Florida ACN Medical Association

01/31/2026

Recent Op-Ed in the Orlando Sentinel highlights a growing crisis we can’t ignore: Florida’s physician shortage is real, worsening, and directly impacting patient access to care.

As our population grows and physicians retire or relocate, the strain on the healthcare system continues to intensify, especially in primary care. This is not a future problem; it’s happening now.

HB 809 is a meaningful step forward. The bill helps alleviate the burden on our healthcare system by ensuring patients remain protected through continued care.

Florida needs smart, patient-centered solutions. Supporting policies like HB 809 is about improving access, and making sure Floridians get the care they need, when they need it.

The conversation is happening. The data is clear. The time to act is now.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/31/commentary-doctors-in-underserved-areas-of-florida-need-better-job-stability/

Many doctors that operate in underserved areas of Florida have no path to permanent licensure in the state. Legislation aims to change that.

01/19/2026

Today, FAMA honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership was rooted in justice, service, and equality. His vision continues to inspire our commitment to advocating for physicians, elevating our profession, and ensuring equitable care for the communities we serve. We move forward guided by purpose, unity, and action.

01/09/2026

12/26/2025

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/770921-yvette-benarroch-files-bill-to-fight-the-physician-shortage/?fbclid=IwdGRleAO7kx9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeaG39WnZePAUGvYgxyeiHX5raoTwlruTyF3HZqsGBsQGH3UJXxKMUMdz8wBg_aem_cM5rgFeOPHz51XdYrH5LQg

'Florida’s communities depend on qualified physicians especially in underserved and high need areas.'

12/20/2025

⏰ Reminder! Join Us This Sunday

Don’t forget to join us for our FAMA Town Hall this Sunday, December 21 at 1:00 PM.

We’ll be discussing important updates, including recent legislative developments, and sharing what’s ahead for our organization. Your voice and participation matter.

📅 Sunday, Dec 21
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Virtual Town Hall (link shared via email)

We look forward to seeing you there.

12/19/2025

📢 **FAMA Legislative Statement – HB 809**

Bill HB 809 uses statutory and regulatory language modeled after Georgia Rule 360-2-.01, which outlines the requirements for licensure. This rule explicitly recognizes medical licensure examinations administered by U.S. states and territories as valid evidence of professional competency for the Puerto Rico Medical Board's certifying examination for those who completed their postgraduate training in Puerto Rico.

In line with Georgia's approach, HB 809 clearly states the requirements by specifying "a passing score on the certifying examination of the Puerto Rico Medical Board," rather than vague equivalency or discretionary language. This precise wording was taken from Georgia's licensure rule Rule 360-2-.01.

This language choice aims to ensure that physicians who have already demonstrated their competency through a recognized U.S. territorial medical licensing authority are formally acknowledged under Florida law.

By aligning with these standards, Florida's licensure system remains competitive, defensible, and responsive to physician shortages, while still adhering to Florida statutes and the oversight of the Florida Board of Medicine.

12/18/2025

📢 FAMA Legislative Update – HB 809 Submitted

We are proud to announce that FAMA has successfully submitted HB 809, a critical piece of legislation that fixes a long-standing issue regarding what “active practice of medicine” means for physicians holding temporary certificates in Areas of Critical Need.

✅ What’s been fixed?

Under HB 809, active practice of medicine is now clearly defined as practice pursuant to a valid temporary certificate. This removes ambiguity and ensures that physicians serving Florida’s most vulnerable communities are fully recognized for the work they are already doing.

✅ Why this matters:

Active practice no longer depends on outside interpretations

Practice under a temporary certificate now counts toward licensure by endorsement

Physicians serving in Areas of Critical Need are protected and acknowledged

This bill affirms what FAMA has always maintained:

Physicians practicing under a state-issued certificate ARE actively practicing medicine.

HB 809 represents a significant step forward in supporting our workforce, enhancing access to care, and ensuring fairness for physicians who serve where they are most needed.

📣 This is advocacy in action.

Thank you to Representative Yvette Benarroch, our members, and partners who continue to support FAMA’s mission to advance medicine, equity, and patient care in Florida.

12/18/2025

🎉 Historic Moment for FAMA! 🎉

We are proud to announce that House Bill 809 has officially been submitted. A major step forward for our profession and our patients.

This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership and support of our bill sponsor Rep. Yvette Benarroch, the dedication of Sunrise Consulting Group, Bob Cortes, and the unwavering commitment of the members of the Florida ACN Medical Association.

This is what advocacy in action looks like. Together, we continue to elevate our voice and shape the future of medicine in Florida.

https://www.flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=83448

12/18/2025

Good News!

12/18/2025

🚨 Very exciting news! 🚨

FAMA has officially submitted our bill! This is a huge step forward.

Stay tuned. we’ll be discussing all the details at our Town Hall this Sunday, December 21 at 1:00 PM.

📩 The meeting link will be emailed soon.

12/15/2025

Fantastic news is on the way!

Our momentum keeps accelerating, and we are growing faster than ever, driven by the conviction that FAMA stands alone in representing all ACN physicians with vision, strength, and unquestioned credibility.

Please join us in warmly welcoming our newest members!

12/15/2025

What an incredible and very successful CME & Networking Meeting in Marion County! 👏
This event truly showcased what makes the Florida ACN Medical Association different from any other organization.

We don’t just advocate for a permanent solution to our temporary license, we integrate legislation, advocacy, and physician leadership into everything we do. These efforts are what set the Florida ACN Medical Association apart: empowering our physicians to be informed voices in healthcare policy while elevating the standard of what it means to be an ACN physician, engaged, united, and leading change beyond the exam room.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the meaningful conversations that continue to strengthen our profession and our communities.

Adelante FAMA!