How to Renew Your Florida Medical Marijuana Card

What is Medical Marijuana Renewal?

Medical marijuana renewal is the process of recertifying with a qualified Florida physician every 210 days (approximately 7 months) to maintain your legal right to purchase and possess medical marijuana.

Once your physician recommendation expires, you can no longer legally purchase medical marijuana at dispensaries—even if your state card appears valid. Both your state card AND your physician recommendation must be active.

The 210-Day Requirement

Florida state law mandates that every medical marijuana patient must have an in-person evaluation with a qualified physician at least once every 210 days. This requirement ensures:

• Your condition is still appropriately treated with medical marijuana
• Your physician is monitoring your treatment response
• Any changes in your health are documented
• Your care remains compliant with state law

This recertification cycle continues for as long as you maintain your medical marijuana card. It’s not a one-time renewal—it’s an ongoing requirement.

Early Renewal Option

You don’t have to wait until the last day. Florida allows patients to renew up to 45 days early. This is one of the most valuable features of the renewal system because it prevents access gaps.

Important: When you renew early, your new 210-day cycle starts from your renewal date—not from your old expiration date. This means renewing at day 165 gives you a fresh 210 days from that point forward.

Best practice: Schedule your renewal around day 165-180 of your current cycle. This ensures your new recommendation is approved and active before your old one expires.

Renewal Timeline: From Appointment to Approval

How Long Does Renewal Take?

The renewal process has two components: the clinic visit and the state approval.

Total timeline: From scheduling to approved card = typically 2-3 weeks (clinic appointment + 10-14 day state processing)

Is the Timeline the Same for Renewals as Initial Cards?

Yes and no.

On the clinic side: Renewals are faster and easier. You’re already in the system, your medical history is documented, and the physician already knows your case. The appointment itself takes about the same time (30 minutes), but there’s less paperwork.

On the state side: The timeline is identical. The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use processes renewals the same way they process initial applications. You should expect the same 10-14 business day approval window.

The key difference is that renewal appointments are usually easier to schedule because the clinic doesn’t need to do a full initial evaluation.

Renewal Cost Breakdown

How Much Does Renewal Cost?

Renewal costs are significantly lower than your initial certification. Here’s the exact breakdown:

The $99 renewal fee is 41% less than a first-time certification ($169). This reflects the clinic-side efficiency of working with an existing patient.

Money-Back Guarantee

My Florida Green stands behind every renewal. If you’re not satisfied with your renewal experience or if the physician doesn’t recommend you for renewal, you receive a 100% refund of our $99 physician fee (state fee is non-refundable, as it’s handled by Florida).

Renewal vs. Initial Certification: What’s Different?

Documentation Requirements

Initial certification requires:

• Valid Florida ID or proof of residency
• Medical history relevant to your qualifying condition
• Any recent test results or medical documentation
• Detailed discussion of your condition and treatment goals

Renewal requires:

• Valid Florida ID (still required)
• Brief updated physician evaluation
• No need to resubmit full medical records unless something has changed

The key difference: Your physician already knows your case. They’re updating their assessment, not starting from scratch.

What Makes Renewal Simpler?

You’re already in the system. My Florida Green already has your contact information, medical history summary, and patient profile. We don’t need to re-register you.

Your condition is documented. Your physician doesn’t need to re-evaluate whether you qualify—they’re verifying your continued qualification and treatment response.

Faster appointment scheduling. Renewal slots often fill faster because they require less time than initial evaluations. Many renewal appointments can be scheduled within 1-2 weeks.

What Stays the Same?

The state approval timeline. Both initial and renewal cards go through the same Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use approval process. Expect 10-14 business days in both cases.

The legal requirement. Whether it’s your first card or your fifth renewal, the state requires a physician evaluation. Telemedicine or remote-only certification is not an option for renewals in Florida.

The in-person appointment. You must visit one of My Florida Green’s locations (or another qualified clinic) for a face-to-face evaluation. This is a state requirement.

The 5 Most Important Renewal Questions Patients Ask

Question 1: “Can I Use My Old Card While I’m Waiting for Renewal Approval?”

Short answer: Sometimes—but only under specific conditions.

This is the #1 reason patients get surprised at the dispensary. Here’s what actually matters:

Two things must be active for dispensary purchases:

1. Your state card (issued by Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use) – must not be expired
2. Your physician recommendation (from your doctor) – must not be expired

If either expires, dispensaries will deny your purchase—even if the other is still valid.

