A bill filed for Florida’s 2026 legislative session would broaden eligibility for physicians working in areas of critical need to obtain full licensure by endorsement, News 6 Orlando reported Dec. 30.
House Bill 809 would amend state law to allow certain physicians with temporary certificates to apply for full licensure if they meet updated requirements, including experience, national examination and a record of professional conduct. The bill was filed in the Florida House of Representatives.
Physicians would be eligible if they have practiced under a temporary certificate for at least two of the past four years, maintained continuous service in an approved facility, passed a national licensure exam or an equivalent recognized by the Board of Medicine, and received recommendations from supervising physicians.
The bill also proposes a new pathway for physicians trained in Puerto Rico. Certificateholders who passed the Puerto Rico Medical Board’s exam and practiced for four consecutive years could qualify for full licensure.
If passed, the legislation would take effect July 1. The Board of Medicine would be authorized to issue licenses to applicants who meet the criteria and adopt rules for verification and documentation.
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