Medical marijuana card renewal in Florida

Why are there two different renewal clocks?

There are two clocks because two different things expire: your physician's certification and your state ID card. The certification is the medical part, and it lives in the state Registry. The ID card is the state's part, and you renew it yourself with the Florida Department of Health.

Keeping one current does not keep the other current. Many patients assume that renewing the card also renews the certification, or the other way around. It does not, and the gap between them is where most lapses happen.

How often does Florida require a physician re-evaluation?

Florida requires your physician to evaluate you again before issuing a new certification: at least once every 30 weeks. This comes from section 381.986(4)(g) of the Florida Statutes.

A certification also has a supply limit built in. One certification may cover no more than three 70-day supply limits (about 210 days), or six 35-day supply limits for marijuana in a form for smoking. When that runs out, or the time limit is reached, you need a new certification to keep buying from a treatment center.

At the visit, the physician reviews how you are doing, any changes in your health or medications, and whether you still meet the requirements. If you do, the physician enters a new certification in the Registry.

When do I renew my state ID card?

You renew your state ID card once a year, inside the renewal window. Renewal applications can be submitted beginning 45 days before the card's expiration date. The state says not to send a renewal before that window opens.

The fee is the same as the first card: $75, paid to the Florida Department of Health (plus a $2.75 convenience fee when paying online). You pay it to the state, not to us.

One newer rule links the two clocks. After the physician enters you in the Registry, you apply online in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (or by mail) with a photo, proof of Florida residency, an e-signature, and the $75 fee. Online applications average about 10 business days to approve. Since July 27, 2026, you can only apply or renew if you have a current or scheduled certification with open orders in the Registry. In practice, keep your certification current first, then renew the card.

Can I renew by telehealth?

Yes, if our physician has already certified you after an in-person exam. Telehealth is allowed only for renewals: a physician who already certified the patient after an in-person physical exam may do that patient's later exams and re-evaluations by telehealth.

If you were certified by a different physician, your first visit with our physician has to be in person in Temple Terrace. That is a transfer, and after it your later re-evaluations can be done by telehealth. See our transfer page for how it works.

What should I do if my certification or card has lapsed?

Book a re-evaluation first. Treatment centers check the Registry, so without an active certification you cannot buy, even if your card has not expired.

If you are an existing Horizon Releaf patient, the law still allows that re-evaluation by telehealth, because our physician examined you in person before. We confirm the visit type when you book.

If your ID card has expired, apply through the Registry again once your certification is active. One year. The state ID card must be renewed every year; the renewal application can be sent starting 45 days before the card expires. The Office of Medical Marijuana Use cards page explains the current application steps.

• Book your re-evaluation with our physician.
• Wait for the new certification to show in the Registry.
• Renew or reapply for your state ID card online and pay the state fee.
• Keep your approval email until your card record is active.

How much does a renewal cost?

A renewal visit at Horizon Releaf is $85, down from $110. The state card fee is separate: $75, paid to the Florida Department of Health (plus a $2.75 convenience fee when paying online).

Returning-patient discounts apply from your second visit on, with proof of eligibility: Veterans save $25, Seniors save $20, industry, faculty and USF members save $15, and a friend referral saves $15. Health insurers and government agencies are not required to reimburse any expenses for the medical use of marijuana, and marijuana is not reimbursable under Florida workers' compensation.