Living with a disability or caring for someone who does can feel overwhelming, but Florida residents have access to a comprehensive disability support system designed to help navigate daily challenges and improve quality of life. With approximately 2.4 million people in Florida living with disabilities—representing 12.8% of the state’s population—you are far from alone in your journey.
Florida’s disability services provide essential support across multiple areas including healthcare access, employment assistance, housing programs, transportation options, educational support, and financial benefits. These resources serve individuals with physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, developmental delays, mental health conditions, and sensory disabilities. Whether you’re seeking Social Security disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, assistive technology, or community-based services, Florida offers numerous pathways to independence and support.
For families and caregivers, accessing disability services can provide respite care, training programs, support groups, and advocacy assistance. These services help reduce caregiver stress while ensuring individuals with disabilities receive proper care and opportunities for personal growth. With only 31.3% of disabled individuals in Florida currently employed, job training and placement programs become particularly valuable resources for those seeking greater independence and financial stability.
Understanding available disability resources and how to access them is crucial for maximizing independence, improving health outcomes, and enhancing overall well-being for individuals with disabilities and their support networks.
Florida Disability Helplines
Florida 211: 2-1-1
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD): 1-866-273-2273
Disability Rights Florida: 1-800-342-0823
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: 1-850-245-0450
Florida Elderly Services and Disabled Abuse Reporting Hotlines
Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873
Elder Helpline: 1-800-963-5337
Florida Department of Elder Affairs: 1-850-414-2000
Senior Legal Helpline: 1-888-895-7873
Florida Nursing Home and Health Care Facility Concerns
Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-888-831-0404
Agency for Health Care Administration: 1-888-419-3456
Florida Department of Health: 1-877-435-8852
Florida Disabled Student Assistance Helplines
Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services: 1-850-245-0475
Office of Student Financial Assistance: 1-888-827-2004
Federal Student Aid Information Center: 1-800-433-3243
Florida Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system but can no longer work due to a qualifying disability. SSDI eligibility requires sufficient work credits and a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. The Social Security Disability application process involves extensive documentation of medical conditions and work history to determine if applicants meet the strict definition of disability.
Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 – Official federal agency that administers SSDI benefits and processes Social Security Disability applications nationwide.
SSA Office Locator – Find the nearest Social Security Administration office for in-person assistance with SSDI eligibility questions and application support.
Florida Division of Disability Determinations – State agency responsible for making medical eligibility determinations for Florida residents applying for SSDI benefits.
Disability Rights Florida – Provides free legal advocacy and rights protection for individuals with disabilities, including assistance with SSDI appeals and benefit disputes.
Florida Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to individuals who are disabled, blind, or age 65 and older with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI eligibility is not based on work history but rather on financial need. SSI benefits help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter for those who qualify based on disability status and asset limitations of $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples.
Social Security Administration – SSI: 1-800-772-1213 – Official federal agency that administers SSI benefits and processes Supplemental Security Income applications for eligible individuals nationwide.
SSA Office Locator – Find the nearest Social Security Administration office for in-person assistance with SSI eligibility questions and application support.
Florida Division of Disability Determinations – State agency responsible for making medical eligibility determinations for Florida residents applying for SSI benefits based on disability.
Disability Rights Florida – SSI Services – Provides free legal advocacy and information about SSI program rules, eligibility requirements, and assistance with benefit appeals and disputes.
Florida Medicaid Disability Services & Waivers
Medicaid disability services and waivers provide essential home and community-based support for eligible individuals with disabilities in Florida. These Medicaid waivers for disabled individuals allow them to receive long-term care services in their homes or community settings rather than institutional facilities. Medicaid long term care programs include the iBudget Waiver for developmental disabilities, Long-Term Care Waiver for elderly and disabled adults, and specialized waivers for medically fragile individuals, serving thousands of Floridians who need ongoing support and care.
Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) 1-888-419-3456 – State agency that administers Florida’s Medicaid program and oversees all Medicaid disability services and waiver programs statewide.
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) 1-866-762-2237 – Determines financial eligibility for Medicaid and processes applications for individuals seeking Medicaid disability services and waivers.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) 1-850-414-2000 – Conducts medical eligibility assessments for Medicaid long term care services and manages waitlist priorities for waiver programs.
Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) – iBudget Waiver 1-866-273-2273 – Administers the iBudget Waiver program providing home and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) 1-866-762-2237 – Provides screening and assessment services for Medicaid long term care waiver programs and connects individuals to appropriate services.
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Choice Counselors 1-877-711-3662 – Assists Medicaid recipients in choosing appropriate managed care plans and understanding their Medicaid disability services options.
CARES Program 1-850-414-2000 – Conducts comprehensive assessments to determine level of care needed for Medicaid waiver eligibility and services.
Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) 1-888-419-3456 – Provides self-directed service delivery model allowing participants to hire their own caregivers including family members for personal assistance services.
Florida Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL) – Coordinates 16 Centers for Independent Living throughout Florida that provide home disability care, independent living skills training, and community disability services to individuals with all types of disabilities.
