Florida Board of Medicine Overview
The Florida Board of Medicine regulates physicians in Florida:
Key Statistics:
- Over 70,000 licensed physicians
- Third-largest physician workforce in the US
- Population served: 22+ million
- High demand due to retiree population and tourism
Contact Information:
- Website: flhealthsource.gov/mqa
- Phone: (850) 488-0595
- Applications: MQA Customer Contact Center
Florida is known for thorough review but offers telemedicine registration options for out-of-state physicians.
CME Requirements
Florida CME requirements for license renewal:
Total Hours: 40 hours every 2 years
Mandatory Topics:
- Controlled Substances/Opioids: 2 hours per cycle
- Prevention of Medical Errors: 2 hours per cycle
- Domestic Violence: 2 hours (one-time)
- Human Trafficking: 1 hour (one-time)
- HIV/AIDS: 1 hour (one-time, if not completed previously)
Accepted Credits:
- AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
- AOA Category 1-A
- Florida-approved CME providers
Important Notes:
- Risk management CME highly recommended
- Mandatory topics must be from Florida-approved providers
- 20 of 40 hours may be online
- Keep certificates for 4+ years for audits
Initial License Application
To obtain a Florida medical license:
Requirements:
- Graduate of approved medical school
- Complete ACGME or AOA-accredited residency
- Pass USMLE or COMLEX within allowed attempts
- Fingerprint background check
- No disciplinary actions or must disclose
Application Process:
- Submit online application through MQA portal
- Submit fingerprints through LiveScan
- Request credential verification (FCVS recommended)
- Pay fees
- Await board review
Fees:
- Application fee: $505
- Fingerprint processing: ~$85
- Unlicensed activity fee: $5
- Total initial: ~$600
Timeline: 6-10 weeks for complete applications
License Renewal
Florida medical license renewal:
Cycle: Biennial (every 2 years)
Expiration: January 31 of odd-numbered years for MDs
Renewal Fee: $360
Process:
- Complete 40 CME hours with mandatory topics
- Access renewal through MQA online services
- Answer renewal questions
- Pay fee
- Submit
Important Dates:
- Renewal notice: 90 days before expiration
- Late fee: $100 if renewed after expiration
- Delinquent period: Up to 2 years with penalties
- After 2 years: License becomes null; must reapply
CME Tracking: Florida tracks CME electronically through CE Broker for some professions.
Florida-Specific Considerations
Unique aspects of Florida medical practice:
IMLC Status: Florida is a full IMLC member, offering expedited multi-state licensing.
Telemedicine Registration: Florida offers a telemedicine registration for out-of-state physicians who exclusively practice telemedicine with Florida patients.
Controlled Substances:
- Florida PDMP (E-FORCSE) registration required
- Must check PDMP before prescribing opioids
- Dispensing permit required for in-office dispensing
- State controlled substance license through DEA
Unique Requirements:
- Financial Responsibility: $100k/$300k malpractice or hospital coverage
- Training: 8 hours HIV/AIDS (one-time for initial licensure)
- Pain Management: Additional requirements for pain clinics