Switching your medical marijuana doctor in Florida

You can switch medical marijuana doctors in Florida at any time, but only one physician can hold an active certification for you in the state Registry. Your first visit with our physician is an in-person exam in Temple Terrace. If you still qualify, the physician enters a new certification, and later renewals can be by telehealth.

Key facts
One physician at a time	A patient may have an active certification from only one qualified physician at a time; the physician checks the Registry before certifying. ¹
First visit with a new physician	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
Later renewals	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
Transfer visit	$85 (regularly $110) ¹

Can I switch medical marijuana doctors in Florida?

Yes. Your certification is between you and a qualified physician, and you can choose a different physician. The law sets one limit: A patient may have an active certification from only one qualified physician at a time; the physician checks the Registry before certifying.

People switch for ordinary reasons. They moved, their old clinic closed, prices changed, or they want more time with the doctor. You do not need to give a reason.

What is Florida's one-physician rule?

The one-physician rule means the Registry can show only one active certification for you, from one qualified physician. It comes from section 381.986(4)(a)6. of the Florida Statutes.

Before certifying you, a physician must check the Registry. If another physician's certification is still active, a new one cannot simply be added on top of it.

How does a transfer work in the Registry?

A transfer is a new certification from a new physician. Nothing is moved from your old doctor's file. Our physician examines you, decides whether you qualify, and if you do, enters a new certification in the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR), run by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use.

If your previous certification is still active, it has to end or be ended before the new one can be entered. We check the Registry at your visit and tell you exactly what is needed, so you are not left guessing.

Book a transfer visit and complete the online intake and consent.
See our physician in person in Temple Terrace for a physical exam.
If you qualify, the physician enters a new certification in the Registry.
Keep your state ID card current, and renew it with the state when it is due.

Why is my first visit in person if I already have a card?

Because the telehealth rule follows the physician, not the patient. 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. Our physician has not examined you yet, so Florida law requires an in-person exam first.

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. After that first visit, your re-evaluations with our physician can be done by telehealth.

What happens to my state ID card when I switch?

Your ID card is issued to you by the Florida Department of Health, not by your doctor. Switching physicians changes who certifies you. It does not change who holds the card.

The card still has its own yearly renewal. 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. So when your card comes due, make sure your new certification is already active.

What should I bring to a transfer visit?

Bring proof of Florida residency and any records that describe your condition. Adults prove Florida residency with a valid Florida driver license or Florida ID card. Seasonal residents without one may submit two proof-of-address documents (such as a lease, deed, recent utility bill, or recent government or bank mail). Minors submit a birth certificate or Florida K-12 school record plus a parent or guardian's Florida license or ID.

Your Florida driver license or Florida ID card
Records from your previous physician, if you have them
Records from your other doctors about your condition
A list of your current medications

How much does a transfer cost?

A transfer visit at Horizon Releaf is $85, down from $110. The state ID card fee is separate and paid to the state: $75, paid to the Florida Department of Health (plus a $2.75 convenience fee when paying online). You do not pay it again just because you switched doctors.

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.

Common questions.

Do I need to tell my old doctor I am switching?

You do not need to give a reason. The law allows only one active certification at a time: A patient may have an active certification from only one qualified physician at a time; the physician checks the Registry before certifying. If your old doctor's certification is still active, it may need to end before our physician can enter a new one. We check this at your visit and explain the next step.

Can I transfer to Horizon Releaf by telehealth?

No. The first visit with a new physician must be in person. 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. After that, your renewals with our physician can be by telehealth.

Will I need a new state ID card?

Switching doctors does not by itself change your card, which is issued to you by the state. You still renew it every 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.

Is a transfer approval certain?

No. Our physician makes an independent medical decision at your exam. Having been certified by another physician does not mean you will be certified here, so bring records that describe your condition.

How long does a transfer take?

The visit itself is a normal exam. If you qualify and no other physician's certification is active, our physician enters the new certification in the Registry. If an old certification is still active, it has to end first.

Does the discount apply to my first transfer visit?

Returning-patient discounts start with your second visit at Horizon Releaf. Your first transfer visit is $85.

Switch to Horizon Releaf

One in-person visit in Temple Terrace, then renewals by telehealth.

Book your $85 transfer

THE 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

Medically reviewed by a licensed Horizon Releaf physician · Last reviewed 2026-09-26