What This Means in Practice:

Scenario 1 (Approved): Your state card is valid AND your physician recommendation is still active. You can continue purchasing at dispensaries while waiting for your renewal approval.

Scenario 2 (Denied): Your physician recommendation has expired but your state card is still valid. Dispensaries will block your purchase because the recommendation is missing. Your state card alone doesn’t matter.

Scenario 3 (Denied): Your state card has expired, even if your physician recommendation is current. You must have both active simultaneously.

Best Practice:

Schedule your renewal appointment before your recommendation expires. Not 30 days before—schedule it early. Aim to have your renewal physician visit completed around day 165-180 of your 210-day cycle. This gives you a buffer: your old recommendation stays active while your new one is being processed by the state.

Waiting until day 205 (the last week) creates unnecessary risk. If there’s any delay in state processing, you could lose access.

Question 2: “What If I’m Out of State During My Renewal Window?”

Yes, you can renew while traveling—with limits.

The state application can be completed from anywhere (you can submit documents online or via mail). However, the physician evaluation has a location requirement.

What You Need to Know:

The physician visit must happen in Florida. Florida law requires an in-person physician evaluation. You cannot renew via telehealth, phone, or remote visit for medical marijuana certification (this differs from other medical services).

You have options:

• Option 1: Schedule your renewal visit before you travel. Complete the appointment, and the state processing happens while you’re away.
• Option 2: Return to Florida during your renewal window, have the appointment, then travel again.
• Option 3: Renew early to avoid being out of state during your 210-day window.

If You’re a Seasonal Resident:

If you’re a seasonal visitor (snowbird, winter resident, etc.), plan your renewal around when you’re in Florida. Don’t wait until you’re traveling to schedule it. Many MFG patients renew in November before heading north for winter, or in April before returning home for summer.

Interstate Reciprocity:

After renewal, your Florida medical marijuana card is recognized in multiple other states, including Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and others. But to renew, you must be physically present in Florida during the physician visit.

Question 3: “Do I Need New Medical Records for Renewal?”

Usually no.

Most renewal patients do not need to gather new medical documentation. Your physician will base their renewal recommendation on:

• Your prior diagnosis (already documented)
• Your current symptoms and how they’ve changed
• How well medical marijuana is working for you
• Any changes in your treatment needs

The physician already has your baseline. They’re checking: “Is this patient still qualified, and is medical marijuana still appropriate for their condition?”

When New Documentation May Be Requested:

Your physician might ask for updated records only in these situations:

• Your condition has changed significantly – You’ve been diagnosed with a new condition, or your original condition has progressed substantially
• Your symptoms have evolved – You’re treating different symptoms than before, or your symptoms have become more severe
• There are qualification questions – The physician wants to verify your current condition still meets Florida’s qualifying criteria
• It’s been a long time since last documentation – If your original diagnosis documentation is more than 5 years old, the physician might want something more recent
• You’re switching physicians – A new doctor may want more complete records to understand your case

In these situations, we’ll let you know during your appointment scheduling what to bring. Most renewals don’t require this.

Question 4: “Can I Change Doctors When I Renew?”

Yes—100%. You are not locked to your original physician.

This is an important right that many patients don’t realize they have. You can:

• Switch from your original doctor to a different My Florida Green physician
• Leave My Florida Green and go to another qualified clinic
• Return to My Florida Green if you previously used another clinic

Your profile in Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry is not permanently tied to any single doctor or clinic. You own your medical marijuana patient status—not any particular provider.

Why Patients Switch Doctors:

Better scheduling: One physician has more availability than another

Location convenience: You moved, or prefer a different My Florida Green location (Naples, Melbourne, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Hialeah, Fort Myers)

Better rapport: You feel more comfortable with a different physician

Leaving MFG: You want to try another clinic entirely

How to Switch:

Simply tell us during your renewal scheduling that you’d like to see a different physician. If you’re leaving MFG entirely, notify us and we’ll help you transfer your records to your new clinic. The state system makes this seamless—your patient profile stays active regardless of which physician is overseeing it.

Question 5: “What If My Card Expires Before My Renewal Is Approved?”

This is where problems happen. Here’s what you need to know:

If your physician recommendation or state card expires before your renewal is approved by the state, you lose legal access to medical marijuana—immediately.

