Florida Physician Shortage and the “Live Healthy” Initiative

Since the launch of the “Live Healthy” Initiative last year, Florida has taken bold steps to address the ongoing Florida physician shortage. Backed by SB 7016 physician licensure and new funding mechanisms, this legislative effort is designed to expand healthcare access, streamline licensing for foreign-trained doctors, and strengthen recruitment pipelines across underserved communities. Partnerships with medical recruitment companies are also helping connect qualified providers with facilities most in need, further supporting the state’s long-term workforce goals.

From alternative licensure routes for physicians certified by the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates), to expanded funding for behavioral health staffing, the initiative highlights both early successes and areas still in development. Florida’s progress shows measurable impact in rural healthcare delivery and behavioral health access — targeting underserved healthcare areas in Florida — while also underscoring the need for continued collaboration and innovation. Here’s what you need to know about the “Live Healthy” Initiative’s impact so far, and what lies ahead.

Why the “Live Healthy” Initiative Was Needed

Florida has long faced a healthcare access crisis. As of 2024, 37 of Florida’s 67 counties were designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), with critical shortages in primary care, psychiatry, and rural services. Last year’s projections from the Florida Hospital Association estimated a shortfall of over 17,000 physicians by 2035.

To address these gaps, the “Live Healthy” Initiative aimed to:

• Fund key primary care and behavioral care staffing in Florida
• Streamline SB 7016 physician licensure for foreign-trained doctors
• Improve the supply of telemedicine jobs in Florida
• Match physicians with high-need regions through public-private partnerships

These goals were a direct response to the dual challenge of rising patient demand and insufficient workforce supply, especially in underserved areas of Florida — a challenge that physician recruiters and medical recruitment companies have been navigating for years.

Behavioral Health Support and Underserved Healthcare Areas in Florida

One of the most critical components of the “Live Healthy” Initiative is its focus on strengthening the healthcare workforce in areas where the need is greatest. Two key programs — FRAME (Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education) and DSLR (Doctors Serving Local Regions) — were expanded in 2025 to fund providers in critical specialties. In 2024, almost 80% of FRAME recipients were in the critical areas of deficit: primary care or psychiatry. This year, FRAME provided loan repayment assistance to over 500 new clinicians working in behavioral health and primary care, while DSLR issued service grants to physicians committing to work in rural or high-need areas for at least three years. These programs also include volunteer hour requirements and retention incentives.

Technology is also playing a key role. The growth of telemedicine jobs in Florida is helping extend physician reach across geographic barriers, providing patients with timely access to care that might otherwise be unavailable. By combining traditional recruitment with innovative delivery models, the state is positioning itself to meet both immediate staffing demands and long-term healthcare needs.

SB 7016 Physician Licensure Updates: Opening Doors for Foreign-Trained Doctors

One of the most innovative aspects of SB 7016 was the creation of a streamlined licensure path for ECFMG-certified doctor pathways. As of 2025, over 300 foreign-trained physician jobs have been filled under this provision, with new candidates entering the review pipeline monthly.

These ECFMG-certified doctors, often trained abroad and previously blocked by lengthy or unclear licensure processes, can now obtain Florida licenses if they meet standardized clinical and educational benchmarks.

While standardization is still evolving, physician recruiters report smoother onboarding processes and greater flexibility in filling rural roles. Physician recruiters, especially those specializing in filling foreign-trained physician jobs, are instrumental in guiding both systems and clinicians through the new licensing track to help ease the Florida physician shortage.

“It’s an exciting time for international medical graduates. For the first time in years, Florida is spotlighting the value of global training,” said Marc Adam, managing partner at MASC Medical. “This bill gives us the tools to place skilled, passionate doctors exactly where they’re needed most.”

What’s Still in Progress

Despite clear wins in licensure expansion and workforce funding, the “Live Healthy” Initiative remains a work in progress. Key challenges include:

• Standardizing how foreign medical education is evaluated for Florida licensure
• Tracking and improving long-term physician retention in underserved areas
• Anticipating future legislative shifts as Florida’s healthcare landscape evolves

Additionally, there’s increasing discussion around whether federal policy might support or hinder these state-led innovations. For example, future Medicare or Medicaid adjustments could directly affect rural staffing budgets.

A Blueprint for Other States?

The state’s bold approach through the “Live Healthy” Initiative and SB 7016 physician licensure updates positions it as a potential national leader in workforce innovation. By addressing the Florida physician shortage through both domestic and international recruitment, and funding telehealth and behavioral health solutions, the state is building a more resilient healthcare system.

However, the true success of the initiative will depend on retention, continued funding, and ongoing collaboration between policymakers, recruiters, and healthcare providers. The path is promising — but still being paved.