← Florida medical records custodian and retention laws

Florida — Medical Records Checklist

For a practice that is closing, being sold, relocating or whose physician is retiring. Prepared 21 September 2026.

How long records must be kept

Before you close — what this state requires

• On terminating, selling or relocating a practice, PUBLISH notice once each week for FOUR CONSECUTIVE WEEKS
• Publish in the newspaper of greatest general circulation in EACH county where the physician practices or practiced, AND in a local newspaper serving the immediate practice area
• The notice must state the date of termination/sale/relocation AND an address at which the records may be obtained
• SUBMIT A COPY OF THE NOTICE TO THE FLORIDA BOARD OF MEDICINE WITHIN ONE MONTH of the termination, sale or relocation
• Optional (not required): office signage and letters to patients about the change and their right to transfer or receive records
• Records remain confidential and are to be kept in the physician's office or possession

What you may charge for copies

• $1.00 per page for paper; up to $2.00 for non-paper formats; up to $1.00 per year of records (s.395.3025).

Where this comes from

• Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B8-10.002
  https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=64B8-10.002
• Fla. Stat. s.458.331(1)(m)
  https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/458.331