Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for Medicine.
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC or Compact) is a voluntary, expedited pathway to licensure for qualified physicians who wish to practice in multiple states. Physicians interested in licensure through the Compact should review all IMLC criteria and Compact rules to ensure qualifications can be met for licensure through this pathway prior to applying.
State of Principal Licensure Designation
To participate in the IMLC, a physician must designate a member state as his or her State of Principal Licensure (SPL) before obtaining an expedited license through the Compact. An SPL must be a member jurisdiction where the physician possesses a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine and that is:
- The state of primary residence of the physician;
- The state where at least 25 percent of the physician’s practice of medicine occurs;
- The location of the physician’s employer; or
- The state designated as the physician’s state of residence for purpose of federal income tax if no state qualifies under the above provisions.
Licensure through the Compact
For expedited licensure through the IMLC, an applicant must meet the following requirements (see section 456.4501, Florida Statutes):
- Is a graduate of an accredited medical school or a medical school listed in the International Medical Education Directory or its equivalent.
- Passed each component of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) within three attempts.
- Successfully completed graduate medical education approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association.
- Hold specialty certification or a time-unlimited specialty certificate recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association’s Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists.
- Possess a full and unrestricted license to engage in the practice of medicine issued by a member board. See the map of states currently participating in the Compact.
- Does not have criminal history.
- Does not have any history of disciplinary actions against a medical license.
- Does not have any history of controlled substance actions against a medical license.
- Is not currently under investigation.
State of Principal Licensure:
Current Florida licensees with full and unrestricted licenses who want to participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC or Compact) by making Florida their State of Principal Licensure (SPL) must:
- Ensure they meet the SPL eligibility requirements before submitting an application to be approved to receive a Letter of Qualification (LOQ) by the medical board.
- Complete an SPL application through the IMLC website.
Expedited License
To obtain a Florida license issued through the Compact, applicants must complete a two-step application process:
- STEP 1: Apply through the IMLC website and meet the eligibility requirements pursuant to the terms of the Compact.
- STEP 2: Apply to Florida. The applicant will be asked to provide demographic and professional information. The applicant must also pay any assessed NICA fee based on his or her level of participation as outlined on the Neurological Injury Compensation Association
After receiving verification of eligibility for expedited licensure and upon an applicant’s completion of the registration process, Florida will issue an expedited license to the physician. An expedited license authorizes a physician to practice medicine in Florida consistent with Florida’s medical practice act and all applicable laws and regulations. An expedited license is valid for a period consistent with the licensure period in Florida and in the same manner as required for other physicians holding a full and unrestricted license in this state. An expedited license obtained through the Compact will be terminated if a physician fails to maintain a license in his or her SPL for a non-disciplinary reason without redesignation of a new SPL.
State of Principal Licensure (SPL)/Letter of Qualification (LOQ) Issuance:
IMLC application fee: $700.
This payment must be made to the IMLC when applying for an SPL/LOQ through the IMLC website. Once a physician receives an LOQ, the physician may apply for expedited licensure in other member states and must pay state-specific licensure fees as noted on the IMLC website.
Expedited License Fees:
- Initial licensing fee: $350
- Unlicensed activity fee: $5
- NICA fee: Based upon level of participation (please see the Neurological Injury Compensation Association website)
- Total: $355, (plus NICA fee if applicable)
