Getting a Florida medical cannabis card can feel complicated at first, but Bonita Springs patients do not have to navigate the process alone. From finding a qualified medical cannabis doctor near Bonita Springs to completing your state application and understanding what happens after approval, this guide walks you through the essential steps. Learn how to begin your certification, prepare for your appointment, and access Florida’s medical cannabis program with confidence.
Medical marijuana in Florida, briefly
Florida legalized medical marijuana in 2016 when voters passed Amendment 2, and the program is run by the Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). To purchase, you need to be a Florida resident, be certified by a state-qualified physician for a qualifying condition, and hold an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card. Products are sold only through licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs) — the dispensaries around Bonita Springs, including Planet 13. One point specific to Florida: the state requires an in-person exam for your first certification, so a local Bonita Springs-area doctor matters.
Do you qualify? Bonita Springs patients and the conditions that count
Florida certifies patients for a defined set of qualifying conditions, plus comparable conditions a physician determines are of the same kind or class: cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, along with terminal conditions and chronic nonmalignant pain caused by a qualifying condition. Because of the “same kind or class” clause, many patients with conditions like severe anxiety, migraines, or chronic back pain are evaluated and certified — that determination is up to a qualified physician.
How to get a medical marijuana card in Bonita Springs
The process is more straightforward than most people expect, and most patients are approved to shop within a week or two.
- See a qualified local doctor in person. Choose a physician from the directory below and book an evaluation. Bring your Florida ID and any records that document your condition.
- Get certified in the registry. If you qualify, the doctor enters your certification into the state’s Medical Marijuana Use Registry.
- Apply for your OMMU ID card. Submit your application with a $75 annual fee (about $77.75 online). Most cards are approved in roughly 5–10 business days.
- Shop at a licensed dispensary. With an active card, visit a Bonita Springs-area MMTC like Planet 13 to fill your recommendation.
What it costs, roughly: a first-time evaluation typically runs $150–$250, plus the $75 state fee. Renewals are usually less.
Already have a card? Renewing in Bonita Springs
Florida’s program runs on two clocks. Your OMMU ID card is valid for one year — renew it with the state for the same $75 fee, up to 45 days before it expires. Separately, your physician certification must be renewed every 210 days (about seven months), so you’ll see a doctor for recertification roughly twice a year. The good news for returning patients: because you already have an in-person relationship on file, recertification visits can usually be handled by telehealth. Renew a few weeks early to avoid any gap in access.
Medical marijuana doctors in Bonita Springs
The physicians below are registered with the state of Florida and located within about 15 miles of Planet 13’s Bonita Springs dispensary, covering Bonita Springs, Estero, and North Naples. Compiled from the OMMU’s official qualified-physician list (updated July 2026) and reviewed monthly. Registration status can change — confirm directly with the office when you book.
| Physician | City / Area | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Balter | Bonita Springs | 28520 Bonita Crossings Blvd | (239) 299-9394 |
| Patricia Dury | Bonita Springs | The Releaf Clinic | (844) 350-6371 |
| Scott Jaffe | Bonita Springs | 10915 Bonita Beach Rd #1122 | (239) 498-5760 |
| Michael Martinez | Bonita Springs | 27160 Bay Landing Dr | (239) 676-5665 |
| Myles Samotin | Bonita Springs | 9240 Bonita Beach Rd SW | (239) 514-4200 |
| Ziad Shahla | Bonita Springs | 8800 Terrene Ct | (239) 948-3444 |
| Anthony Williamitis | Bonita Springs | 9200 Bonita Beach Rd | (239) 947-6808 |
| Bruce Bridewell | Estero | 10201 Arcos Ave | (239) 992-7822 |
| Andrew Ferber | Estero | 22980 Vista Edera Cir | (267) 262-2654 |
| Robert Limbaugh | Estero | 9401 Corkscrew Palms Cir | (239) 343-9190 |
| Frances Romero | Estero | 9470 Corkscrew Palms Cir | (239) 237-5688 |
| Joseph Bandeira | North Naples | 9655 Tamiami Trl N Ste 202 | (239) 631-6780 |
| Joel Friedman | North Naples | 5600 Trail Blvd | (833) 633-3665 |
| Socrates Perez-Rodriguez | North Naples | 860 111th Ave N Ste 3 | (561) 315-1940 |
| Mark Weissman | North Naples | 1264 Via Portofino | (716) 861-0055 |
| Craig Hutchinson | North Naples | 3439 Pine Ridge Rd | — |
| Chikeluba Madu | North Naples | 1865 Veterans Park Dr | (203) 543-1990 |
| Mailin Rivero Ortega | North Naples | 13180 Livingston Rd | (239) 591-5006 |
| Heather Smith-Fernandez | North Naples | 2350 Vanderbilt Beach Rd | (239) 513-0055 |
| Sandraliz Solano | North Naples | 7935 Airport-Pulling Rd | (239) 360-9779 |
| Alejandro Blanco Franco | North Naples | 1726 Medical Blvd Ste 201 | (239) 596-8806 |
| Eugene Finan | North Naples | 1656 Medical Blvd | (239) 597-7001 |
| Patrick Mercho | North Naples | 5957 Paradise Cir | (317) 506-4067 |
| Ralph Rodriguez | North Naples | 1726 Medical Blvd | (239) 596-8804 |
| Nasrin Sisk | North Naples | 430 Cove Tower Dr | (240) 644-7551 |
| Mark Vacker | North Naples | 5660 Strand Ct | (855) 420-9170 |
| Vincent Bianca | North Naples | 6280 Bellerive Ave Unit 203 | (570) 881-4307 |
| Scott Fuchs | North Naples | 4513 Executive Dr | (239) 591-2803 |
| Zdenko Korunda | North Naples | 4513 Executive Dr | (239) 591-2803 |
| Edward Salerno | North Naples | 6376 Pine Ridge Rd | (239) 307-6972 |
| Stephen Sebastian | North Naples | 9654 Montelanico Ct Unit 102 | (508) 344-9000 |
Prefer to start online? Statewide telehealth options
If visiting a local office first isn’t convenient, several Florida providers let you book online and operate clinics statewide. Keep in mind that Florida requires your initial certification to be completed in person — but these networks make scheduling simple and many handle renewals and follow-ups online:
- DocMJ — statewide Florida certification network with online booking and locations across the state.
