Florida · Prescription transfer
How to transfer a prescription to a Florida pharmacy
Moving, wintering in Florida or switching pharmacies to save money all mean moving prescriptions. It's usually quick.
Short answer: To transfer a non-controlled prescription to a Florida pharmacy, call or visit the new pharmacy with your old pharmacy's name and phone number and the prescription number from your label; the pharmacists handle the rest. Refills that remain move with it. If there are no refills left, the prescription has expired or it can't be transferred, you need a new prescription, which a Florida-registered telehealth physician can review for $39.
Step by step
- Find the prescription number, drug name and old pharmacy phone number on your label
- Call or visit the new Florida pharmacy and ask them to transfer it
- The new pharmacy contacts the old one and the refills move over
- Confirm it's ready before you go; transfers between chains or states can take a day
What can't be transferred
- Prescriptions with no refills left
- Expired prescriptions
- Some prescriptions from outside the U.S.; Florida pharmacies generally can't fill foreign prescriptions
- Controlled substances have stricter rules
When a new prescription is easier
If the transfer isn't possible, the original prescriber can send a new prescription to the Florida pharmacy. If they can't be reached, request a refill review.
Common questions
Can I transfer a prescription from another state to Florida?
Usually yes for non-controlled medicines with refills remaining. Ask the Florida pharmacy to request the transfer.
How long does a pharmacy transfer take?
Often the same day within a chain, and up to a day or so between different companies or states.
Can a Canadian or other foreign prescription be transferred to Florida?
Generally no. A U.S. prescriber needs to issue a new prescription. If you're physically in Florida, the physician can review a U.S.-available equivalent.