Medlicense

Florida State
Stay Updated with the Latest in Medical Licensing
Stay updated with the latest news, trends, and insights in medical licensing, including new regulations and tips for success.
5+-removebg-preview
Simplifying Medical Licensing
Centralized licensing storage
License expiry reminders
Visual license dashboard
Simplifying Medical Licensing
Centralized licensing storage
License expiry reminders
Visual license dashboard
Simplifying Medical Licensing
Benefits:
Centralized Licensing Storage
License Expiry Reminders
Visual License Dashboard
5+-removebg-preview

Physician Medical License Services Florida

Medical License Requirements

Medical licensing in Florida is regulated by the Florida Board of Medicine (FBOM) for MDs (Doctors of Medicine) and DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy). To apply for a medical license in Florida, the following information and documentation are required:

A. Personal Information

  • Full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN)

  • Contact information (phone number, email, mailing address)

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the U.S.

  • Disclosure of any name changes or aliases

Potential Challenge: Discrepancies in name, SSN, or missing documentation can cause delays.
Solution: Ensure personal information is accurate and up-to-date. Licensing services can pre-screen documents before submission.

B. Educational & Training Information

  • MD or DO degree from an LCME- or AOA-accredited medical school

  • Verification of postgraduate training (minimum of 1 year of ACGME-accredited training for MDs and DOs)

  • ECFMG certification (if foreign medical graduate)

  • Verification of training (residency, fellowship, or other postgraduate training)

Potential Challenge: Delays from schools or training institutions in processing verification requests.
Solution: Licensing professionals can directly follow up with institutions to speed up verification requests.

C. Examination Requirements

  • Passing scores on USMLE (Steps 1, 2, and 3) or COMLEX (Levels 1, 2, and 3) or equivalent

  • Official test score reports sent directly from the respective testing agencies

  • Florida Medical Jurisprudence Examination (if applicable for foreign-trained physicians)

Potential Challenge: Delays in receiving official test scores or failure to provide proper documentation.
Solution: Ensure scores are sent directly to the Florida Board of Medicine and request official documentation early.

D. Credentialing & Background Checks

  • Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) profile (recommended but not mandatory)

  • Background check and fingerprinting

  • Disclosure of any previous malpractice claims, disciplinary actions, or criminal convictions

  • Any history of substance abuse or mental health treatment

Potential Challenge: A flagged background check may result in delays or additional review.
Solution: Provide clear, comprehensive explanations and supporting documentation regarding any past issues.

E. Application Forms & Additional Documentation

  • Completed Florida Board of Medicine (FBOM) application form (submitted online)

  • Passport-style photo

  • Letters of recommendation (if applicable)

  • Verification of any prior medical licenses held in other states or countries

Potential Challenge: Errors or incomplete information on application forms can lead to rejection or delays.
Solution: Double-check all forms for completeness and accuracy before submission.

Application Process

  1. Create an account on the Florida Department of Health (DOH) website (Time: 1-2 days)

  2. Complete the online application and upload all required documents (Time: 2-4 weeks, depending on document availability)

  3. Pay the application fee and complete fingerprinting (Time: Immediate upon submission)

  4. Request third-party verifications (transcripts, training records, exam scores) to be sent directly to FBOM (Time: 4-8 weeks for processing by schools and institutions)

  5. Complete fingerprinting for the background check (Time: 1-3 weeks)

  6. Monitor the application status through the Florida Department of Health (DOH) portal (Time: 4-12 weeks, depending on application volume)

  7. If requested, appear before the Florida Board of Medicine for additional review (Time: Varies based on complexity)

  8. Once approved, receive a full medical license (Time: 1-2 weeks after final approval)

Total Estimated Processing Time: 8-16 weeks, but it may take longer if additional verification or review is required.

Potential Challenges & Solutions

  • Delays in third-party verifications: Medical schools and institutions may take a long time to respond.
    Solution: Licensing experts can follow up with verification sources to expedite the process.

  • Errors in documentation: Minor mistakes in forms can result in application rejection or delays.
    Solution: Pre-submit reviews to ensure all documents are accurate and complete.