- CannaMD — statewide Florida certification service with online appointments and multiple clinic locations.
Looking beyond the Bonita Springs area? You can view the complete, official statewide list of registered medical marijuana physicians from Florida’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU), which also has authoritative, up-to-date information on the state’s medical marijuana program.
Planet 13 in Bonita Springs
Once you’re certified, Planet 13’s Bonita Springs dispensary is ready to help.
Planet 13 Bonita Springs: 26251 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 7, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 · (239) 221-3173 · serving Bonita Springs, Estero, and North Naples.
The store carries flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates from licensed Florida producers, with staff who can help match products to what your doctor recommended. Delivery is available across much of the area.
Bonita Springs medical marijuana FAQ
Do I need a card to shop at Planet 13 in Bonita Springs? Yes. Florida requires an active Medical Marijuana Use Registry ID card, issued after a qualified physician certifies you.
How much does a Florida medical marijuana card cost? The state charges a $75 annual registry fee (about $77.75 online). Physician evaluations typically add $150–$250 for the first visit.
Can I get certified over telehealth in Florida? No — the initial certification requires an in-person exam. Renewals can often be handled by telehealth.
How long until I can buy? Most patients receive their registry ID in about 5–10 business days.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Medical marijuana eligibility and dosing are decisions for a qualified physician. Program rules and fees are set by the Florida OMMU and may change; verify current requirements at the state registry. You must be a Florida resident and meet program requirements to participate.
Planet 13 Bonita Springs discounts & deals
Being a Florida medical marijuana patient comes with real savings, and Planet 13 stacks several ways for Bonita Springs patients to spend less. Whether you’re brand new to the program or a longtime cardholder, here’s how to make your visit go further — from first-time offers to everyday discounts for veterans, seniors, educators, and more.
New patient savings
50% OFF your first 3 visits.
*Exclusions Apply
Everyday Discounts (Loyalty Members):
40% OFF Veterans & First Responders ·
35% OFF Cannabis Industry & Hospitality (Mon–Wed) ·
25% OFF Seniors (55+) & Pediatric Caregivers ·
20% OFF Teachers, College Students & SNAP/SSI/SSDI.
Can’t be combined — one per transaction.
*Exclusions Apply
Weekly specials
Try It Tuesday (one product at its best price, one day only) ·
Wisdom Wednesday 55+ (60% off 9–11 AM, 50% rest of day) ·
Thank You Thursday (Veterans, First Responders, Medical Professionals, K-12 Teachers, Government Employees 50% all day, 60% off 5–7 PM).
*Exclusions Apply
About Planet 13 Florida
Planet 13 Florida is a licensed Florida medical marijuana treatment center, serving registered patients across our locations statewide with flower, concentrates, edibles, vapes, tinctures, and topicals from our family of house brands. Browse our full menu online to see what’s available near you, or stop into any Planet 13 Florida location and talk with our team in person — they’re happy to walk you through product types, formats, and lab results so you can make an informed choice. For guidance about your own care, always consult your qualified physician.
Florida medical marijuana patients can explore the cannabis products that best fit their needs at planet13florida.com.
DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Planet 13 Florida is a licensed Medicinal Marijuana Treatment Company. Medical cannabis in Florida requires a valid physician recommendation and OMMU registration. No cannabinoid compound discussed herein is FDA-approved for the treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease or condition, except where explicitly stated (e.g., Epidiolex for epilepsy). Research cited represents the current state of scientific inquiry and should not be interpreted as established clinical guidance. Consult your physician before making any changes to your wellness plan.
Planet 13 Florida operates 33 dispensary locations across the state of Florida as a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC). Florida law requires a physician recommendation to purchase medical cannabis products.
© Planet 13 Florida | Patient Education Series
