Get My Card Now →
Overview Qualifying Conditions Laws & Regulations Renewal Gun Ownership Patient FAQs Caregiver Cost
Board-Certified Physicians
🔒HIPAA-Secure
42 States Served
Same-Day Appointments
$Money-Back Guarantee
HomeFlorida › Caregiver

Florida Medical Marijuana Caregiver Guide

Step-by-step guide to becoming a registered medical marijuana caregiver in Florida: age, ratio, application, fees, and ongoing duties.

APPLY ONLINE

Get Approved Today

Plans starting at $49 — up to $189 depending on the state · Same-day approval · Phone & video appointments available

Your information is secured by HIPAA-compliant encryption. After you click "Get Your Card," you’ll be taken to our secure scheduling portal to complete your evaluation.

Florida Caregiver Program

How to Become a Registered Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Florida

A Florida medical marijuana caregiver is a designated adult authorized by a registered patient to purchase, transport, and in some cases cultivate cannabis on the patient's behalf. The role is regulated by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) and exists primarily to help patients who are minors, are incapacitated, or otherwise need help managing their medication.

Florida caregiver basics at a glance

Minimum age: 21+. Patient ratio: 1 caregiver per patient (with exceptions). Renewal: every 7 months (recertification with physician). Background check required.

State Fee
$75
Program Year
2016
Possession Limit
limits set by certifying physician (typically 35-day supply, up to 2.5 oz of smokable)
Renewal Period
every 7 months (recertification with physician)

Who can serve as a Florida caregiver?

Under Florida program rules, a caregiver must be at least 21 years old, a Florida resident, and pass a background check. Most disqualifying offenses are violent felonies and drug-trafficking convictions; check the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) caregiver policy for the current disqualification list. Caregivers must be designated by a registered patient (or, for a minor, by the patient's parent or legal guardian) and listed on the patient's registration.

Patient-to-caregiver ratio in Florida

Florida permits 1 caregiver per patient (with exceptions). The ratio is set in state rules and may be adjusted by the legislature; verify the current limit on the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) website before applying.

Florida caregiver application steps

  1. Get designated by a patient. The patient (or their parent/guardian) names you as caregiver on their Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) registration.
  2. Complete the caregiver application. Submit your information through the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) portal, including identification and proof of Florida residency.
  3. Pay the caregiver fee. The fee varies — many Florida caregivers pay a fee comparable to the patient registration fee. Check the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) schedule.
  4. Pass the background check. Florida runs state and FBI checks. Disqualifying offenses are listed in the program rules.
  5. Receive your caregiver card. Carry it whenever transporting cannabis or accompanying the patient to a dispensary.

What a Florida caregiver can do

What a Florida caregiver cannot do

Caregiver limits

A caregiver cannot use the patient's cannabis personally, sell or give cannabis to anyone other than the registered patient, or transport cannabis across state lines. Doing so is a separate state and federal offense.

Renewal and ongoing duties

Caregiver registration in Florida renews every 7 months (recertification with physician), generally on the same schedule as the patient. Keep records of dispensary purchases and any reimbursement from the patient; some patients prefer a written caregiver agreement to avoid disputes.

Patient & Caregiver FAQs

Common Caregiver Questions in Florida

How old do I have to be to be a Florida medical marijuana caregiver?

+

Florida requires caregivers to be at least 21 years old. The Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) also requires Florida residency and a passed background check.

How many patients can a Florida caregiver have?

+

Florida program rules currently permit 1 caregiver per patient (with exceptions). The exact wording is on the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) website; verify before submitting an application.

Does a Florida caregiver need a background check?

+

Yes. Florida requires state and FBI background checks for all caregiver applicants. Violent felonies and drug-trafficking convictions are typically disqualifying; the full list is published by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU).

How much does a Florida caregiver application cost?

+

Florida caregiver application fees are set by the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) and are comparable to the patient registration fee of $75 in many cases. Some states waive or reduce the fee for caregivers serving minor patients. Check the current Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) fee schedule.

Can I cultivate cannabis as a Florida caregiver?

+

Cultivation rights for caregivers vary widely by state. Some states permit caregiver cultivation up to a registered plant count; others reserve cultivation for licensed commercial growers. Check the Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) cultivation rule before planting anything.

Can a Florida caregiver use the patient's cannabis personally?

+

No. Florida program rules require caregivers to handle cannabis solely for the registered patient's medical use. Personal use of patient cannabis by a caregiver is grounds for revocation and possible criminal charges.

How does a Florida caregiver get reimbursed?

+

Many states permit reasonable reimbursement for actual costs (the cannabis itself plus mileage and time). Florida rules govern the specifics. Keep clear records and receipts; a written caregiver agreement is recommended to prevent disputes.

Can a Florida caregiver serve a minor patient?

+

Yes. Most state programs permit (and in some cases require) a caregiver for minor patients. The minor's parent or legal guardian typically must be the designated caregiver, though some Florida programs allow alternates with the parent's consent.

How do I renew my Florida caregiver registration?

+

Florida caregiver registrations renew every 7 months (recertification with physician), usually concurrently with the patient's renewal. The Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) sends a renewal notice; do not rely on it — set your own reminder 60 days before expiration.

Official Government Sources

Florida Medical Cannabis: Official .gov Sources

Verified 2026 links to the official Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) and related Florida government resources. Always confirm program details directly with these official sources before applying.

Last verified: 2026. State agencies occasionally update URLs. If a link does not load, search "Florida medical marijuana program" on the state's main .gov website.

Ready to Apply for Your Florida Medical Marijuana Card?

Book a HIPAA-secure telehealth visit with a Florida-licensed physician. Money-back guarantee if you do not qualify.

Book My Florida Evaluation →