Please see below for important updates to the caregiver application process.

Section 381.986(6)(b), Florida Statutes, states, a caregiver must “not be a qualified physician and not be employed by or have an economic interest in a medical marijuana treatment center or a marijuana testing laboratory.”

Active caregivers will have up to 30 days past their renewal date to supply the OMMU with the needed close relative documentation or the results of a successful background screening, pursuant to section 381.986(9), Florida Statutes, or their Caregiver ID card will be suspended until the documentation is supplied and approved.

Summary:

Beginning June 12, 2023, in accordance with section 381.986(6)(b)6., Florida Statutes, and the Department of Health’s Emergency Rule 64ER23-2, all NON-CLOSE RELATIVES applying for a caregiver MMUR identification (ID) card must complete a level 2 background screening, pursuant to section 381.986(9), Florida Statutes, through a Livescan Service Provider.

Section 381.986(1)(c), Florida Statutes, defines a “close relative” as “a spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, child, or grandchild, whether related by whole or half blood, by marriage, or by adoption.”

How It Affects NEW Caregivers (Initial Application):

Close Relative Non-Close Relative
Complete and submit the Close Relative Acknowledgment Form (CRAF) to the OMMU. The CRAF can be submitted in the MMUR, via email at MMUR_Applications@FLHealth.gov, or mail to P.O. Box 7618, Tallahassee, FL 32314, for review and approval.

 

Complete and submit the Caregiver Background Screening Acknowledgment and Information form to the OMMU via email at MMUR_Applications@FLHealth.gov.

*Please note, background screening results cannot be reviewed by the OMMU until the completed Caregiver Background Screening Acknowledgment and Information is received.

Once approved, the caregiver applicant will receive an email from the OMMU informing them that they may now apply for a caregiver MMUR ID card.

*For more information on applying for a caregiver MMUR ID card, visit the OMMU’s website at KnowTheFactsMMJ.com/patients/cards.

Submit a full set of fingerprints to a Livescan Service Provider. At the time of submission, give to the Livescan Service Provider the ORI number FL924890Z (DOH – OFFICE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE), ATTN: Caregiver.

Locate a Livescan Service Provider near you.

* What is a Livescan background check?

Livescan Service Providers are businesses that use a device that electronically takes your fingerprints and other information. The Livescan Service Provider then uploads that information to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) who in turn sends them to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a fingerprint background check.

Upon successful passing of the background screening pursuant to section 381.986(9), Florida Statutes, the caregiver applicant will receive an email from the OMMU informing them that they may now apply for a caregiver MMUR ID card.

 How It Affects CURRENT Caregivers (Renewal Application):

Close Relative Non-Close Relative
Before renewing your caregiver MMUR ID card, complete and submit the Close Relative Acknowledgment Form (CRAF) to the OMMU. The CRAF can be submitted in the MMUR, via email at MMUR_Applications@FLHealth.gov, or mail to P.O. Box 7618, Tallahassee, FL 32314, for review and approval. Before renewing your MMUR ID card, complete and submit the Caregiver Background Screening Acknowledgment and Information form to the OMMU via email MMUR_Applications@FLHealth.gov.

*Please note background screening results cannot be reviewed by the OMMU until the completed Caregiver Background Screening Acknowledgment and Information is received.

Once approved, the caregiver will receive an email from the OMMU informing them that they may now submit a renewal application for a caregiver MMUR ID card.

*For more information on renewing a caregiver MMUR ID card, visit the OMMU’s website at KnowTheFactsMMJ.com/patients/cards.

Submit a full set of fingerprints to a Livescan Service Provider. At the time of submission, give to the Livescan Service Provider the ORI number FL924890Z (DOH – OFFICE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE), ATTN: Caregiver.

Locate a Livescan Service Provider near you.

* What is a Livescan background check?

Livescan Service Providers are businesses that use a device that electronically takes your fingerprints and other information. The Livescan Service Provider then uploads that information to the FDLE who in turn sends them to the FBI for a fingerprint background check.

Upon successful passing of the background screening pursuant to section 381.986(9), Florida Statutes, the caregiver will receive an email from the OMMU informing them that they may now submit a renewal application for a caregiver MMUR ID card.

 Fingerprints of all caregivers required to undergo the level 2 background screening will be retained 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. The OMMU will notify caregivers at least 30 calendar days in advance of the date the annual retention fee is due.

Please note that non-close relative caregiver applications may take longer to be reviewed/approved than close relative caregiver applications.

For more information on caregivers and the background screening process, click here.

Instructional guides on how to submit a CRAF as a close and a non-close relative are now available on the OMMU’s website, here.

If you have any questions, please contact the OMMU by responding to this email or calling 850-245-4657.

Thank you,

Office of Medical Marijuana Use
Florida Department of Health

Toll Free Number: 800-808-9580
www.KnowTheFactsMMJ.com

Mailing Address for Patient and Caregiver ID Card Applications:
PO Box 31313
Tampa, FL 33631-3313

OMMU Mailing Address (for non ID Card Applications):
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin M-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.