Florida Board of Nursing promises to assess initial applications in 30 days. The typical price for an APRN application and licensing is $110.00. Fingerprinting and verification of licenses incur additional charges.

How to Renew APRN License in Florida

The renewal of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in Florida entails multiple stages and deadlines.

1. Group 1: April 30, 2026.
2. Group 2: July 31, 2024.
3. Group 3: April 30, 2025.

Steps to Renew Your License:

1. Complete Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
   • Ensure that all CE criteria are completed and submitted on CEBroker.com.

It should be noted that certain courses, like the 3-hour Safe and Effective Prescription of Controlled Substances training and the 2-hour Human Trafficking training, are needed for everyone, regardless of CE exemption status.

2. Submit Renewal Application:
   • Fill out the renewal application accurately and completely.
3. Pay Required Fees:
   • Ensure you pay all necessary fees associated with the renewal process. Refer to the Fees tab on the renewal site for detailed information.
4. Update Primary Place of Practice:
   • Provide your current primary place of practice address as part of the renewal process.
5. Review and Update Practitioner Profile:
   • Log into MQA Online Services and select ‘Review, Update & Confirm Profile’ to ensure all your information is up to date.
6. Complete Financial Responsibility Form:
   • This form must be filled out and submitted during the course of the renewal procedure.
7. Submit Proof of National Certification:
   • If you had to be nationally certified at the point of your original licensing, please provide a copy of your present national certification.

Nurses who complete a healthcare specialist program authorized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the Accreditation Board for specialist Nursing Certification are exempt from normal continuing education requirements. However, this exemption must be reported through CE Broker.

Expedite Florida Department Of Health Medical License

The Florida Board of Medicine does not offer interim licenses, thus all supporting paperwork must be evaluated prior to final approval. But don’t panic, there are ways to accelerate the licensing process:

• Use Federal Credentials Verification Services (FCVS)

If you’ve already had your core credentials verified by FCVS, it can significantly speed things up.

• Understand Reciprocity and Endorsement Options

Florida does not provide reciprocity for licensure. However, if you’re licensed in another jurisdiction or have been practicing for at least two of the previous four years, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement.

• Utilize the IMLC

Florida is an IMLC state. Physicians who are members of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) are eligible to practice medicine in this jurisdiction.

• Consider Professional Help

Navigating the complicated licensing procedures and paperwork may be challenging. A medical licensure service, such as MedicalLicensing.com, may simplify the procedure, saving you time and effort.

Florida Medical License Service

At MedicalLicensing.com, we understand the complexity of the licensing process and are prepared to give experienced support with everything from application completion and documents submission to navigating laws and requirements. 

Allow us to perform the administrative tasks while you focus on your patients.