Last verified: March 2026

Who Can Be a Caregiver

A caregiver must be:

• At least 21 years old
• A Florida resident
• Not a registered medical marijuana patient themselves (with some exceptions)

Background Check Requirements

Background check requirements depend on the caregiver's relationship to the patient:

• Close relatives (spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, grandchild) — no background check required
• Non-relatives — must pass a Level 2 fingerprint-based background screening

Caregiver Registration

To become a registered caregiver:

1. The patient designates the caregiver through the MMUR portal or their physician
2. The caregiver pays a $75 card fee
3. The caregiver completes a free certification course offered by the OMMU
4. Non-relative caregivers must complete and pass the Level 2 background screening

What Caregivers Can Do

• Purchase medical marijuana products from MMTCs on behalf of the patient
• Transport medical marijuana products to the patient
• Administer medical marijuana to the patient as needed

Limitations

• Generally, one caregiver per patient and one patient per caregiver
• Exceptions exist for minors, hospice patients, and those with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Caregivers may not use the patient's medical marijuana themselves
• Caregivers must carry their caregiver card when purchasing or transporting cannabis

SB 2514 Impact on Caregivers

Under SB 2514 (2025), caregiver registrations are also subject to suspension upon drug charges, just like patient registrations. If a caregiver is charged under Chapter 893, their ability to purchase on behalf of their patient is immediately suspended.