If you’re thinking about getting a medical marijuana card in Florida, your first stop is a new patient evaluation with a qualified physician. Here’s what you need to know about the process, what happens during your appointment, and how to move forward if you think you might qualify.

A medical marijuana new patient evaluation in Florida is a medical appointment where a board-certified, Florida-licensed doctor reviews your health history and determines whether you meet Florida’s criteria. If you do qualify, the physician enters you into the state medical cannabis registry. Only after that can you apply for your state medical marijuana ID card.

This is a real medical evaluation designed to ensure you meet Florida’s legal requirements. Your card will hold up and you’ll have proper medical oversight.

Related: Florida Medical Marijuana Evaluation Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Related: Medical Cannabis Evaluation Wellington Florida: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Do You Meet the Basic Requirements?

Before you book an evaluation, check whether you meet Florida’s baseline requirements. You’ll need to fit these three criteria:

• You must be a Florida resident. This includes permanent residents and seasonal residents. You’ll need to prove it with an ID.
• You must be at least 18 years old. (Minors can qualify, but with additional legal steps.)
• You must be evaluated by a qualified Florida-licensed physician. This is non-negotiable. Only physicians who are registered with the state can certify patients for the program.

If you check all three boxes, you’re ready to move forward. The next step is finding a clinic that does new patient evaluations.

What Happens During a New Patient Evaluation

When you show up for your appointment, here’s roughly what to expect.

The physician will review your medical history. Be honest and thorough. They’ll want to know about past diagnoses, current medications you’re taking, and any treatments you’ve tried. The more detail you provide, the better they can assess your situation.

Next, they’ll talk with you about your health situation. This conversation is the core of the evaluation. The doctor is listening to understand whether your condition falls within Florida’s list of qualifying medical conditions.

The physician may also do a physical exam, depending on what they need to confirm your information. This is standard medical practice.

After the evaluation, the doctor will tell you whether you qualify. If you do, they’ll enter you into the state registry on the spot. If you don’t qualify, some clinics offer a full refund. Either way, you’ll walk out knowing exactly where you stand.

What Medical Conditions Qualify in Florida

Florida recognizes a specific list of qualifying conditions under state law. They include:

• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Medical conditions causing severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms
• Terminal conditions

A physician may also recommend a patient for other conditions if the physician believes it is appropriate under Florida law. So if your condition isn’t explicitly listed, you aren’t automatically disqualified, but it’s worth discussing with a qualified doctor during your evaluation.

Getting Your Appointment Scheduled

Most medical marijuana clinics in Florida allow you to book online. You’ll typically select a date and time that works for you, and you can often pay a deposit at booking.

Look for a clinic that serves your area. If you’re in Palm Beach County, MarijMD offers new patient evaluations in West Palm Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Boca Raton, and Lake Worth. They have appointments Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Before your appointment, gather any medical records or documentation you have. Things like past diagnoses, lab results, or treatment records make the evaluation smoother and give the physician more information to work with. You don’t always need these documents, but having them ready helps.

Telehealth Options

If you can’t make it in person or prefer to start from home, many clinics offer telehealth evaluations for new patients. You’ll log into a secure video session with a physician, go through the same evaluation process, and get the same result. Some clinics follow up with an in-person visit, while others handle everything remotely. Ask your clinic what their telehealth policy is.

What Happens After You Qualify

Once the physician certifies you and enters you into the state registry, you’re ready to apply for your medical marijuana ID card. You’ll submit an application to the state, along with the $75 state fee. That’s the official fee set by Florida; it’s the same for both initial cards and annual renewals.

Your state medical marijuana card is valid for one year from the date you receive it. After that, you’ll need a renewal evaluation to keep your card active.

Some clinics also offer follow-up visits through telehealth after your initial evaluation. This gives you a chance to check in with your doctor and ask questions.

How to Choose the Right Clinic

Not all clinics are the same. Here are a few things to look for:

• Board-certified, Florida-licensed physicians. Make sure the doctor doing your evaluation is qualified to do so.
• Convenient location and hours. You want a clinic that fits into your schedule.
• Clear communication about the process. A good clinic explains what to expect before, during, and after your evaluation.
• Fair pricing and transparent policies. Know what the evaluation costs and what’s included before you book.
• Good reviews from real patients. If you can find feedback from people who’ve actually gone through the evaluation, it helps.

If you’re looking for an evaluation in Palm Beach County, you can book an appointment with MarijMD online. They handle both new patient certifications and renewals and serve multiple locations across the county.

Common Concerns and What to Know

Many first-time patients feel nervous about their evaluation. That’s totally normal. Here are a few things that might ease your mind:

Will the doctor judge me? Qualified physicians who do these evaluations are trained professionals who conduct medical evaluations.

Is the evaluation confidential? Yes. Your medical information is protected under patient privacy laws, just like any other doctor visit.

What if I don’t qualify? If your condition doesn’t meet Florida’s criteria, the physician will tell you. There’s no penalty. Some clinics refund your evaluation fee if you don’t qualify. It’s worth asking about the refund policy when you book.

How long does the evaluation take? Most evaluations take between 20 and 30 minutes, though it can vary depending on your medical history and the complexity of your case.

Next Steps

If you think you might qualify and you’re ready to explore your options, the next step is simple: schedule a new patient evaluation with a qualified physician in your area. During that appointment, a doctor will review your situation, answer your questions, and let you know whether you qualify for Florida’s medical cannabis program. The evaluation is the gateway to everything else, so it’s worth getting it right.

What do I need to bring to my evaluation?

Bring a valid Florida ID to prove your residency. If you have any medical records, lab results, or documentation of past diagnoses, bring those too. They help the physician understand your situation more fully. If you’re doing a telehealth evaluation, make sure your device and internet connection are working before your appointment starts.

Can I get a medical marijuana card without a doctor’s evaluation?

No. Florida law requires a qualified, Florida-licensed physician to evaluate you and enter you into the state medical cannabis registry before you can apply for a card. There’s no way around this step. It’s a requirement built into the program.

How much does a new patient evaluation cost?

Evaluation fees vary by clinic. Once you’re certified and ready to apply for your state card, the Florida state fee is $75. That’s set by the state and is the same everywhere. For the clinic’s own evaluation fee, contact the clinic directly to ask. Most clinics make their pricing clear when you book.

Can I renew my medical marijuana card after it expires?

Yes. Your card is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. You’ll need another evaluation from a qualified physician before you can renew. Many clinics handle renewals as straightforward follow-up appointments.