Florida Physician PC Owner & CPOM Guide

Florida does not have a single, consolidated CPOM statute like California. The prohibition on corporate practice of medicine is derived from physician licensing requirements that restrict who may practice medicine and who may employ physicians for that purpose. Florida Statutes Chapter 458 (for MDs) and Chapter 459 (for DOs) establish the licensing requirements that underpin CPOM.

The Florida Health Care Clinics Act (Chapter 400, Part X) requires licensure for certain healthcare clinics. Clinics that bill insurance carriers must be licensed and may be subject to ownership restrictions. Clinics that are wholly owned by a licensed healthcare practitioner are typically exempt. This creates an important structural consideration for medspa and telehealth operators in Florida.

The Florida Department of Health has increased enforcement activity in the medspa and medical aesthetics sector. Medical spas offering physician-level services (injectables, lasers, weight loss prescriptions) are subject to physician ownership and medical supervision requirements. Recent administrative actions have focused on unlicensed practice and inadequate physician oversight.

Florida telehealth providers must register with the Florida Department of Health. Out-of-state telehealth providers serving Florida patients must comply with Florida-specific registration and licensing requirements. The MSO-PC structure applies to telehealth operators serving Florida patients.

Florida uses the 'Professional Association' (PA) entity type for professional practices, in addition to Professional Corporations. Both entity types require physician ownership for medical services. Florida PAs are governed by Chapter 621 of the Florida Statutes.