Home Care Association of Florida – Professional association representing certified home care providers offering in-home support for disabled individuals including personal care, nursing services, and community disability services.
Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida – Provides independent living services, advocacy, and in-home support for disabled individuals in north central Florida to help them achieve community inclusion and independence.
Disability Achievement Center – Operates as a Center for Independent Living serving Pinellas and Pasco Counties with home disability care services, independent living skills training, and community integration support.
Florida Health Justice Project – Advocacy organization that provides information about home and community based services rights and helps individuals navigate the HCBS system for in-home support for disabled persons.
Community Care for Disabled Adults (CCDA) Program – Florida DCF program providing case management and in-home services for adults with disabilities aged 18-59 to help them live independently in their homes.
Florida Independent Living Council – State council that promotes independent living philosophy and coordinates home disability care services through Centers for Independent Living across Florida.
Model Waiver Program – Medicaid waiver providing community disability services for medically complex children and youth under 20 to receive in-home support for disabled individuals instead of institutional care.
Florida Assistive Technology Services
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST) provides comprehensive assistive technology devices and services including device loans, demonstrations, training, information assistance, and statewide financing programs for Floridians with disabilities to access the latest adaptive technology for disabilities.
FAAST Center at UCF offers assistive technology device demonstrations, equipment loans, training, and specialized augmentative and alternative communication assessments serving Brevard, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties through their partnership with UCF Communication Disorders Clinic.
Tampa General Hospital FAAST Regional Demonstration Center delivers assistive technology services through device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans, training programs, and information assistance to help individuals with disabilities access appropriate assistive technology devices for independence.
CIL Jacksonville FAAST Program serves as the Regional Distribution Center providing assistive technology device loans, demonstrations, training, and financing programs for residents in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties.
Florida Division of Blind Services provides specialized assistive technology devices, adaptive technology, and low vision aids for blind and visually impaired Floridians of all ages, including screen readers, magnifiers, Braille equipment, and computer access technology through vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs.
Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida offers assistive technology services through FAAST programs including device loans, demonstrations, equipment reutilization, training, information assistance, and specialized support for individuals with disabilities in North Central Florida.
Center for Independent Living Northwest Florida provides assistive technology equipment and independence programs through grants and partnerships, offering disability aids and adaptive equipment to optimize independence for people with disabilities in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.
Suncoast Center for Independent Living assists residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties with acquiring and learning to use assistive technology devices, providing information about adaptive technology for disabilities alongside durable medical equipment loans and accessibility modifications for independent living.
Florida Centers for Independent Living
Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida provides independent living support through advocacy, independent living skills training, information and referral services, peer support, and transition assistance to empower individuals with disabilities in North Central Florida since 1981.
Center for Independent Living Northwest Florida offers disability independent living centers services including equipment and assistive technology programs, peer support, advocacy, and transition services to residents in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.
CIL Orlando delivers comprehensive independent living resources through their five core services of peer-to-peer support, information and referral, advocacy, independent life skills training, and transition programs serving Central Florida communities.
Center for Independent Living of Broward assists people with disabilities in Broward County to achieve independence and self-sufficiency through advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, transition services, and assistive technology loan programs.
Center for Independent Living of South Florida empowers people of all ages with disabilities in Miami-Dade County through independent living support services including advocacy, peer support, transition assistance, and skills training since 1993.
Suncoast Center for Independent Living provides free independent living resources to residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties including advocacy, peer mentoring, skills training, equipment loans, and community resource connections to promote independence and dignity.
Disability Achievement Center serves as a disability independent living center for Pinellas and Pasco counties, offering information and referral services, independent living skills training, peer support, advocacy, and transition assistance since 1992.
CIL Jacksonville operates as a Regional Distribution Center providing independent living support through core services, assistive technology programs, medical equipment loans, and advocacy services for residents in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties.
Florida Disability Rights Advocacy & Legal Aid
Disability Rights Florida serves as the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy system providing free legal advocacy and disability rights protection for adults and children with disabilities, addressing civil rights violations, abuse, neglect, and discrimination since 1977.
Florida Commission on Human Relations enforces the state’s civil rights laws and investigates disability advocacy services complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on disability, offering mediation services and legal remedies for proven violations.
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida provides no-cost civil legal aid services to vulnerable populations in Central Florida including people with disabilities, offering disability legal aid in areas of housing, public benefits, healthcare, and consumer protection across 12 counties.
Legal Services of Greater Miami delivers free civil legal services for low-income communities in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, including disability advocacy services for education rights, public benefits, healthcare access, and housing discrimination cases involving people with disabilities.
Florida Legal Services operates as a statewide non-profit impact litigation firm advancing economic, social, and racial justice through disability legal aid, legislative advocacy, and strategic partnerships to create equality for vulnerable populations including people with disabilities.
Legal Aid Society of Orange County Bar Association provides disability rights legal services for low-income residents, the working poor, and disadvantaged groups with special legal needs in Orange County, Florida, including guardianship advocacy for disabled adults and children.
