Practicing in Miami
Miami is one of the deepest physician markets in the Southeast, with a public academic safety-net anchor, a growing university health system, and the largest nonprofit network in the region all hiring across specialties. Whether you are exploring the city before you apply, weighing programs mid-application, prepping for a site visit, or deciding on an offer, this guide is built for any stage, with no pressure and no guesswork.
Health systems you may be working alongside
- Jackson Health System. Miami-Dade's public safety-net system, anchored by Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Ryder Trauma Center, a Level I trauma program, with a current multi-year emergency care expansion that includes one of the nation's largest adult emergency departments.
- University of Miami Health System (UHealth). The region's university-based academic system, home to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, with research and tertiary referral depth.
- Baptist Health South Florida. The largest health system in the region, a nonprofit network of hospitals and outpatient sites spanning Miami-Dade and the counties around it.
- Mount Sinai Medical Center and Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Mount Sinai anchors care on Miami Beach, and Nicklaus Children's is the area's dedicated pediatric hospital and referral center.
- HCA Florida. A broad network of acute-care hospitals and emergency sites across the metro, offering roles in both community and higher-acuity settings.
- Academic and training pipeline. The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, together with Florida International University's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, supplies the teaching faculty and graduate medical education that feed the market, with much of the residency training based at Jackson and UHealth.
What is being built right now
- UHealth SoLe Mia Medical Center opened in North Miami in late 2025, a large multi-story outpatient center bringing Sylvester cancer care, Bascom Palmer eye care, urology, and a collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery to northern Miami-Dade.
- Jackson Memorial is advancing a major emergency care program, with a new adult emergency department among the largest in the country and a pediatric emergency department set to follow.
- Jackson Health is expanding ambulatory and outpatient sites around its existing footprint under new system leadership.
- Baptist Health South Florida continues to add outpatient and specialty capacity across the metro as the region's largest network grows.
Where physicians are landing
Physicians settle across a wide range of in-city and suburban areas, depending on commute and lifestyle.
- Coral Gables. Established, tree-lined district south of downtown with walkable village centers, a short drive to the Health District via US-1 and Dixie Highway.
- Coconut Grove. Waterfront neighborhood with a compact, walkable core, just south of downtown and the main medical district.
- Brickell. High-rise urban core with the shortest reach to downtown and the Health District, well served by Metrorail and Metromover.
- Pinecrest. Southern Miami-Dade area known for larger lots and a quieter residential feel, a longer commute north to the Health District.
- South Miami. Mid-county location near US-1 and Metrorail, with a central position for commuting into the medical district.
- Kendall and West Kendall. Larger suburban districts to the west with newer subdivisions and generally more home for the money.
- Aventura and North Miami. Northern options closer to the UHealth SoLe Mia campus and the Broward County line.
Commute to the medical district
The main medical district, the Civic Center and Health District just west of downtown, holds Jackson Memorial and much of UHealth. From Brickell and the Grove, drives generally run 10 to 20 minutes. From Coral Gables and South Miami, plan on roughly 15 to 25 minutes. From Pinecrest and Kendall, 25 to 45 minutes depending on the hour. The main arteries are I-95, the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836), US-1, and Metrorail, which runs directly to the Civic Center station.
Cost of living and taxes
- Housing. Typical Miami home values run in the range of roughly $560,000 to $590,000, with wide variation by neighborhood. Average rent sits near $2,900 to $3,100 a month and has cooled somewhat recently.
- No state income tax. Florida levies no state personal income tax, which meaningfully affects physician take-home pay.
- Sales and property tax. The state sales tax base is 6 percent, with local surtax added on top, reaching 7 percent in Miami-Dade County. Property tax is assessed at the county level, and Florida's homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of a primary residence.
Rent or buy
Many physicians rent first to learn the area and confirm the commute they want, then buy once they are settled. We connect you with physician-friendly lenders and can compare both paths against your start date, so the timing works for your contract rather than against it. Confirm current figures with a tax professional.
Your move, handled
Changing jobs as a physician is tied to your contract, your start date, licensing, and credentialing. Here is what your Physician Relocation Advisor coordinates on a Miami move:
- Florida licensure. Guidance on the Florida Board of Medicine application and timeline, plus your DEA registration for the new address.
- Credentialing. Support through hospital and payer credentialing, which commonly runs 90 to 180 days, so it lines up with your start date.
- Housing around your hospital. Homes matched to your commute and schedule, with vetted local agents and physician-friendly lenders.
- Family and schools. Research on neighborhoods and school options so your family has what it needs.
- One point of contact. We stay with you from offer to move-in, no pressure and no guesswork.
We're here to take care of you.
