Applying for a Florida Medical Doctor License with a Criminal History

If you are applying for a Florida medical license, a criminal history can greatly impact your application. All applicants for physician licensure must undergo a Level 2 background screening and submit fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, for the purpose of conducting a search for any Florida and national criminal history records. The results of the search are made available to DOH for consideration during the licensing process.

A criminal history can greatly impact your license application with the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Board of Medicine.

Howell, Buchan & Strong’s legal team can help physicians with a criminal history with licensing in these ways:

• Complete the 20+ page application for licensure, including the “Report on Professional Liability Claims and Actions.”
• Communicate with the DOH Licensing Unit and Florida Board of Medicine. 
• Prepare explanations of your medical malpractice history. 
• Prepare a formal letter to the Board of Medicine in support of the application. 
• Ensure all necessary documentation is provided to DOH and the Board of Medicine. 
• Prepare you for your appearance in front of the Board of Medicine Credentialing Committee. 

Your Criminal History | What You Need to Disclose

It is very important that you are honest on your application for licensure, or your application may be denied. You must disclose all convictions and guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) pleas. This includes cases where adjudication was withheld, you later had the case expunged, or you later had your civil rights restored.

All misdemeanors and felonies must be disclosed, except for minor traffic offenses (i.e. speeding tickets). Reckless driving, driving with your license suspended or revoked, driving under the influence, and driving while impaired are not considered minor traffic offenses.

If you are unsure about whether you are required to disclose a particular offense, contact a health care attorney. 

What Documents Do You Need to Provide?

For each offense, you must provide the following documents:

• A written self-explanation, describing in detail the circumstances surrounding each offense.
• Final Dispositions and Arrest Records for all offenses. 
• Documents showing that you completed your sentence. 

You should always consult an experienced health care attorney to determine what documentation needs to be produced to the Department of Health (DOH). He or she can also assist in drafting your self-explanation, making sure that it thoroughly explains your criminal history to the Florida Board.

What Happens After Submitting Your Application Documents?

Once you have submitted the application and all required documentation, you may be required to appear before the Florida Board of Medicine Credentialing Committee. The Committee is the body that decides whether you will be granted a license. Depending on the type of case, the license application may be granted, denied, or granted with conditions. 

The members may have questions about your criminal history and underlying facts of your offenses. They may also ask about your rehabilitation. It is important that you answer all questions honestly and tactfully. Our firm thoroughly prepares our clients for their appearance before the Committee and appears with them at the hearing.   

Have Questions? Let’s Talk

Whether you’re already licensed in another jurisdiction or if you’re getting licensed for the first time, the Florida application process can be complex and confusing. Contact the law firm of Howell, Buchan & Strong at 850-877-7776 to set up a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Our firm represents physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other licensed professionals statewide. 

Orlando (407) 717-1773 | Tallahassee (850) 877-7776 | Tampa (813) 833-6726 | Sarasota (941) 779-4348