Florida medical licenses renew every two years, and you'll handle the process through the Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance

Your renewal window opens 90 days before your license expires. The state sends a renewal notice to the address on file, but that notice is informational — it's your responsibility to renew before the expiration date, whether or not you receive it. You can renew online through the Department of Health's licensing portal, by mail, or in person at their office in Tallahassee.

The renewal itself is straightforward if you meet the continuing education requirement. Florida requires 40 hours of continuing medical education (CME) during the two-year cycle, with specific rules about what counts. You'll need to report your CME hours when you renew, and the state spot-checks records — so keep documentation from your CME provider for at least five years after renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Your renewal window opens 90 days before expiration, and you must renew before the license expires or you cannot legally practice.
  • Florida requires 40 hours of continuing medical education during each two-year cycle, with at least 2 hours in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
  • Online renewal through the Department of Health portal is the fastest route and takes about 15 minutes if your CME hours are documented and ready.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and whether you hold additional certifications, so check the current fee schedule on the Department of Health website before you submit.
  • If you renew after your license expires, you may face a late fee and a period during which you cannot practice, so renewing early in your window prevents gaps.

What counts as continuing medical education in Florida

CME hours must come from accredited providers. The Florida Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and specialty boards like the American Board of Internal Medicine all offer CME that counts. Online courses, in-person conferences, and journal-based learning all may have access to as long as the provider holds accreditation recognized by Florida.

Two of your 40 hours must specifically cover HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. This requirement exists across all license types — MD, DO, and physician assistant. The remaining 38 hours can be in any medical topic relevant to your practice. Some physicians complete all 40 hours in their specialty; others mix general medicine with specialty-specific content.

Self-study and reading alone do not count. You need a provider who issues a certificate of completion with your name, the course title, the number of hours, and the date. Keep these certificates in a file — the state does not collect them at renewal, but audits pull them randomly, and you'll need them to prove compliance if selected.

Renewing online through the Department of Health portal

Online renewal is available at the Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance website. You'll log in with your license number and date of birth, then enter your CME information directly into the form. The system asks for the course title, provider name, number of hours, and completion date for each course you took during the cycle.

Have your CME certificates in front of you before you start. Entering the information takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you've gathered the details. The system calculates whether you've met the 40-hour requirement and flags any gaps — for example, if you're short on HIV/AIDS hours, it will tell you before you submit.

After you submit, you'll see a confirmation page with a transaction number. The state processes online renewals within one to two business days. You'll receive an email confirming the renewal is complete, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. Your license remains active during this period as long as you renewed before the expiration date.

Renewing by mail or in person

If you prefer not to renew online, you can request a paper renewal form from the Department of Health by phone at 850-245-4444 or read it from their website. Fill out the form, list your CME hours with the same detail you would enter online, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mail time in both directions. If you're close to your expiration date, mail renewal risks a gap in your license. In-person renewal at the Department of Health office in Tallahassee is faster; you can walk in during business hours, submit your form and payment, and receive confirmation the same day. The office is located at 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Building C, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee depends on your license type. An MD or DO license costs one amount; a physician assistant license costs another. The Department of Health website lists the current fee schedule, which can change year to year. Most physicians pay between $400 and $600 for a two-year renewal, but verify the exact amount before you submit because the fee structure has changed in recent years.

Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail and in-person renewal accept checks, money orders, and credit cards. Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by check, make it out to the "Department of Health" and include your license number on the check so the payment is matched to your account correctly.

What happens if you renew late

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally practice medicine in Florida until the renewal is complete. This includes telemedicine, consultations, and any clinical work. Renewing after expiration incurs a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee — the amount varies, but it's typically $100 to $200 on top of the base renewal cost.

The state also requires you to complete a form acknowledging that you practiced or attempted to practice on an expired license, if that occurred. This does not result in disciplinary action if the gap was brief and unintentional, but it creates a record. To avoid this situation, renew during your 90-day window — most physicians renew 60 days before expiration to may support processing time.

Updating your address and other information

The Department of Health mails your renewal notice and new license to the address on file. If you've moved, update your address before you renew. You can change your address online through the licensing portal, by mail, or by calling 850-245-4444. Make the change at least two weeks before you renew so the renewal notice reaches you.

You can also update your phone number, email, and practice location during renewal. The form asks for these details, and updating them takes no extra time. If you've changed your name, you'll need to submit a copy of a legal document (marriage certificate, court order) along with your renewal to update your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Online renewal works from anywhere, and you can mail your renewal form from any state. You do not need to be in Florida to renew. Your license remains valid in Florida as long as you renew before expiration, regardless of where you live or practice.

What if I don't have all 40 CME hours by my renewal date?

You cannot renew until you complete the 40 hours. If you're short, you have two options: complete the remaining hours before your renewal date, or request a renewal extension from the Department of Health if you're close to completion. Extensions are not automatic, so contact the department as soon as you realize you'll be short.

Do I need to submit my CME certificates with my renewal?

No. You report the hours on the renewal form, but you keep the certificates yourself. The state does not collect them at renewal. However, if you're selected for an audit, you'll need to provide the original certificates as proof, so store them safely for at least five years after renewal.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license after I submit?

Online renewals are processed within one to two business days, and your new license is mailed within one to two weeks. Mail renewals take two to three weeks for processing plus mail time. Your license remains active during processing as long as you renewed before the expiration date.

What if the Department of Health rejects my renewal?

Rejections are rare and usually happen because of incomplete CME documentation or a mismatch in the hours reported. The department will contact you by phone or email explaining the issue. You'll have time to correct it — typically 10 to 15 days — before your license expires. Contact the department when ready if you receive a rejection notice.