Who qualifies for medical cannabis in Florida?

Florida law allows a qualified physician to recommend medical cannabis for any condition the physician believes a patient is likely to benefit from. The most commonly approved conditions include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic non-malignant pain, anxiety, arthritis, migraines, ADHD, IBS, and terminal illness. Even if your condition isn’t on that list, a qualified physician can certify you if a medical condition of the same kind or class would benefit from treatment.

Do I have to be a Florida resident?

Yes — you must be either a permanent or seasonal Florida resident. A permanent resident must show a Florida driver’s license or state ID. A seasonal resident must show two documents proving they’ve lived in Florida for at least 31 consecutive days each year, such as a Florida deed, mortgage, or utility bill. (Out-of-state medical cards are not accepted at AYR or any Florida dispensary.)

What’s the minimum age?

You must be 18 or older to apply for your own card. Patients under 18 can still qualify, but they need a parent or legal guardian to act as a caregiver, plus a second qualified physician must concur with the recommendation. (See the Caregivers & Minor Patients section for more.)

What’s the step-by-step process for getting my card?

Find a qualified physician. The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) maintains a public list at knowthefactsmmj.com. Your initial certification must be in person — telehealth is not allowed for the first visit (Florida Statute 381.986). Get certified. During your visit, the physician confirms a qualifying condition, discusses risks and benefits, and enters their recommendation into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR). Complete your patient application. Log in to the MMUR, fill out your application, upload your Florida ID or proof of seasonal residency, and pay the $75 state application fee by credit card or money order. Get approved. The OMMU typically processes applications in about 3–5 business days. Once approved, you’ll receive an approval email — that email plus your driver’s license is enough to shop at AYR right away. Your physical card arrives by mail in another 2–3 weeks.

Can I get certified by telehealth?

No. Florida law specifically prohibits telehealth for medical cannabis certifications. Both your initial certification and your 210-day recertifications must be in person.

How long is my Florida medical card valid?

Your state-issued Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID Card is valid for one year from the date the OMMU approves it, and you renew it annually with the state for a $75 fee.

What’s the difference between “renewal” and “recertification”?

Recertification is your in-person visit with your qualified physician, required every 210 days (about every 7 months), so they can re-enter your recommendation into the MMUR. Renewal is the once-a-year, $75 form you submit to the state to refresh your physical ID card. You need to do both to keep shopping without interruption.

When should I schedule my recertification?

Aim for two to three weeks before the 210-day mark. If your recommendation lapses, your purchase orders can’t be filled at AYR until your physician re-enters it. We can’t override that — it’s controlled by the state registry.

What happens if my card expires?

If your state-issued card expires, you can’t legally purchase. The OMMU allows a renewal application up to 45 days before the expiration date — we strongly recommend renewing in that window. If you let it lapse, you’ll need to submit a renewal and wait for processing before shopping again.

What ID do I bring to AYR?

Your Florida driver’s license or state ID and your Florida medical card (digital or physical). New patients waiting for their plastic card to arrive can show the OMMU approval email plus their Florida ID.

How do I log in to the MMUR for the first time?

Go to mmuregistry.flhealth.gov and click “Login.” Your username is the email address your physician entered during your visit. The OMMU sends two emails — one with your username, one with a temporary password (passwords are case-sensitive). On first login you’ll be prompted to change the password and set up security questions.

What can I do inside the MMUR?

Once you’re in, you can: complete or update your application, pay the application or renewal fee, upload your ID and residency documents, view your active recommendation, see your remaining 35-day and 70-day supply for each route of administration, designate or change a caregiver, request a replacement card, and view your card status.

What’s the “supply remaining” screen telling me?

Florida tracks your purchases in two rolling windows: a 35-day window for smokable flower (capped at 2.5 oz), and a 70-day window for every other route (vape, edible, tincture, topical, capsule, suppository), measured in milligrams of THC. When you check out at AYR, your purchase is logged against those rolling totals. The MMUR shows you exactly how much you have left.

Why was my purchase declined at AYR even though my card is active?

