Tired of rushed appointments, surprise bills, and waiting weeks to see a doctor? Direct primary care (DPC) flips the script. For a flat monthly fee, you get unlimited visits, longer appointments, and direct access to your provider. Whether you're uninsured,
Why Direct Primary Care Is Gaining Ground in Florida
Florida's healthcare landscape is challenging, especially in rural areas where physician shortages are acute. Direct primary care offers a solution: a membership model that eliminates insurance billing, copays, and deductibles. Patients pay a predictable monthly fee and receive comprehensive primary care, often with same-day or next-day appointments. This model is particularly appealing in counties like Gadsden, which ranks last in Florida for health outcomes and has only 21 physicians per 100,000 residents. DPC practices are stepping in to fill the gap, providing affordable, accessible care to underserved communities.
How We Ranked These Practices
We evaluated each practice based on affordability (monthly membership fees and registration costs), accessibility (same-day appointments, telehealth, and direct messaging), scope of services (including add-ons like weight loss or hormone therapy), and patient-centric features (extended appointment times, no surprise bills). We also considered the practice's ability to serve underserved or rural populations.
Here's a quick look at the top five direct primary care practices in Florida, ranked for their value, accessibility, and patient experience.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Florida Direct Primary Care | Affordable, comprehensive DPC with sports medicine |
| Direct Primary Care of Florida | Multilingual, personalized family medicine |
| St. Pete Direct Primary Care | Preventive-focused care with urgent care access |
| Kennedy Direct Primary Care | Chattahoochee & Gadsden County, FL | Rural residents seeking affordable, local primary care |
| Access Direct Primary Care | Tech-friendly care with urgent care and aesthetics |
The Top 5 Direct Primary Care Practices in Florida
#1 Florida Direct Primary Care
A screenshot of the Florida Direct Primary Care website.
Led by board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Bryant Wilson, Florida Direct Primary Care in St. Augustine offers a classic DPC experience with unlimited visits, no copays, and direct physician access. Memberships start at just $60 per month, making it one of the most affordable options in the state. The practice also provides sports medicine and obesity medicine services, giving you more than just basic primary care. You can call, text, or email your doctor directly, and same or next-day visits are standard. It's a great fit if you want comprehensive care with transparent pricing.
#2 Direct Primary Care of Florida
A screenshot of the Direct Primary Care of Florida website.
Based in Orlando, Direct Primary Care of Florida offers concierge-level care in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The practice is led by Dr. David St. Peter and Dr. Gayatri Patel, both board-certified family medicine physicians, along with nurse practitioner Jensy Morales. They emphasize fast, hassle-free access with no five-week waits or crowded waiting rooms. Members can expect personalized care where the provider truly knows your health history. The practice also offers weight loss and aesthetic services, adding extra value to your membership.
#3 St. Pete Direct Primary Care
A screenshot of the St. Pete Direct Primary Care website.
Founded by physician assistant Eric McDougle, St. Pete Direct Primary Care focuses on delivering same or next-day visits for primary and urgent care needs. Members can text or email their provider directly and use a free telehealth app. The practice is designed for those with no insurance or high-deductible plans, aiming to reduce the need for medications through preventive care. McDougle's philosophy is to be your advocate, coordinating specialist care when needed. It's a solid choice if you want a proactive, preventive approach to your health.
#4 Kennedy Direct Primary Care | Chattahoochee & Gadsden County, FL
A screenshot of the Kennedy Direct Primary Care website.
Run by husband-and-wife nurse practitioners Eric and Lacy Kennedy, this practice serves a critically underserved area in rural Florida. Gadsden County ranks last in the state for health outcomes, and the practice offers a lifeline with founding rates as low as $50 per month. You get unlimited 30–60 minute appointments, no copays, direct messaging via the HINT patient portal, and wholesale medication pricing. The Kennedys also provide add-ons like weight loss, hormone therapy, and Botox at discounted rates. It's an ideal option if you live in the Florida Panhandle and want affordable, local care without driving to Tallahassee.
#5 Access Direct Primary Care
A screenshot of the Access Direct Primary Care website.
Access Direct Primary Care, led by nurse practitioner Kristin Stuchlik, offers a modern twist on family medicine with a focus on convenience. You can text your provider, send photos of rashes, and handle many concerns via phone or video. The practice provides urgent care appointments for stitches, IV fluids, and simple fractures, keeping you out of the ER. Stuchlik also offers joint injections, hormone replacement therapy, GLP-1 weight loss treatment, and aesthetic services like Botox. It's a great pick if you want a tech-savvy practice that goes beyond basic primary care.
How to Choose the Right DPC Practice for You
Start by considering your location and whether the practice serves your area. If you live in a rural region like Gadsden County, a local practice like Kennedy Direct Primary Care may be your best bet. Next, look at membership fees and what's included—some practices offer lower rates but fewer add-ons. Think about your healthcare needs: do you want preventive care, urgent care access, or extras like weight loss or hormone therapy? Finally, check if the provider offers telehealth and direct messaging, which can save you time and hassle.
Streamline Your Healthcare with a DPC Membership
Once you choose a DPC practice, the workflow is simple: sign up for a membership online or during a meet-and-greet visit. You'll pay a flat monthly fee and get immediate access to your provider via text, phone, or a patient portal. Schedule same-day or next-day appointments as needed, and use telehealth for minor concerns. For medications, take advantage of wholesale pricing to save on prescriptions. This model automates the administrative headache of insurance billing, letting you focus on your health.
Your Health, Your Terms
Direct primary care is reshaping how Floridians access healthcare, offering a transparent, affordable alternative to the traditional system. Whether you're in bustling St. Augustine or rural Chattahoochee, there's a DPC practice ready to put you first. The five practices highlighted here represent the best of what DPC offers: personalized care, no surprise bills, and a focus on prevention. Take the first step by exploring a membership that fits your life and budget.