For Miami Beach and Ocean Drive residents, qualifying for medical marijuana isn’t about a zip code—it’s about meeting Florida’s statewide eligibility rules and following the state’s required steps. The process is structured, but it’s also approachable once residents understand what Florida is actually looking for: residency, a medical evaluation by a qualified physician, and enrollment in the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.

1. Meet Florida’s residency requirement (full-time or seasonal)

To qualify, a person must be a permanent or seasonal Florida resident. For many Miami Beach locals, a Florida driver’s license or Florida ID is the straightforward proof. Seasonal residents can still qualify, but they must provide acceptable documentation showing they live in Florida for part of the year, based on state guidelines.

2. Have a qualifying medical condition (or one deemed comparable)

Florida law includes a set list of qualifying conditions—commonly referenced examples include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Florida also allows certification for conditions of the same kind or class (and comparable severity) as those listed, which is why some patients with significant chronic symptoms may still be eligible after a physician review.

3. Get evaluated by a “qualified physician” (not just any clinic)

A key step is seeing a Florida qualified physician who can evaluate the patient and, if appropriate, enter the certification into the state registry. Florida’s rules emphasize that the physician must conduct an in-person physical examination as part of issuing certifications.

4. Be entered into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry (MMUR)

If the physician determines medical cannabis is appropriate, the physician (or their office) enters the patient into Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry. This is the state system that connects the patient’s certification with dispensary access statewide.

5. Apply for the state MMJ ID card and keep up with renewals

First-time patients must obtain a Florida medical marijuana ID card to purchase from licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). The application requires a photo, proof of residency, and the state fee. The card must be renewed every 12 months to keep access uninterrupted.

A practical Miami Beach tip

Ocean Drive residents often have busy, tourism-heavy schedules. The smoothest path is to gather residency documents before the physician visit and ask the office what they need to submit the registry entry correctly—because registry accuracy is what prevents delays later.

Note: This is general information, not legal or medical advice. A qualified physician and official Florida medical marijuana resources are the best sources for case-specific guidance.

Learn More: First-Time Medical Marijuana Tips Every Patient Should Know