How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida: Step-by-Step Guide
Want to legally buy medical marijuana in Florida? Here's what you need to know:
Eligibility:
Be a Florida resident (permanent or seasonal).
Be 18+ or have a caregiver if you're a minor.
Have a qualifying medical condition like cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, or anxiety.
Costs:
Annual registration fee: $75.
Doctor evaluations: $147+ per visit.
Total cost: Around $473 per year.
Steps:
Gather proof of residency and medical records.
See a state-certified doctor for approval.
Register online or by mail with the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
Pay the $75 state fee and wait for approval.
Renewal:
Renew your card annually ($75).
Recertify with your doctor every 210 days.
Important: Out-of-state cards are not accepted, and public use is prohibited. Stay compliant to maintain access.
Florida Medical Card Requirements
To get a medical card in Florida, you need to confirm you meet the state's residency and medical condition guidelines.
Proof of Florida Residency
Florida requires proof of residency to apply for a medical card.
Permanent residents must provide a valid Florida Driver's License or State ID card.
Seasonal residents need two documents from the following list:
A deed, mortgage statement, or residential lease agreement
A utility bill (dated within the last 2 months)
Bank or financial institution statements (dated within the last 2 months)
Mail from a government agency (dated within the last 2 months)
A utility hookup order (issued within the last 60 days)
Once residency is established, you’ll need to confirm that your medical condition qualifies under Florida law.
Medical Conditions That Qualify
Florida has a list of specific conditions that qualify for medical marijuana use:
Primary Conditions Other Conditions Cancer Chronic nonmalignant pain Epilepsy Terminal conditions Glaucoma Comparable medical conditions HIV/AIDS Severe & Chronic Pain PTSD Severe Nausea ALS Muscle Spasms Crohn's disease Anxiety Parkinson's disease Diabetes Multiple sclerosis Lupus
Doctors in Florida can also approve conditions that are similar to those listed above. For example, conditions such as anxiety, chronic back pain, or severe nausea may qualify if properly diagnosed.
Finally, check the age and caregiver requirements to ensure full eligibility.
Age and Caregiver Requirements
Patients 18 or older can apply on their own.
Caregivers must be at least 21 years old and a Florida resident.
For minor patients, additional steps are required:
Provide a certified birth certificate or a current Florida K-12 school registration record.
The parent or guardian must present a valid Florida Driver's License or State ID.
Caregivers must also:
Register with Florida's medical marijuana use registry.
Submit a written agreement to assist the patient.
Complete a Department of Health caregiver certification course.
Renew their certification every two years.
Ensure all addresses match the records in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR).
Getting a Doctor's Approval
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to obtain a physician's recommendation. Start by finding a certified doctor through state-approved resources.
Finding an Approved Doctor
The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) provides a database to help you locate certified physicians:
Visit the OMMU website and access the "Qualified Physician List."
Use the "Medical Marijuana Qualified Physician Search" tool.
Narrow the results by your location and preferred medical specialty.
Appointments with certified physicians are available for $147 per visit.
What to Bring to Your Visit
To make the evaluation process as smooth as possible, have these items ready:
Required Documents Details Medical Records Recent documentation of your qualifying condition Government ID Florida Driver's License or State ID Proof of Residency Documents that meet residency requirements Medical History A list of current medications and treatments Payment Method Accepted forms include credit card, debit card, or cash
If you have chronic, undiagnosed mental health concerns, reach out to our call center for a referral to an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).
Getting Your Patient ID Number
Here's how to complete this step:
Email Registration: Provide your email address to your physician so they can register you in the system.
Registry Access: Once your information is entered, you'll receive two emails from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use - one with your username and another with a temporary password.
Account Setup: Log in to the registry using these credentials and finish setting up your profile. This process usually takes 24–48 hours after the doctor approves your application.
Submitting Your Application
Once you have your Patient ID, you can complete your application through the OMMU.
Online vs. Mail Application Steps
You have two ways to submit your application: online or by mail.
Online Application:
Log into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
Fill out the digital application form.
Upload a valid Florida driver's license or state ID.
Pay the $75 fee using a credit or debit card.
Submit the application online.
Mail Application:
Download and print the application form.
Fill out all required fields.
Include a $75 check or money order.
Mail everything to:
Office of Medical Marijuana Use
PO Box 31313
Tampa, FL 33631-3313
Documents and Fees Required
Requirement Type Details State Fee $75 annual registration fee Primary ID Valid Florida driver's license or state ID card Seasonal Resident Proof Two documents showing residency (if applicable) Minor Patient Requirements Certified birth certificate or current K-12 school registration, plus a parent/guardian's Florida ID
Important: Ensure the name and address on all documents match the information in your application.
Follow-Up and Verification
The Registry automatically verifies residency through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) database when your ID details match their records. If you encounter delays or need assistance, call OMMU support at 800-808-9580.
After submitting, keep an eye on your application status as the system processes your residency verification.
Using and Maintaining Your Card
Buying Medical Marijuana
With an active MMUR ID Card, you can legally buy medical marijuana from state-approved Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers in Florida.
Important Guidelines:
Always transport products in their original packaging.
Using marijuana in vehicles is not allowed.
Public use, including on public transportation, is prohibited.
Employers are not obligated to permit medical marijuana use.
How to Purchase:
Visit licensed centers in person.
Opt for delivery from approved dispensaries.
To maintain eligibility, ensure you renew and recertify your card regularly.
Card Renewal Steps
Keeping your card current is crucial for uninterrupted access. Here's what you need to know:
Requirement Timing Cost Card Renewal Annually $75 ($77.75 with online fee) Physician Recertification Every 210 days (7 months) $150–$300 Renewal Application Window 45 days before expiration N/A
Annual Card Renewal Process:
Log into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
Update and verify your personal information.
Upload an updated photo from your Florida State ID.
Submit your electronic signature.
Pay the renewal fee.
Physician Recertification:
After your initial in-person certification, telehealth appointments are available for recertification.
Missing your appointment could lead to a lapse in eligibility.
Helpful Tips:
Keep track of your renewal and recertification dates.
Start the renewal process 45 days before your card expires.
Ensure your registry contact information is accurate.
Watch your email for important renewal notifications.
Conclusion
Obtaining and keeping a Florida medical marijuana card requires meeting specific rules and deadlines. The yearly cost is approximately $473.
Important Deadlines
Physician recertification: Every 210 days
Renewal applications: Submit at least 45 days before your card expires
Follow-up appointments: Stay regular with your doctor visits
Compliance Details
The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) manages the state’s program.
Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are not accepted in Florida.
Failing to recertify on time or letting your card expire can interrupt your legal access. The OMMU's patient registry system helps you stay on track with certifications and ensures compliance with state laws.