Laws – Ocean Drive Cannabis Laws

Understanding Florida Medical Marijuana Laws: Eligibility, Limits, and Access

Florida’s medical marijuana program is a state-regulated system that lets qualified patients purchase and use cannabis for medical purposes through licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). Oversight sits with the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), which runs the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR)—the database that stores patient approvals, physician certifications, and dispensing history. It is not recreational.

Legal foundation and who can qualify

Florida’s core rules are set out in section 381.986, Florida Statutes (“Medical use of marijuana”). Patients must be evaluated by a “qualified physician” (a doctor registered with the state and meeting program requirements). If the physician determines the patient has a qualifying medical condition—or a condition “of the same kind or class”—the physician enters a certification/order into the MMUR, which is what allows a dispensary to dispense to that patient.

How patients get a card

After the certification is entered, the patient (or an approved caregiver) applies for a Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Card using the state MMUR portal. The Department of Health explains that patients can begin renewing the state ID card 45 days before it expires, and the portal is used for applications, updates, and renewal submissions.

Recertification vs. card renewal

Florida has two timelines: the state-issued ID card and the physician certification in the registry. The statute limits how far into the future a physician may certify supplies, capping certifications at no more than three 70-day supply limits of marijuana and no more than six 35-day supply limits of marijuana in a form for smoking. Practically, that means patients should expect periodic follow-ups with their certifying doctor to keep orders active, even if the card remains valid.

What products are allowed and how much can be dispensed

Florida permits medical marijuana in multiple routes of administration (for example, oral products, edibles, inhalation/vaporization, sublingual, topical, and—when specifically authorized—flower for smoking). Dispensing is controlled by rolling “supply” windows. By statute, an MMTC may not dispense more than a 70-day supply within any 70-day period and may not dispense more than one 35-day supply of marijuana in a form for smoking within any 35-day period. A 35-day supply for smoking may not exceed 2.5 ounces unless an exception is approved by the department.

Where use is restricted

A medical card does not mean “use anywhere.” Patients still must follow smoke-free rules, property rules, and public safety laws. Hotels, landlords, and employers can restrict on-site consumption, and local ordinances can add practical limits. Legal purchase also does not legalize impairment: patients should not drive or operate vessels while impaired and should treat cannabis impairment like alcohol impairment.

Caregivers and purchasing

Florida allows caregivers to purchase and possess medical marijuana on behalf of a qualified patient when approved in the MMUR. This can matter for minors or adults who need help managing access and dosing.

Other practical limits

Because cannabis remains illegal under federal law, it can trigger consequences on federal property and when crossing state lines. A medical card also does not guarantee workplace accommodations or resolve federal firearm restrictions.

Reciprocity, home grow, and travel cautions

Florida does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana cards, meaning visitors generally cannot purchase from Florida MMTCs unless they qualify under Florida’s system (including certain seasonal residents). Florida also does not permit personal home cultivation; marijuana must be obtained from licensed MMTCs.