Effective July 1, 2025, all Florida-licensed physicians will be required to complete electronic fingerprinting before their next license renewal. This change comes as a result of HB 975 (2024), which removes the exemption that previously applied to physicians licensed prior to January 2013. The Department of Health has advised physicians whose licenses renew in January to begin the background screening process as soon as possible due to delays caused by increased application volume.
The Department will notify physicians 90 days before their license expiration date and recommends checking practitioner profiles for updated contact information ahead of this period. Renewal applications cannot be approved until all requirements, including background screening, are met.
According to the announcement, “Physicians who previously completed the Level II background screening process will not need to resubmit fingerprints.”
Once fingerprints are submitted, they are stored in Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. Physicians must retain these fingerprints every five years. The Department will send notifications about retention deadlines approximately 60 days in advance via mail and email. If fingerprints are not retained within the specified window, they will be deleted automatically and new fingerprints must be submitted. There is no extension for this deadline; failure to comply within 30 days after notification may lead to disciplinary action.
Employers of healthcare providers should ensure their staff comply with these new requirements. Professions such as physician assistants, midwives, dieticians, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and others who were previously exempt now likely need to submit fingerprints for background checks. Non-compliance could prevent employees from renewing 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 the statement.
Mary Thomas, Esq., executive director of the Council of Florida Medical School Deans and former assistant general counsel at FMA, continues representing FMA before state regulatory boards.
