Florida is currently projected to face a gap of nearly -18,000 full-time physicians this year. In a market where 66 out of 67 counties report primary care shortages, the competition for talent is no longer just about salary—it’s about onboarding speed.

When you finally sign a new provider in Miami or Tampa, the "Credentialing Lag" is your biggest enemy. If a doctor has to wait 7 months to begin billing, they are more likely to experience early burnout or look toward hybrid/telehealth roles.

The 2026 Survival Guide for Florida Practices:

1. Start Early: In 2026, the average search for a PCP exceeds 7 months. You should initiate the Florida medical credentialing process the moment a contract is signed.

2. Leverage New Pathways: Utilize Florida’s 2026 legislation that provides new permanent licensure pathways for doctors holding temporary certificates in "critical need" areas.

3. Audit Your Enrollment Pipeline: Every day a provider is "pending" is a day of uncompensated care.

The Bottom Line: To thrive in Florida’s current shortage, your administrative backend must be as agile as your clinical team. Outsourced partners like MDBC Pro provide the specialized follow-up needed to push applications through major payers like Sunshine Health and UHC faster than in-house teams.