  • High volume of applications: Processing time may increase during peak application periods.
    Solution: Apply early to avoid backlogs, or consult with a licensing expert to manage the timing.

License Renewals

  • Licenses must be renewed every 2 years

  • Renewal applications are submitted online via the Florida Department of Health website

  • Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements:

    • 40 hours of CME are required every 2 years

    • At least 2 hours in Florida Medical Ethics

    • 1 hour in Domestic Violence education every third renewal period

  • Renewal Processing Time: Typically 2-4 weeks

Potential Challenges & Solutions

  • Missed renewal deadlines: Failure to renew on time can result in penalties or suspension.
    Solution: Licensing professionals can track renewal dates and ensure timely submissions.

Incomplete CME documentation: Missing or improperly submitted CME credits may delay approval.
Solution: Ensure all CME credits are well-documented and meet Florida’s specific CME requirements.

Licensing Fees

  • Application Fee: $350

  • Initial License Issuance Fee: $250

  • Renewal Fee: $350

  • Late Renewal Penalty: $250 (if renewal is late but within grace period)

  • Background Check Fee: $75

  • Additional Fees for Compact License (IMLC): Varies based on IMLC participation

Potential Challenges & Solutions

  • Unpaid fees causing application holds: Missing payments can delay or halt the licensing process.
    Solution: Track and confirm all payments promptly to avoid application holds.

Changing IMLC fees: Compact license fees may fluctuate.
Solution: Licensing professionals keep applicants informed of fee changes and guide them accordingly.

Key Takeaways – Florida Medical Licensing

1. IMLC Participation & Faster Licensing

  • Florida participates in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), allowing physicians to obtain licensure in multiple states with expedited processing.

  • IMLC applicants typically receive their license in 4-6 weeks instead of the standard 8-16 weeks.

2. Processing Time & Delays

  • Average processing time: 8-16 weeks

  • 30% of applications face delays due to incomplete forms or missing documents.

  • Expert licensing services help reduce processing time by ensuring all documents are submitted correctly and proactively following up with verification sources.

3. Third-Party Verification Bottlenecks

  • Delays in obtaining third-party verifications (training, education, background check) can cause processing delays.

  • Direct coordination with verification sources can expedite the process.

4. License Renewal & Compliance Risks

  • Renewals are required every 2 years and must be submitted on time to avoid penalties or suspension.

  • CME requirements must be met, including specific topics like Florida Medical Ethics and Domestic Violence education.

5. Hospital Credentialing & Revenue Impact

  • Delays in credentialing new physicians or the hiring process may result in lost revenue for hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Expedited licensing services can help reduce credentialing time by ensuring faster license approvals.

FAQs

Everything you need to know about Florida Medical License

How do I apply for a medical license in Florida?

To apply for a medical license in Florida, you need to complete an online application form and submit it, along with the necessary documents and fees, to the Florida Board of Medical Examiners & Medical Licensure Commission. In addition, you’ll need to provide proof of medical school graduation, passage of nationally recognized exams, satisfactory completion of postgraduate education, and reference letters from previous practice locations.

To apply for a medical license in Florida, you need to complete an online application form and submit it, along with the necessary documents and fees, to the Florida Board of Medical Examiners & Medical Licensure Commission. In addition, you’ll need to provide proof of medical school graduation, passage of nationally recognized exams, satisfactory completion of postgraduate education, and reference letters from previous practice locations.

To apply for a medical license in Florida, you need to complete an online application form and submit it, along with the necessary documents and fees, to the Florida Board of Medical Examiners & Medical Licensure Commission. In addition, you’ll need to provide proof of medical school graduation, passage of nationally recognized exams, satisfactory completion of postgraduate education, and reference letters from previous practice locations.

To apply for a medical license in Florida, you need to complete an online application form and submit it, along with the necessary documents and fees, to the Florida Board of Medical Examiners & Medical Licensure Commission. In addition, you’ll need to provide proof of medical school graduation, passage of nationally recognized exams, satisfactory completion of postgraduate education, and reference letters from previous practice locations.

Still have questions? contact us

Ready to Start Your Licensing Journey?

Ready to Start Your Licensing Journey?

Ready to Start Your Licensing Journey?

Scroll to Top