Applying for a Florida Caregiver MMJ Card

Senior woman with her caregiver at home
New regulations for obtaining a Caregiver Medical Marijuana card in Florida have been implemented by the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) as of June 12, 2023. The changes particularly affect non-close relatives who now must complete a level 2 background screening through a Livescan Service Provider. The application process involves identifying the relationship to the patient, awaiting approval from OMMU, submitting fingerprints (for non-close relatives), awaiting background screening results, and paying the Applicant Fingerprint Retention and Notification Program (AFRNP) annual fee. Caregivers in Florida are allowed to pick up or purchase medical marijuana on behalf of a certified patient.
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As of June 12, 2023, the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) has implemented new regulations affecting all caregivers, particularly non-close relatives, applying for a caregiver Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR) identification (ID) card. Here’s your step-by-step guide to understanding and navigating these new rules.

New Regulations for Florida Caregiver Medical Marijuana Card Applications

These new regulations stem from section 381.986(6)(b)6., Florida Statutes, and the Department of Health’s Emergency Rule 64ER23-2. Now, all non-close relatives applying for a caregiver MMUR ID card must complete a level 2 background screening through a Livescan Service Provider. For context, a “close relative,” as defined by section 381.986(1)(c), Florida Statutes, includes spouses, parents, siblings, grandparents, children, or grandchildren, related by whole or half blood, by marriage, or by adoption.

How to Apply for a Caregiver Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

Step 1: Identify Relationship and Complete the Appropriate Form

If you’re a close relative, fill out and submit the Close Relative Acknowledgment Form (CRAF).

Non-close relatives should complete and submit the Caregiver Background Screening Acknowledgment and Information form to the OMMU.

Forms can be submitted through the MMUR, via email at [email protected], or by mail to P.O. Box 7618, Tallahassee, FL 32314.

Step 2: Await Approval from OMMU

Once your form is approved, you will receive an email from the OMMU notifying that you can now apply for a caregiver MMUR ID card. For more information on this process, visit CannaMD’s guide, How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida or KnowTheFactsMMJ.com/patients/cards.

Step 3: For Non-Close Relatives Only – Submit Fingerprints

Non-close relatives must submit a full set of fingerprints to a Livescan Service Provider using ORI number FL924890Z (DOH – OFFICE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE), ATTN: Caregiver. This provider will then upload your fingerprints and information to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which subsequently sends it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a fingerprint background check.

Locate a Livescan service provider near you: Livescan Provider Search

Step 4: Await Background Screening Results

Upon successful completion of the background screening, the caregiver applicant will receive an email from the OMMU, informing them that they may now apply for a caregiver MMUR ID card.

Step 5: Pay the AFRNP Annual Fee

Once you’ve successfully passed the background screening, note that your fingerprints will be kept in the Applicant Fingerprint Retention and Notification Program (AFRNP). The annual fee for participation in the AFRNP is $6.00 and will be the responsibility of the caregiver to pay. There is no fee for the first year of participation, and the OMMU will notify caregivers at least 30 calendar days in advance of the date the annual retention fee is due.

It’s important to note that applications from non-close relatives may take longer to review and approve than those from close relatives.

For more information on caregivers and the background screening process, please click here. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the OMMU by emailing: [email protected] or calling 850-245-4657.

Current Medical Marijuana Caregivers – Renewal Application Instructions

The steps for renewing your caregiver MMUR ID card require filling out and submitting the Close Relative Acknowledgment Form (CRAF). After your form is approved, you will receive an email from the OMMU notifying that you can now apply for a caregiver MMUR ID card.

Can a Caregiver Pick-Up or Purchase Medical Marijuana in Florida?

Absolutely, a caregiver in Florida can pick up or purchase medical marijuana on behalf of a certified patient. The state of Florida allows individuals who are designated as caregivers to procure and maintain medical marijuana for their patients.

When visiting a medical marijuana dispensary in Florida, caregivers are required to present both their caregiver card and a valid government-issued photo ID. This enables them to legally purchase and pick up medicinal cannabis products in Florida for their patients.

Updated: May 30, 2024

Article Written By:

McKenzie Lewis

McKenzie Lewis has been a member of the CannaMD marketing team since 2018. Prior to joining CannaMD, she attended the University of Central Florida where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in psychology. When it comes to cannabis research, she is especially interested in the application of marijuana as a treatment method for insomnia.

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