How Do I Renew My Florida Medical Marijuana Card in 2026?
Florida's medical marijuana renewal process has two separate components that patients often confuse. Understanding the difference will help you maintain uninterrupted access to your medication.
Important: Florida is one of the only states that requires in-person physician evaluations. Telehealth appointments are not permitted for Florida MMJ certifications or renewals.
What Are the Quick Facts About Florida MMJ Renewal?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State Card Fee | $75 |
| Card Validity | 1 year |
| Physician Certification | Every 210 days (7 months) |
| Appointment Type | In-person only (no telehealth) |
| Start Renewal | 45 days before expiration |
| Card Format | Physical card mailed to you |
How Does Florida's Two-Part Renewal System Work?
Florida has a unique renewal structure that requires patients to maintain two separate authorizations:
1. Physician Certification (Every 210 Days)
Your qualified physician must recertify you every 210 days (approximately 7 months). This requires an in-person visit where your doctor:
- Reviews your current health status
- Confirms your qualifying condition persists
- Updates your treatment recommendation
- Submits your certification to the state registry
Cost: Physician fees typically range from $150-$200 per visit
2. State Registry Card (Annual)
Your physical MMJ card expires one year from issue date. The state renewal requires:
- Active physician certification (must be current)
- Payment of $75 state fee
- Updated photo and residency documentation
- Application through the OMMU registry
Timeline: Start 45 days before expiration to avoid gaps
How Do I Complete the Florida MMJ Card Renewal Step-by-Step?
Step 1: Maintain Your Physician Certification
Before you can renew your state card, ensure your physician certification is current. If it's been more than 210 days since your last doctor visit, schedule an in-person appointment with a qualified Florida MMJ physician.
Find certified physicians at the Florida OMMU Physician Search.
Step 2: Log Into the OMMU Registry
Visit Florida's Medical Marijuana Use Registry and log into your patient account using the email and password from your original registration.
Step 3: Select "Renew Card"
Once logged in, click the "Renew Card" button. This option becomes available 45 days before your card expires.
Step 4: Verify Your Information
Confirm your personal details are current:
- Current Florida address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Emergency contact (if applicable)
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
- Proof of Florida residency (driver's license, state ID, or utility bill)
- Passport-style photo (recent, clear photo with white background)
Step 6: Pay the $75 State Fee
Pay online through the registry using a credit or debit card.
Step 7: Wait for Your New Card
Your renewed card will be mailed to your registered address within 10-15 business days.
How Much Does Florida MMJ Card Renewal Cost?
| Fee Type | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Physician Recertification | $150-$200 | Every 7 months |
| State Card Renewal | $75 | Annual |
| Annual Total (Estimated) | $375-$475 |
Note: Physician fees vary by clinic. Some offer discounts for returning patients or veterans.
When Should I Renew My Florida Medical Card?
Physician Certification Timeline
- Day 1: Certification issued
- Day 180: Consider scheduling your next appointment
- Day 210: Certification expires - cannot purchase without renewal
State Card Timeline
- 45 days before expiration: "Renew Card" button appears in registry
- Expiration date: Card becomes invalid
- After expiration: Must complete full renewal process
Pro tip: Set calendar reminders for both your 210-day physician certification and your annual card renewal. These dates are rarely aligned, so track them separately.
What Documents Do I Need for My Florida MMJ Renewal?
For your physician appointment:
- Current Florida ID or driver's license
- Medical records related to your qualifying condition
- List of current medications
- Your existing MMJ card (if available)
For state registry renewal:
- Proof of Florida residency
- Passport-style photo (digital file)
- Payment method for $75 fee
What Happens If My Florida MMJ Card Expires?
If your card expires before you renew:
- You cannot legally purchase medical marijuana
- You cannot possess marijuana purchased with an expired card (legally)
- You'll need to complete the full renewal process
- There's no penalty fee, but you'll have a gap in legal access
If your physician certification expires: You must see a doctor in-person before you can renew your state card. The registry won't allow card renewal without an active certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Florida medical marijuana card online?
Partially. You can complete the state registry renewal online, but Florida requires all physician evaluations to be done in-person. Telehealth is not permitted for Florida MMJ certifications.
How much does it cost to renew my Florida MMJ card?
The state charges $75 for card renewal. Physician recertification costs $150-$200 depending on the clinic. Since you need physician recertification every 7 months, expect to spend $375-$475 annually.
How often do I need to renew my Florida medical marijuana card?
Your state card renews annually, but your physician certification expires every 210 days (about 7 months). You'll visit your doctor approximately twice per year.
Why does Florida require in-person evaluations?
Florida law specifically prohibits telehealth for medical marijuana certifications per Florida Statutes Chapter 381.986. The state requires a physical examination as part of the qualification process.
Can I use another state's medical marijuana card in Florida?
No. Florida does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. You must have a Florida-issued card to legally purchase or possess medical marijuana in Florida.
What if I miss my 210-day physician recertification?
If your physician certification expires, you cannot purchase medical marijuana until you see a doctor in-person and receive a new certification. Your state card may still be valid, but it's unusable without an active certification.
How long does it take to get my renewed Florida MMJ card?
After completing the online renewal and paying the $75 fee, expect your physical card within 10-15 business days.
Where Can I Find Florida Medical Marijuana Resources?
- Florida OMMU Official Website - Program information and FAQs
- Florida Patient Registry - Renew your card and manage your account
- Florida Statutes Chapter 381.986 - Medical marijuana laws
- Find Qualified Physicians - State physician search tool
- Florida Qualifying Conditions - Full list of qualifying conditions
- Find Florida Dispensaries - Licensed dispensary locations
Why Is Florida's Process Different?
Florida is one of the few states that maintained its in-person requirement after other states adopted telehealth during COVID-19. While this makes the process less convenient, Florida's medical marijuana program remains one of the largest in the country with over 800,000 registered patients.
If you're considering moving to Florida or visiting long-term, plan for the in-person evaluation requirement when budgeting time and money for your medical marijuana access.
Content verified as of December 2024. Sources: Florida Statutes Chapter 381.986, Florida OMMU official guidelines.