What “Expires” Means:

You cannot legally purchase or possess medical marijuana. Even if you have an active dispensary account or purchases in progress, once your card expires, dispensaries will deny access. There are no exceptions.

Even if your renewal is approved later, there’s no retroactive access. If you expire on Day 210 and your renewal approval comes through on Day 214, those 4 days without access are gone. You cannot make retroactive purchases.

Real-World Example:

Let’s say your recommendation expires on December 15th, and your renewal appointment is December 10th. The doctor approves renewal the same day. You think you’re fine—but then the state takes 14 days to process. Your new approval comes through December 24th.

Problem: You had zero legal access from December 15-24. Even though you were waiting for approval, you couldn’t legally purchase anything during that window.

How to Prevent This:

Renew early. This is the only fail-safe strategy.

Schedule your renewal appointment around day 165-180 of your 210-day cycle (not day 200+). This ensures:

• Your renewal appointment happens with plenty of time
• Your new recommendation is active before your old one expires
• The state has time to process without a deadline crunch
• You have a buffer for any processing delays

Don’t wait until the last week. That’s how access gaps happen.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card with My Florida Green

Step 1: Contact My Florida Green to Schedule

Call one of our locations or visit our website to schedule your renewal appointment.

Locations:

• Naples: 239-350-0266
• Melbourne: 321-250-2828
• Jacksonville: 904-539-3180
• St. Petersburg: 727-369-6230
• Sarasota: 941-217-7273
• Hialeah: 305-247-3171
• Fort Myers: 239-307-5307

Tell us you’re a renewal patient, and mention any physician preference or location preference. We’ll find an appointment that works with your schedule.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Appointment

Bring:

• Valid Florida ID or proof of residency
• Your current medical marijuana card (or registration number)
• Insurance card (if applicable)
• List of current medications (bring the bottles if possible)
• Any new medical documentation (only if physician requested it)

Be ready to discuss:

• How has your condition been since your last certification?
• How well is medical marijuana working for you?
• Any changes in symptoms or treatment needs?
• New medications or health changes?

Most renewal appointments take about 30 minutes.

Step 3: In-Person Physician Evaluation

During your appointment, the physician will:

• Review your current condition and medical history
• Discuss how medical marijuana is working for you
• Ask if anything has changed since your last visit
• Evaluate whether you still qualify for medical marijuana
• Provide guidance on your treatment plan

This is a straightforward evaluation. It’s not a full initial workup—it’s an update on your existing case.

Step 4: Physician Submits Recommendation

After your appointment, the physician submits your renewal recommendation electronically to the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use. This usually happens within 24 hours.

Step 5: Complete State Application

You’ll receive notification that it’s time to complete the state application. My Florida Green staff will help you with this process:

• Update your information in the state system (if anything has changed)
• Pay the $77.75 Florida Department of Health fee
• Submit the renewal application

This takes about 15-20 minutes and can be done online or with staff assistance.

Step 6: Wait for State Approval

The Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use processes your renewal. Standard timeline: 10-14 business days.

You’ll receive an email notification when your renewal is approved, along with your updated card information.

Step 7: You’re Approved—Return to Dispensaries

Once approved, you can immediately resume purchasing at any Florida-licensed dispensary. Your new registration is active in the state system.

Your physical replacement card arrives by mail within 2-3 weeks. Until then, you can show your approval email or online registration to dispensaries if needed.

Common Renewal Scenarios

Scenario 1: “I Renewed Early and Got Approved—How Long Until My New 210 Days Starts?”

Your new 210-day cycle starts immediately upon approval.

If you renew on Day 165 and get approved on Day 167, your new expiration date is Day 167 + 210 days. Your old expiration date no longer matters.

Scenario 2: “I Switched Locations Since My Last Card. Can I Renew at a Different My Florida Green Office?”

Yes, absolutely. Schedule at whichever location is most convenient for you. All My Florida Green physicians can process your renewal.

Scenario 3: “My Condition Has Gotten Worse Since My Last Card. Will That Affect Renewal?”

No. If your condition has worsened, that typically supports your renewal. A physician would see worsening symptoms as evidence that medical marijuana is still needed. Bring documentation of any changes to your appointment.

Scenario 4: “I Haven’t Used Medical Marijuana in 6 Months. Do I Still Need to Renew?”

