Introduction
In Florida, ensuring that your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider is properly licensed and in good standing is not just a smart move—it’s essential. Whether you’re a patient checking your provider’s background, an employer doing due diligence, or a medical professional verifying your own license, the Florida medical license lookup tool is the best place to start.
This comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down how to use the license lookup system, what information you can find, why it matters, and the most common questions people have about medical licensure in Florida.
What Is a Florida Medical License?
A Florida medical license is an official authorization granted by the Florida Board of Medicine or other relevant licensing boards under the Florida Department of Health (DOH). It allows qualified individuals to legally practice medicine or other healthcare professions in the state.
This includes:
- Physicians (MD/DO)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
- Nurses (RN/LPN/ARNP)
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Mental Health Providers
- And other allied health professionals
Each license confirms the practitioner has met educational, training, testing, and ethical standards established by Florida law.
Why Use the Florida Medical License Lookup?
Performing a Florida medical license lookup is important for:
✅ Patients
- Verify your provider is licensed and in good standing.
- Check for disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Confirm specialties and credentials.
✅ Employers & Clinics
- Verify licensure before hiring or contracting.
- Monitor renewals and disciplinary actions.
- Protect against hiring unlicensed professionals.
✅ Healthcare Providers
- Confirm personal license details and renewal status.
- Ensure credentials are accurate on public record.
- Track continuing education compliance.
How to Access the Florida Medical License Lookup
The official Florida license lookup tool is available through the Florida Department of Health’s MQA Services (Medical Quality Assurance) portal.
🔗 Official Lookup Website:
https://flhealthsource.gov/veri
This site allows you to search for:
- License number
- First/last name
- Profession or specialty
- Location (city, county, ZIP)
It’s free and accessible to the public 24/7.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Florida Medical License Lookup
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to checking a license:
1. Go to flhealthsource.gov/verify
This is the official portal of the Florida Department of Health.
2. Select “Search for a License”
Choose whether you want to:
- Search by individual name
- Search by license number
- Search by profession and location
3. Enter the Details
Use any combination of:
- Last name (and optionally, first name)
- Profession (e.g., “Medical Doctor”)
- City or ZIP code
4. View Results
Click on the provider’s name to view:
- License number and type
- License status (Active, Inactive, Delinquent, etc.)
- Issue and expiration dates
- Specialty, education, and training
- Public complaints or disciplinary actions
Understanding License Statuses
Here’s what each status means:
- Active: The provider is currently licensed and legally allowed to practice.
- Clear/Unencumbered: No restrictions or disciplinary actions.
- Delinquent: License has expired, but may still be renewed.
- Inactive: Provider has chosen not to renew but may return.
- Suspended/Revoked: Disciplinary action has removed or paused their right to practice.
Always be cautious if you see disciplinary history, suspension, or pending investigations.
What Else Can You Find in a Florida Medical License Lookup?
Besides verifying that a license is active, you can also find:
- Board Certifications
- Medical School/Graduation Date
- DEA Registration (if available)
- Malpractice Claims or Settlements
- Disciplinary History or Sanctions
- Public Complaints
- Practice Locations
This makes it an essential tool for due diligence.
Florida Medical Boards Involved in Licensure
Depending on the profession, several boards are involved in licensing:
| Profession | Governing Board |
|---|---|
| Medical Doctors (MD) | Florida Board of Medicine |
| Osteopathic Doctors (DO) | Board of Osteopathic Medicine |
| Nurses | Board of Nursing |
| Pharmacists | Board of Pharmacy |
| Mental Health Counselors | Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling |
| Chiropractors | Board of Chiropractic Medicine |
| Dentists | Board of Dentistry |
Each board reports to the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and is subject to Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) standards.
When Should You Perform a License Lookup?
- Before seeing a new doctor or specialist
- Before hiring or contracting a healthcare provider
- When renewing malpractice insurance
- After hearing about misconduct or investigation
- As part of background checks for healthcare staff
Legal Requirements for Healthcare Providers in Florida
By law, all healthcare professionals in Florida must:
- Maintain an active license
- Complete continuing medical education (CME)
- Renew licenses every 2 years
- Report any criminal convictions or malpractice cases
Failure to meet these can lead to license suspension or revocation.
FAQs: Florida Medical License Lookup
❓Is the Florida license lookup free?
Yes. The tool provided by the Florida DOH is completely free to the public.
❓How often is the license information updated?
License records are updated regularly—often daily—to reflect the most current information.
❓Can I see disciplinary actions through the license lookup?
Yes. If a provider has received formal complaints, sanctions, or board actions, it will show in their license details.
❓What if I can’t find the provider?
Try different spellings, partial names, or just the last name and profession. If you still can’t find them, they may not be licensed in Florida.
What to Do If You Find Red Flags
If your search reveals issues like suspended licenses or disciplinary actions:
- Look up the details. Many actions are documented in public reports.
- Contact the Board. You can speak to the licensing board directly.
- File a complaint. If needed, complaints can be submitted at flhealthsource.gov/complaints.
Final Thoughts: Why Florida Medical License Lookup Matters
Trust is the foundation of healthcare. With access to the Florida medical license lookup tool, patients, employers, and providers themselves can protect that trust by ensuring transparency, accountability, and legal compliance.
Whether you’re looking to confirm the credentials of a new surgeon or ensure your clinic’s staff is properly licensed, this tool helps you make informed, safe decisions in Florida’s complex healthcare landscape.
Need Legal Support for Licensing or Compliance?
If you’re a provider facing issues with licensing, disciplinary matters, or credentialing in Florida, the Florida Healthcare Law Firm can help.
