Medical marijuana renewals by telehealth
In Florida, telehealth is allowed only for renewals. If our physician has already certified you after an in-person exam, your later re-evaluations can be done by video. First visits, and first visits after switching from another doctor, must be in person at our Temple Terrace office. That is state law, not our preference.
| Telehealth rule | 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. 1 |
|---|---|
| First certification | Before an initial certification, the physician must do an in-person physical exam, meaning the physician is physically in the same room as the patient. 1 |
| Re-evaluation required | at least once every 30 weeks 1 |
| Telehealth renewal visit | $85 (regularly $110) 1 |
Can I renew my Florida medical marijuana certification online?
Yes, if the physician renewing you is the same physician who 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.
This comes from section 381.986(4)(a)1. of the Florida Statutes. The rule follows the doctor-patient relationship, not the card. Having a state ID card does not by itself make you eligible for a telehealth visit with a new doctor.
Who can use telehealth at Horizon Releaf?
Existing patients whom our physician has examined in person and certified can use telehealth for their re-evaluations. Everyone else starts with one in-person visit.
| Your situation | Visit type |
|---|---|
| New patient, never certified | In person in Temple Terrace |
| Certified before by a different physician | In person in Temple Terrace (a transfer) |
| Certified by our physician after an in-person exam | Telehealth |
| Our patient whose certification lapsed | Telehealth is allowed by law; we confirm when you book |
Why does Florida require the first visit in person?
Florida law requires a physical exam in the same room before any initial certification. Before an initial certification, the physician must do an in-person physical exam, meaning the physician is physically in the same room as the patient.
Some websites advertise a fully online Florida card for new patients. Under the current statute, a first certification cannot be issued that way. We would rather tell you plainly than have your certification questioned later.
What do I need for a telehealth visit?
You need a device with a camera and microphone, a steady internet connection, and a private place to talk. The visit is a real medical re-evaluation, so plan to be seated and free of distractions.
- A phone, tablet or computer with a working camera and microphone
- A stable internet connection, ideally Wi-Fi
- A quiet, private room where you can speak openly
- Your photo ID, to show on camera
- Any updates since your last visit: new diagnoses, new medications, hospital stays or test results
- A few minutes before the visit to finish any updated intake forms
What happens during a telehealth re-evaluation?
The physician reviews how you are doing since your last visit and any changes in your health or medications, including any side effects and whether the plan still fits your needs.
If you still qualify, the physician enters a new certification in the Registry. If something has changed that needs a hands-on exam, you may be asked to come in person instead.
How often do I need a telehealth renewal?
Florida requires a re-evaluation before each new certification: at least once every 30 weeks. 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.
Your state ID card has its own yearly renewal, which you handle online with the state. Renewal applications can be submitted beginning 45 days before the card's expiration date.
How much is a telehealth renewal?
A telehealth renewal costs the same as an in-person renewal: $85, down from $110. Returning-patient discounts apply 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.
Common questions.
Can a new patient get a Florida medical marijuana card online?
No. Before an initial certification, the physician must do an in-person physical exam, meaning the physician is physically in the same room as the patient. Telehealth is only for re-evaluations with a physician who already examined you in person.
I have a card from another doctor. Can my first visit be telehealth?
No. The telehealth rule applies only to the physician who certified you after an in-person exam. Your first visit with our physician is in person in Temple Terrace, and later renewals can be by telehealth.
Can I still come in person for a renewal?
Telehealth is an option, not a requirement. If you would rather see our physician in the Temple Terrace office, tell us when you book.
Can I do a telehealth renewal from outside Florida?
Ask us before you book if you will be outside Florida at the time of the visit. For travel in general: Florida does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Other states set their own rules for visitors, so check with the state you are visiting.
Is a telehealth visit private?
Join from a private room where you can speak openly. The physician conducts the visit like any other medical visit, and your Registry information is protected by Florida's public records exemption for the Registry.
Does the telehealth visit renew my state ID card too?
No. The visit renews your certification. You renew your state ID card separately with the Florida Department of Health once a year. 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.
Renew from home
For existing Horizon Releaf patients whom our physician has examined in person.
Book your $85 renewalTHE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.
Sources
- Fla. Stat. § 381.986 (2026), Medical use of marijuana
- Florida DOH Office of Medical Marijuana Use — MMUR Identification Cards
- Constitution of the State of Florida, Art. X, § 29 (Medical marijuana production, possession and use)
- Florida DOH Office of Medical Marijuana Use — Frequently Asked Questions
- Fla. Stat. § 381.987 — Public records exemption for Registry personal identifying information (2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 456.062 — Advertisement of free or discounted services; required statement