Florida Healthcare Practice Startup Costs in 2026: What to Budget Before You Open
Florida is the third-largest healthcare market in the US with 22 million residents and a rapidly aging population. Starting a practice involves significant licensing, credentialing, and compliance costs.
Licensing and Credentialing: $3,000–$15,000
Florida AHCA facility licensure: physician group practice $300–$1,500, clinic $500–$2,000. Individual physician license: $505 MD from Florida Board of Medicine. DEA registration: $888 per 3-year term. CAQH and payer credentialing: 60–120 days, $1,000–$3,000 in administrative costs. Medicare/Medicaid enrollment: free but 60–90 day processing lag.
Office Lease: $2,500–$12,000/Month
Medical office space in South Florida runs $28–$55/sq ft annually (CBRE Q4 2025). A 1,200 sq ft primary care suite in Miami averages $3,360–$6,600/month. Orlando and Tampa markets run 20–30% lower. Medical buildout (plumbing for exam rooms, electrical for imaging) adds $60–$150/sq ft. Budget $7,500–$36,000 upfront for deposits.
Equipment: $30,000–$200,000
Primary care exam room equipment: $5,000–$15,000 per room. EHR software: $400–$1,200/month per provider. Billing setup: $2,000–$8,000. X-ray: $25,000–$80,000. CLIA-waived lab testing: $5,000–$20,000. Total for a 2-provider primary care practice: $80,000–$150,000.
Malpractice Insurance: $8,000–$50,000/Year
Florida has no malpractice insurance mandate but hospital credentialing requires it. Primary care: $8,000–$15,000/yr. OB/GYN: $25,000–$50,000/yr (Florida has the highest OB rates in the US). Tail coverage equals 1.5–3× annual premium. Source: FPIC Group, Florida's largest medical malpractice insurer.
Total Ranges
Concierge or direct primary care: $50,000–$150,000. Traditional insurance-based practice: $150,000–$400,000. Specialty clinic or surgery center: $500,000–$2,000,000+. SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are common. Sources: Florida AHCA, CMS.gov, CBRE, FPIC Group.