Yes. The 210-day requirement applies whether you’ve used your card or not. If you don’t renew and your card expires, you lose the legal right to purchase—even if you weren’t actively using it. If you decide you want to return to medical marijuana later, your access is gone until you renew.

Scenario 5: “My Physician Denied My Renewal. What Are My Options?”

You have the right to seek a second opinion. You can schedule an evaluation with a different My Florida Green physician or go to another qualified clinic entirely. A different physician might evaluate your case differently.

If you pursue a second opinion, you’ll need to pay a second physician fee. However, if the second physician approves you and your first physician denied you, you now have a new recommendation in the state system.

Why Early Renewal Is Your Best Strategy

The single best piece of advice for avoiding renewal problems: Renew early.

Why?

• Ensures your new recommendation is active before your old one expires
• Gives the state time to process without deadline pressure
• Creates a buffer for any processing delays
• Prevents access gaps if anything goes wrong
• Takes the stress out of the renewal process

When? Schedule your renewal around day 165-180 of your 210-day cycle. Not day 200+.

The #1 cause of patient access interruptions is waiting until the last minute to renew. Don’t be that patient.

My Florida Green’s Renewal Advantage

Multiple Locations

With offices in Naples, Melbourne, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Hialeah, and Fort Myers, we make renewal accessible no matter where you are in Florida. You can renew at any location—not just where you got your initial card.

Experienced Physicians

All My Florida Green physicians are state-licensed, experienced in medical marijuana certification, and familiar with Florida’s specific requirements. They know the renewal process and can answer your questions about your treatment.

Affordable Pricing

At $99 for renewal, My Florida Green offers one of Florida’s most competitive renewal rates. That’s 41% less than a first-time certification.

Patient-First Approach

Our staff will guide you through the entire renewal process—from scheduling to state application completion. We handle the paperwork, answer your questions, and ensure everything is submitted correctly.

100% Money-Back Guarantee

If you’re not satisfied with your renewal experience, we refund our physician fee. We stand behind our service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I schedule my renewal?

Ideally, around day 165-180 of your 210-day cycle. This is typically 30-45 days before your current recommendation expires. The earlier, the safer.

Can I renew by phone or email?

No. Florida law requires an in-person physician evaluation. Telehealth or remote-only renewal is not legal for medical marijuana in Florida.

What if I forget when my card expires?

The Doc App sends automatic email and text reminders 30 days before expiration. Make sure you’re receiving these notifications—check your spam folder if needed.

Can I renew if I’m behind on paying a previous bill?

Contact My Florida Green directly about any account issues. In most cases, renewal is possible once payment is resolved.

Do I need a new ID photo for renewal?

No. Your state card maintains the same photo from your initial certification. You’ll need to provide a valid ID during your renewal appointment for verification, but no new ID photo is taken.

What happens to my recommendation if I renew early but the state takes longer than expected?

Your old recommendation stays active until it expires. Once your new renewal is approved by the state, it takes over immediately. There should be no gap in coverage if you renew early.

Can I renew at a different clinic than where I got my initial card?

Yes. Your medical marijuana registration in Florida’s system is not locked to any specific physician or clinic. You can renew with My Florida Green or any other qualified provider.

Is there a fee if I miss my scheduled renewal appointment?

Contact the location where you scheduled. Most cancellations and rescheduling are accommodated without penalty if done at least 24 hours in advance.

What if my insurance won’t cover the renewal fee?

Most health insurance doesn’t cover medical marijuana consultations because marijuana remains federally illegal. Plan to pay out-of-pocket. The $99 renewal fee is much more affordable than many states’ renewal costs.

Can I use my old card while my renewal is being processed?

Only if both your state card and physician recommendation are still active. Once either expires, dispensaries will deny purchases. This is why early renewal is crucial—ensure your new recommendation is approved before your old one expires.

Next Steps: Renew Today

Don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule your medical marijuana renewal today with My Florida Green.

Call your nearest location:

• Naples: 239-350-0266
• Melbourne: 321-250-2828
• Jacksonville: 904-539-3180
• St. Petersburg: 727-369-6230
• Sarasota: 941-217-7273
• Hialeah: 305-247-3171
• Fort Myers: 239-307-5307

Or visit our website to book an appointment online.

The renewal process is straightforward, affordable, and painless with My Florida Green. Let us handle the details while you focus on your health.