As of July 1, 2025, all physicians licensed in Florida are required to complete electronic fingerprinting for background screening prior to their next license renewal. This change follows the passage of HB 975 (2024), which removes a previous exemption for physicians who were licensed before January 2013.
The Department of Health has advised physicians whose licenses are up for renewal in January to begin the process as soon as possible. Due to the expanded requirement, there have been notable delays in processing applications and renewals. The Department will notify physicians about their license expiration date 90 days in advance and encourages practitioners to update their contact information ahead of time. Licenses cannot be renewed until all criteria, including background screening, are fulfilled.
Physicians who have already completed Level II background screening do not need to resubmit fingerprints. Once submitted, fingerprints are stored in Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and must be retained every five years. The Department will send notifications by mail and email about 60 days before retention deadlines. If fingerprints are not retained on time, they will be deleted automatically; new fingerprints must then be submitted within 30 days or disciplinary action may result.
Employers should ensure that their staff—including physician assistants, midwives, dieticians, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals—comply with these requirements. Those previously exempt may now need to submit fingerprints as part of the process. Noncompliance could lead to an inability for employees to renew licenses and disrupt patient care.
“We understand these new requirements create additional administrative burdens, costs, and inconvenience. Please know that resources are available through the Department of Health and that the FMA is here to help guide you through the process,” states Mary Thomas, Esq., executive director of the Council of Florida Medical School Deans.
Mary Thomas previously served over a decade as assistant general counsel for the Florida Medical Association (FMA) and continues representing FMA before state regulatory boards.