Almost always it’s one of three things: (1) your 210-day physician recommendation has expired and needs to be renewed in person, (2) you’ve hit your rolling 35-day or 70-day supply for that route, or (3) the MMUR is briefly offline. Our patient consultants can pull up the registry at the counter and tell you exactly which one it is.

How do I update my address, phone, or email in the MMUR?

Log in, click “Your Profile,” and edit the relevant fields. Address changes may require uploading new proof of residency. If you change your name (marriage, etc.), upload supporting documents and submit a card replacement request — the state charges a small replacement fee.

A caregiver is someone at least 21 years old who has been designated by a qualified patient (or by the parent/guardian of a minor patient) to purchase, transport, and administer medical cannabis on the patient’s behalf. Caregivers must complete a state certification course every two years and carry their own MMUR caregiver ID card.

When do I need a caregiver?

Most adults don’t. You’re likely to need one if you’re a minor patient, if you’re homebound or hospitalized, or if you simply want a trusted friend or family member to be able to pick up your medicine when you can’t.

How does a minor (under 18) become a Florida medical cannabis patient?

Three additional steps on top of the standard process: The parent or legal guardian must be designated as the caregiver in the application. Two qualified physicians must agree the benefits outweigh the risks, with the second physician’s concurrence documented in the patient’s medical record. The certifying physician submits a Consent for Minor Patient (CMP) form to the OMMU before the application is started.

Can my caregiver shop at AYR without me?

Yes. A registered caregiver with their MMUR caregiver card and a valid Florida ID can purchase and pick up products on your behalf, in store or as a delivery recipient. Caregivers can also place online orders linked to your patient profile.

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Florida

What is a Medical Marijuana Card?

A Florida Medical Marijuana Card is a state-issued ID that allows qualified patients to legally purchase, possess, and use medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries (Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, or MMTCs). The program is managed by the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).

How Do I Qualify?

To qualify in Florida, you must:

Be a permanent or seasonal resident of Florida
Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition
Be evaluated by a state-certified medical marijuana doctor
Be entered into the state Medical Marijuana Use Registry by that doctor

Qualifying conditions include:

Cancer
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety (under comparable conditions)
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Crohn's Disease
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
ALS
Chronic pain
Terminal illnesses

Doctors may also approve patients for conditions 'comparable' to the official list if they believe medical cannabis may help.

How Do I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card?

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with a Qualified Doctor

You must see a physician certified by the Florida OMMU. The first visit must be conducted in person. Contact OMMU-certified clinics — many offer free eligibility pre-screenings by phone before booking.

Step 2: Attend Your Medical Evaluation

The doctor will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, determine if you qualify, and — if approved — enter you into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry with their recommendation.

Step 3: Complete Your State Application

After approval, complete your application through the OMMU portal. You'll need a Florida Driver's License or State ID, proof of residency (seasonal residents), a passport-style photo, and the $75 state application fee.

Step 4: Receive Approval & Start Shopping

Most patients receive email approval before the physical card arrives in the mail. Once approved via email, you can begin shopping at licensed dispensaries immediately.

Are There Any Age Limitations?

Both adults and minors can qualify in Florida. Patients under 18 require approval from two qualified physicians, parental or legal guardian consent, and a registered caregiver attached to their account.

What Doctors Should I Contact?

Contact doctors specifically certified by the Florida OMMU and experienced in medical cannabis evaluations. Many clinics offer free eligibility pre-screenings by phone before your first appointment.

How Do I Use My Medical Marijuana Card?

Once approved, you can shop at licensed Florida dispensaries. Present your medical card (or approval email) and a government-issued ID. Available products include flower, vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and concentrates — within your doctor's recommended limits.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Medical Marijuana Card?

Legal access to medical cannabis in Florida
Access to regulated, lab-tested products
Higher purchase limits than hemp-derived products
Stronger product options available
Tax savings compared to recreational states
Access to dispensary-only promotions and discounts
Guidance from trained dispensary staff and physicians
Protection under Florida's medical marijuana laws when used legally

Frequently asked questions

Florida medical cannabis questions our patient teams hear every day.