Florida Loves Midwives is your statewide resource for finding licensed midwives in Florida. Here is how to make the most of our directory:
Select your county from the grid above to see midwives practicing in your area
Review profiles and note each midwife's experience, birth philosophy, and services offered
Schedule consultations with 2–3 midwives before making your decision
Verify licensure through the Florida Department of Health before signing a care agreement
Check references by speaking with former clients whenever possible
Understanding Florida Midwife Types
Licensed Midwife (LM)
Licensed under Florida Chapter 467. Completed accredited midwifery education and NARM exam. Typically attends home births and birth center births for low-risk pregnancies.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Registered nurse with graduate-level midwifery training. Practices in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. May have hospital admitting privileges for safer transfer when needed.
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
National credential through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). In Florida, CPMs who hold the state Licensed Midwife credential are fully licensed practitioners.
Can't Find a Local Midwife?
If your county does not have a local midwife, consider reaching out to a traveling midwife. Many Florida licensed midwives serve multiple counties and are willing to travel to underserved areas. Contact the Traveling Midwives page for regional coverage information.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Browse our Midwife Love page to read real birth stories from Florida families who chose midwife-led care.
Verify any Florida midwife's license through the Florida Department of Health's MQA Services Portal at the official DOH website. Search by the midwife's name or license number under the "Licensed Midwife" or "Certified Nurse-Midwife" license types.
Current licensure is non-negotiable. A valid license confirms that your midwife has met Florida's educational requirements, passed required exams, and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions. Always check before beginning prenatal care.
No referral is needed. Florida Licensed Midwives and Certified Nurse-Midwives are independent practitioners who you can contact directly. Simply reach out to a midwife listed in our directory to schedule an initial consultation or interview.
However, your midwife will conduct a thorough health history review and may require consultation with a physician if certain risk factors are identified. Midwives work within defined scope of practice parameters to ensure safe, appropriate care.
A Florida birth center is a licensed, freestanding facility offering low-risk births in a homelike environment. Birth centers are staffed by midwives, offer water birth options, and provide immediate access to emergency equipment while maintaining the comfort and intimacy of a non-hospital setting.
Birth centers are licensed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and are subject to regular inspections. They represent an excellent option for families who want midwife-led care outside the hospital but prefer not to give birth at home.
Florida law outlines eligibility criteria that Licensed Midwives must apply when accepting clients. Generally, eligible pregnancies are singleton, at term (37–42 weeks), with the baby in a head-down position. Certain conditions such as placenta previa, active herpes outbreaks, or high-risk complications require transfer to physician-led care.
Your midwife will review your complete health history, lab results, and ultrasound findings to assess your eligibility for home birth. If a risk factor emerges during pregnancy, your midwife may need to transfer your care to a physician or CNM with hospital admitting privileges.
The Florida Midwifery Association is the primary professional organization for Licensed Midwives in Florida. It advocates for favorable midwifery legislation, provides continuing education and peer support, and maintains ethical standards for the profession.
The association also connects families with its member midwives and publishes educational resources for families exploring midwifery care. Their website is a valuable secondary resource alongside the Florida Loves Midwives directory.