Florida MD License Renewal: The Basic Process

Florida medical doctors renew their licenses every two years through the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance. You must complete the renewal before your license expires — practicing on an expired license is illegal. The state sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you are responsible for meeting the important date even if you do not receive the notice.

Renewal happens online through the Florida Department of Health's licensing portal, by mail, or in person at their office in Tallahassee. Most physicians use the online system because it is faster and you receive confirmation when ready. The renewal fee is set by the state and does not vary by specialty or practice setting.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida MD licenses expire every two years, and you must renew before the expiration date shown on your current license.
  • Continuing medical education (CME) hours are required for renewal — the exact number depends on whether you hold a standard license or a restricted license.
  • You can renew online through the Florida Department of Health portal, which is the fastest method and gives you when ready confirmation.
  • If you miss the renewal important date, you cannot practice medicine legally in Florida until you complete a late renewal and pay any applicable penalties.

CME Requirements Before You Renew

Florida requires physicians to complete continuing medical education hours before renewal. A standard MD license requires 40 CME hours during the two-year renewal period, with at least 20 hours in live or interactive format. The remaining 20 hours can be completed through self-study, online courses, or other approved methods.

Certain CME topics are mandatory. You must complete at least 2 hours in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, 2 hours in domestic violence, and 1 hour in opioid prescribing and pain management. These requirements change periodically, so check the Division of Medical Quality Assurance website for the current list before you take courses.

CME providers must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or approved by the Florida Medical Association. Keep documentation of all courses you complete — the state may request proof during or after renewal. If you cannot meet the CME requirement by your renewal date, you must request a waiver or extension before your license expires.

How to Renew Online

Log into the Florida Department of Health's online licensing system using your license number and date of birth. You will need to verify your current address, confirm your CME completion, and review your license information for accuracy. The system will calculate the renewal fee based on your license type and any applicable surcharges.

Upload proof of CME completion if the system requests it. Some providers report CME directly to the state, so you may not need to submit documentation yourself — the portal will show whether your hours are already recorded. Pay the renewal fee by credit card or electronic check. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If you renew online, you do not need to mail any documents or visit an office. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your license remains valid until the new one arrives, as long as you completed renewal before the expiration date.

Renewing by Mail or In Person

If you prefer not to renew online, you can request a renewal process by mail from the Division of Medical Quality Assurance or read the form from their website. Complete the process, attach proof of CME completion, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the state receives your process. If you are close to your expiration date, mail renewal is risky because delays in postal delivery or processing could result in your license expiring before renewal is complete. In-person renewal at the Division office in Tallahassee is also available but requires travel and an appointment.

What Happens If Your License Expires

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally practice medicine in Florida. Seeing patients, writing prescriptions, or performing any medical services on an expired license violates state law and can result in disciplinary action by the Medical Board. Your malpractice insurance may also be void if you practice on an expired license.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it — there is no time limit on late renewal. However, you may owe a late renewal penalty in addition to the standard renewal fee. The penalty amount varies depending on how long the license has been expired. You must also complete any CME hours that were due during the expired period before the state will process your renewal.

Contact the Division of Medical Quality Assurance when ready if your license has expired. They can tell you the exact penalty amount and whether you need to complete additional CME hours. Some physicians also notify their patients and their malpractice carrier to explain the situation.

Specialty Licenses and Restricted Licenses

If you hold a restricted license — such as a license to practice only in a specific setting, under supervision, or in a limited capacity — your renewal process is the same, but your CME requirements may differ. Some restricted licenses require fewer CME hours or have different mandatory topics. Check your license certificate or the Division website to confirm your specific requirements.

If you hold multiple licenses (for example, an MD and a DEA registration), each renews on its own schedule. Your Florida medical license and your federal DEA registration are separate and do not renew at the same time. Keep track of both expiration dates to avoid gaps in your ability to prescribe controlled substances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Florida MD license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online from anywhere, and the state will mail your renewed license to any address you provide. You do not need to be a Florida resident to hold or renew a Florida medical license. Many physicians maintain Florida licenses while practicing in other states.

What if I did not complete all my CME hours by the renewal important date?

Contact the Division of Medical Quality Assurance before your license expires and request a waiver or extension. The state may grant a short extension if you can show you are actively completing the remaining hours. If your license expires without an extension, you will need to complete the CME hours as part of late renewal.

Do I need to renew my DEA registration at the same time as my Florida license?

No. Your DEA registration is federal and renews on a separate schedule, usually every three years. You must track both dates separately. If your DEA registration expires, you cannot prescribe controlled substances even if your Florida license is current.

How much does it cost to renew a Florida MD license?

The renewal fee is set by the state and changes periodically. Check the Division of Medical Quality Assurance website or your renewal notice for the current fee. Late renewal fees are additional and increase the longer your license remains expired.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must personally complete the renewal process and certify that your information is accurate. You cannot authorize another person to renew on your behalf, though you can hire a licensing service to help you gather documents and track important date.