Florida HSMV Form 72997 Medical Advisory Board Guide

What Is Florida HSMV Form 72997?

Form HSMV 72997 is completed by a member of the Florida Medical Advisory Board after reviewing an individual’s medical reports. The Board member documents whether the driver should be approved, denied, deferred, or required to complete follow-up testing or medical reports.

The form covers recommendations for both commercial (Class A, B, and C) and non-commercial (Class E) licenses. It is not a form that drivers or the general public fill out. Instead, it is an official tool used exclusively by Board physicians during the medical review process.

You can download the official PDF directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

Download Official HSMV Form 72997 (PDF)

Purpose of the Medical Advisory Board Recommendation Form

The primary purpose of HSMV 72997 is to formalize the Medical Advisory Board’s expert recommendation to FLHSMV. According to Rule 15A-5.0021, F.A.C., when medical reports raise questions about a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, the case is submitted to the Board Chairman or a designated member. If specialist review is needed, the case goes to a Board physician in the relevant medical discipline.

That physician then completes Form 72997 with one of the following recommendations:

• Approval with no follow-up requirements
• Approval contingent on follow-up medical reports, vision tests, road tests, written tests, or a Certified Driver Evaluation
• Denial of the driving privilege (with guidance on what information may be submitted for reconsideration)
• Deferral pending additional medical information

These recommendations help FLHSMV decide whether to issue, retain, restrict, or revoke a Florida driver license.

Who Completes Form HSMV 72997?

Only members of the Florida Medical Advisory Board complete this form. The Medical Advisory Board is a panel of physicians appointed to advise FLHSMV on medical criteria and vision standards for driver licensing, as authorized under Section 322.125, Florida Statutes.

Board members review physician evaluations and medical reports submitted during the medical review process and then issue their recommendation on Form 72997. Cases involving vision or neurological deficits may be referred directly to a Board neurologist or eye specialist.

Key Sections of the Form

The official Form 72997 includes the following main sections:

• Identifying Information – Name of the driver, date, referring doctor, and specialist
• Case Type – Initial, Follow-up, Re-open, Reconsideration, or Administrative Hearing
• Class A, B, and C Review (commercial licenses) – Options for approval, denial, or deferral, including specific follow-up intervals (3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or other) and required tests
• Class E Review (non-commercial licenses) – Similar options, plus the possibility of requiring a Certified Driver Evaluation
• Comments – Space for the Board physician to explain the recommendation

The form clearly separates commercial and non-commercial recommendations so that the appropriate standards can be applied.

How the Florida Medical Review Process Works?

Understanding Form 72997 requires context about Florida’s broader medical review process:

1. A report is received (from a physician, law enforcement, court, family member, or concerned citizen) indicating a possible medical condition that may affect safe driving.
2. FLHSMV screens the report for validity. If needed, an investigation is conducted.
3. The driver is notified in writing and typically given 45 days to submit required medical reports from their physician(s).
4. Medical reports are forwarded to the Medical Advisory Board.
5. A Board member reviews the case and completes Form HSMV 72997 with a recommendation.
6. FLHSMV issues a final decision (usually within 90 days of receiving all requested medical information) and notifies the driver in writing.

If the driving privilege is denied for medical reasons, a hardship license is not available. However, the individual may submit updated medical information or a Certified Driver Evaluation by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist for reconsideration at any time.

Related Official Forms and Resources

Drivers involved in a medical review may encounter several related FLHSMV forms, including:

• HSMV 72423 – Medical Report
• HSMV 72360 – Medical Release Form
• HSMV 72190 – Report a Driver Whose Ability is Questionable
• Vision-related forms such as the Report of Eye Exam

All official FLHSMV forms are available on the department’s Forms page.

For questions about the medical review process, contact the Medical Review Program:

• Phone: (850) 617-3814
• Fax: (850) 617-3944
• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: Medical Review Program, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 86, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0570

Why Form 72997 Matters for Florida Drivers?

Form HSMV 72997 plays a central role in balancing public safety with the mobility needs of Florida residents who have medical conditions. The Medical Advisory Board’s recommendations help ensure that only those who can safely operate a motor vehicle retain full driving privileges, while providing a clear pathway for drivers whose conditions improve to seek reinstatement.

Because the form is completed by Board physicians rather than the public, most drivers never see it. However, understanding its function helps drivers, family members, and healthcare providers navigate the medical review process more effectively.

Download the Official Form

Always obtain Form 72997 from the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website to ensure you have the current version:

Download Florida HSMV Form 72997 – Medical Advisory Board Recommendation Form (PDF)

For additional information on medical conditions and driver safety, visit the official FLHSMV Medical Review page and review the Medical Advisory Board pamphlet.