Renewing your medical license in Florida is essential to continue practicing legally and maintaining compliance with state requirements. This guide simplifies the renewal process for physicians—covering everything from application steps and CME requirements to background screening and special cases such as Area of Critical Need (ACN) licenses.
Taino Consultants and EPICompliance are here to help you streamline the process through efficient compliance management, online CME training, and documentation tracking tools.
1. Renewal Application: Start Early and Stay Compliant
The renewal process begins 90 days before your license expiration date. You will receive a renewal notice from the Florida Board of Medicine or Florida Department of Health (DOH).
Most physicians renew online via the DOH’s Online Portal:
- Log in to your account.
- Verify your personal and professional information.
- Answer eligibility and compliance questions.
- Pay the renewal fee securely online.
If you need to change your name, license status, or other details, renewal by mail may be required.
⚠️ Important: If you miss the deadline, your license becomes delinquent. Continued failure to renew can lead to a null and void license, requiring full reapplication.
2. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements
Continuing Medical Education ensures that your clinical knowledge and ethical standards remain current. Florida physicians must complete CME hours within each two-year renewal cycle, as outlined by the Florida Board of Medicine CME Requirements.
MDs (Allopathic Physicians)
- 38 total hours every two years
- Must include:
- 2 hours on Prevention of Medical Errors
- 2 hours on Controlled Substances Prescribing (if prescribing)
- 2 hours on Domestic Violence every third renewal
First-time renewals:
Only 2 hours on Medical Errors and 1 hour on HIV/AIDS required.
DOs (Osteopathic Physicians)
- 40 total hours every two years, with at least 20 live hours
- Must include:
- 2 hours on Medical Errors
- 1 hour on Professional & Medical Ethics and Florida Laws
- 2 hours on Controlled Substances (if prescribing)
First-time renewals: Follow the Board of Osteopathic Medicine’s specific guidance.
DPMs (Podiatric Physicians)
- 40 total hours every two years
- Must include:
- 2 hours on Medical Errors
- 1 hour on Laws and Rules
- 1 hour on Risk Management
- 2 hours on Controlled Substances (if prescribing)
- Attendance at one Board Meeting for first-time renewals
DEA-Registered Providers
If you hold a DEA license, you must complete a one-time, 8-hour course on opioid use disorder as required by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
CME Tracking via CE Broker
Florida requires CME reporting through CE Broker.
- Create a free Basic Account to track completed courses.
- Upload certificates or confirm automatic reporting from providers.
- Verify hours before renewal.
CME hours do not carry over to the next renewal cycle.
3. Background Screening and Fingerprinting
Before renewal, every physician must complete an electronic background screening using LiveScan technology. This process ensures patient safety and compliance with Florida law.
Steps:
- Schedule fingerprinting with a state-approved LiveScan Provider.
- Bring two forms of government-issued ID.
- Ensure prints are submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) system.
You can check your fingerprint status or update records via the Clearinghouse Applicant Initiated (CHAI) portal.
Fingerprints are valid for five years; renewal notices are sent before expiration.
4. Special Case: Area of Critical Need (ACN) Licenses
The Area of Critical Need (ACN) license allows physicians to serve in underserved communities such as correctional facilities and health departments.
Key requirements:
- Renew every two years
- Complete the same CME and background checks as other licensees
- For first-time renewals:
- Complete courses on Medical Errors and HIV/AIDS
- Add Controlled Substance Prescribing if applicable
Physicians who have not practiced in three years may be required to undergo retraining or supervision.
You may only practice at the approved sites listed on your ACN license.
Learn more at the Florida ACN License Page.
5. Florida Medical License Renewal Checklist
✅ Begin your renewal 90 days before expiration
✅ Complete all required CME courses and verify through CE Broker
✅ Finish your background screening and fingerprinting
✅ Update your contact and employment information
✅ Pay your renewal fee via flhealthsource.gov
✅ Keep digital copies of certificates and receipts
✅ If holding an ACN license, confirm your practice site approval
- How Taino Consultants and EPICompliance Can Help
Taino Consultants
Taino Consultants supports healthcare professionals with:
- Document organization and compliance tracking
- Automated renewal reminders and documentation audits
- Guidance on policies, risk management, and practice standards
Their consulting expertise helps providers avoid missed deadlines and ensure full regulatory compliance.
EPICompliance
EPICompliance provides convenient, board-approved online CME training, including:
- Medical Errors for Florida Physicians
- Domestic Violence for Healthcare Professionals
- Controlled Substances Prescribing
- Human Trafficking Awareness for Healthcare
- HIPAA Privacy & Security and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
Courses are self-paced, certificate-based, and integrated with CE Broker for seamless reporting.
By combining Taino Consultants’ compliance systems and EPICompliance’s online training, physicians can manage both the administrative and educational aspects of renewal efficiently.
7. Final Thoughts
Renewing your Florida medical license doesn’t have to be stressful. With early preparation, organized documentation, and access to reliable compliance tools, you can stay fully licensed and focused on patient care.
Let Taino Consultants and EPICompliance simplify your renewal process—so you can concentrate on what matters most: delivering quality healthcare.
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