Can Seasonal Residents Get a Florida Medical Marijuana Card?

If you spend part of the year in Florida and the rest in another state, you may wonder whether you need to be a full-time Florida resident to apply for a medical marijuana card. Florida's program allows qualified seasonal residents to apply, but seasonal residency is only one part of the process.

You will also need an evaluation by a qualified Florida physician and must complete the state's identification card application. Here's how to prepare before booking your appointment.

What counts as a seasonal resident?

Florida law has a specific definition for seasonal residents in this program. Among its requirements, a person must maintain a temporary Florida residence and live in the state for at least 31 consecutive days in each calendar year. The person must also return to their home state or jurisdiction at least once during the year and be registered to vote or pay income tax there.

All parts of the definition matter; a short vacation alone does not establish seasonal residency. If you are unsure how the requirements apply to you, review Florida Statutes section 381.986 and ask the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) for guidance.

What documents can show Florida residency?

Your documentation depends on your circumstances. OMMU says adult seasonal residents who do not have a valid Florida driver's license or Florida identification card must provide two qualifying documents as proof of their Florida residential address. Examples on the state's identification card page include:

• A deed, mortgage document, or residential rental or lease agreement.
• A utility bill no more than two months old, or a utility hookup or work order dated within 60 days before registry registration.
• Mail from a financial institution or a government agency that is no more than two months old.
• Proof of address from the person with whom you live, along with that person's statement that you reside with them.

Check the current state instructions before submitting documents. OMMU says the name and address on residency documents must match the information on the application. If your documents or living arrangement are unusual, ask OMMU which combination is acceptable before applying.

Does seasonal residency mean I automatically qualify?

No. Florida's patient guidance also requires a qualifying medical condition diagnosed by a qualified physician, entry into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry, and a state identification card. The physician decides whether medical marijuana is an appropriate treatment after an individual evaluation.

When contacting a clinic, explain that you are a seasonal resident. Ask what identification and medical records the office needs and which documents you will need for your state application. Having a diagnosis or an appointment does not guarantee certification or card approval.

Can the first physician evaluation be online?

Florida requires an initial certification examination to be conducted in person. Once the same qualified physician has examined you in person, certain subsequent examinations for certification renewal may be conducted through telehealth. If you change qualified physicians, the new physician must first examine you in person, even if the physicians are in the same practice. See the OMMU physician FAQs and confirm the appointment format with the office.

Plan your visit while you are in Florida and ask where it will take place. Scheduling online and submitting a state application online are separate from the required physician examination.

What happens after the evaluation?

If the qualified physician determines you meet the requirements, the physician enters your information and applicable order into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry. You then apply to the state for an ID card and pay the required state fee. OMMU accepts applications online or by mail; review its current application instructions for documents, fees and processing information.

Follow your application status in the registry. A physician appointment or submitted application is not the same as an approved, active state ID card. Florida requires an active card and a physician's order to obtain medical marijuana from a licensed Florida medical marijuana treatment center.

Can I use another state's medical marijuana card in Florida?

Do not assume an out-of-state card can be used to purchase medical marijuana in Florida. Florida's program requires qualified patients to have a Florida Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card. Ask OMMU about your circumstances and the current state requirements.

Keep travel questions separate from Florida eligibility. Rules differ by jurisdiction, and federal law applies in certain locations and to interstate travel. Ask the relevant authorities before traveling; do not assume a Florida card authorizes carrying medical marijuana across state lines.

A checklist before you book

1. Review the complete seasonal-residency definition, including your time in Florida and your home-state connection.
2. Check which proof-of-address documents you can provide and whether their names, addresses and dates meet OMMU requirements.
3. Ask the clinic about its Florida appointment location, physician fee, and what medical information to bring.
4. Discuss your history and treatment questions with the qualified physician at your in-person evaluation.
5. If certified, complete the state application and check its status before planning a purchase.
6. Keep your physician certification and state card renewal dates separately; our renewal guide explains why.

Ask Express Marijuana Card about an appointment

If you are a seasonal Florida resident and want to discuss the evaluation process, contact Express Marijuana Card to ask about appointment availability, current fees and what to prepare. You can also review our Florida medical marijuana cost guide.

This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Eligibility and certification depend on the applicable requirements and a qualified physician's evaluation. State guidance may change; official sources were checked November 4, 2026.