Effective July 1, 2025, all Florida-licensed physicians will be required to complete electronic fingerprinting as part of the state’s background screening process prior to their next license renewal. This change comes with the implementation of HB 975 (2024), which removes a previous exemption for physicians licensed before January 2013.
The Department of Health has reported significant delays in processing licensure applications and renewals due to the increased number of healthcare professionals now subject to these requirements. The background screening involves several steps and can take time. Physicians whose licenses are set for renewal in January are encouraged by the Department to begin the process early. Notification will be sent to physicians 90 days before their license expiration date, and practitioners are advised to verify that their contact information is current before this period begins. The renewal application cannot be approved until all licensure criteria, including background screening, have been met.
Physicians who have already completed Level II background screening do not need to resubmit fingerprints.
Once fingerprints are submitted, they will be stored in Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and do not need to be resubmitted at each renewal. However, licensees must retain their stored fingerprints every five years. The Department will notify physicians about retention deadlines approximately 60 days in advance by mail and email. If fingerprints are not retained within this window, they will be deleted automatically from the system, requiring submission of new fingerprints. Failure to submit new fingerprints within 30 days after notification may result in disciplinary action.
Employers should ensure that all staff members—including physician assistants, midwives, dieticians, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and other previously exempt professionals—comply with the updated fingerprinting requirement. Non-compliance could prevent employees from renewing their 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,” according to a statement from the organization.
Mary Thomas, Esq., executive director of the Council of Florida Medical School Deans and former assistant general counsel for FMA who continues representing FMA before state regulatory boards, emphasized ongoing support for affected medical professionals.
