The Caregiver Requirement
Florida Statute 381.986 requires that any patient under 18 have a parent or legal guardian registered as a Florida MMJ caregiver. This is a mandatory OMMU requirement. The caregiver:
- Registers with the OMMU through the patient portal
- Is authorized to purchase marijuana from licensed MMTCs on behalf of the patient
- Is responsible for administering or supervising administration to the minor patient
- Must maintain their caregiver registration while the minor patient's certification is active
The Physician Evaluation for Minor Patients
The minor patient must be evaluated by a Florida-licensed physician qualified to certify MMJ patients. The physician assesses the qualifying condition, reviews records, and determines whether certification is clinically appropriate. Florida law also requires the certifying physician to consult with the minor's treating physician (pediatrician, neurologist, etc.) — an additional step not required for adult patients.
Call Miracle Leaf at (561) 888-6111 to discuss the evaluation process for a minor patient and confirm what documentation is needed before the visit.
Common Pediatric Qualifying Conditions
The same qualifying conditions that apply to adults apply to minor patients. Frequently evaluated pediatric conditions include:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders: Explicitly listed in Florida Statute 381.986 — particularly treatment-resistant syndromes like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Cancer: Explicitly listed — pediatric cancer patients may qualify for symptom management
- ALS and terminal conditions: Explicitly listed — rare in pediatric patients but applicable
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: May qualify through comorbid conditions — see our MMJ for Autism page for details
Frequently Asked Questions
Minors under 18 cannot independently apply. A parent or legal guardian must register as a Florida MMJ caregiver. The physician certifies the minor patient; the caregiver purchases and administers the marijuana.
Register as a Florida MMJ caregiver through the OMMU patient portal at mmuregistry.flhealth.gov. This requires Florida residency, the patient's OMMU certification, and a caregiver registration fee. See our full caregiver registration guide for the complete process.
Epilepsy and treatment-resistant seizure disorders are the most common. Cancer, terminal conditions, and ALS may also apply. ASD patients may qualify through comorbid conditions. The physician evaluates each case individually.
Call Miracle Leaf at (561) 888-6111 to discuss the evaluation process for a minor patient. Pediatric evaluations include additional steps required by Florida law, including physician-to-physician consultation. Our staff can advise on documentation and what to expect.
At 18. Once a patient reaches 18, they can apply for and maintain their own Florida MMJ card independently. Patients who were certified as minors should contact Miracle Leaf at (561) 888-6111 to discuss transitioning to self-certification at 18.
Questions about pediatric MMJ evaluations?
Call Miracle Leaf at (561) 888-6111 to discuss the evaluation and caregiver registration process for minor patients.