Bay Area Legal Services offers civil legal aid to residents of the Tampa Bay area including disability advocacy services, representing clients in disability rights cases involving housing discrimination, public benefits, and accessibility issues.
Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society serves Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties providing disability legal aid services including advocacy for disability rights, benefits assistance, and legal representation for people with disabilities facing discrimination or access barriers.
Florida Special Education Services (IEPs, 504 Plans)
Florida Department of Education Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services administers special education services statewide, providing iep help and 504 plan assistance through comprehensive programs, resources, and oversight for students with disabilities ages 3-21 in Florida’s exceptional student education system.
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) supports exceptional student education programs by providing evidence-based professional learning opportunities, assistive technology integration, family engagement services, and special education services including IEP and 504 plan guidance to enhance student achievement.
Hope Haven Center for Educational Advocacy offers comprehensive educational advocacy services including iep help, 504 plan assistance, school meeting attendance, and specialized support for families navigating special education processes from early intervention through age 22.
IEP Partner provides specialized special education services including expert IEP advocacy, 504 plan assistance, dispute resolution support, and expert witness services for families and attorneys throughout Florida’s major cities including Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee.
Windsor Law LLC delivers legal advocacy for special education services through their teacher-turned-attorney approach, providing strategic iep help and 504 plan assistance to help families obtain appropriate educational services and navigate complex special education law.
FDLRS Parent Help Desk offers specialized special education services through parent support specialists who provide personalized iep help, 504 plan assistance, resources, and guidance to families navigating Florida’s exceptional student education system.
Florida Department of Health IEP Resources provides special education services resources specifically for parents of deaf and hard of hearing students, including comprehensive iep help, communication plan development, and 504 plan assistance information.
The Orlando Law Group offers legal special education services including advocacy for IEP and 504 plan eligibility, procedural guidance, and iep help for families seeking appropriate educational accommodations and services in Florida’s school districts.
Florida Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Support
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides comprehensive disability employment services including vocational counseling, job training, supported employment, and job placement assistance to help individuals with disabilities secure and maintain meaningful careers throughout Florida.
Florida Division of Blind Services delivers specialized vocational rehabilitation services for blind and visually impaired Floridians, offering job support for disabled individuals through employment placement, assistive technology training, and individualized employment plans to achieve independence.
Abilities of Florida (ServiceSource) partners with Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide core disability employment services across ten workforce regions, expanding vocational rehabilitation access and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida offers vocational rehabilitation services as a specialized vendor providing job support for disabled individuals through employment services, supported employment programs, and self-advocacy training to achieve competitive integrated employment.
CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas employs Disability Program Navigators who provide disability employment services including Ticket to Work assistance, job search support, and work incentive counseling for Social Security beneficiaries seeking employment opportunities.
CareerSource Florida Network connects employers with qualified talent while providing job support for disabled individuals through comprehensive workforce development programs, career centers, and specialized services across Florida’s regional workforce boards.
Ability1st serves as the Center for Independent Living for North Florida, providing vocational rehabilitation support through career development services, job placement assistance, and disability employment services for residents in Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties.
Disability Rights Florida Client Assistance Program advocates for individuals receiving vocational rehabilitation services, ensuring access to appropriate disability employment services and protecting rights throughout the job support for disabled process with both state VR agencies.
Florida Disability Transportation Services
Miami-Dade Special Transportation Service (STS) provides accessible transportation for disabled individuals who cannot use regular public transit, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout Miami-Dade County with door-to-door paratransit services at $3.50 per trip.
Broward County TOPS Paratransit offers shared-ride disability transportation for persons with physical, cognitive, emotional, or visual disabilities through the Transportation OPtionS program with door-to-door service at $3.50 per trip throughout Broward County.
PSTA Access Paratransit delivers traditional pre-scheduled ADA paratransit shared-ride service and Mobility-On-Demand options for individuals with disabilities in Pinellas County who cannot independently use regular bus service, charging $4.50 per ride.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority Connexion provides destination-to-destination shared public transportation for people with disabilities functionally unable to use fixed-route services in Jacksonville and Duval County, with additional travel training programs available.
Space Coast Area Transit ADA Paratransit serves Brevard County with specialized accessible transportation for disabled passengers through their Volunteers in Motion program, offering curb-to-curb transportation for those unable to use regular bus routes.
Citrus Connection Paratransit operates door-to-door service six days a week in Polk County for senior citizens, disadvantaged citizens, and citizens with disabilities using wheelchair lift-equipped buses with fares starting at $2 per trip.
Wheelchair Transport Service has provided specialized wheelchair and stretcher transport services on Florida’s West Coast for 50 years, offering non-emergency medical transportation and mobility assistance to elderly and wheelchair-bound residents with trained drivers and accessible vehicles.
Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged serves as the statewide coordinating agency that administers the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund and ensures accessible transportation services are available in all 67 Florida counties for eligible residents who cannot access regular transportation.
Florida Disability Benefits Counseling
Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida WIPA provides free Work Incentives Planning and Assistance services through Community Work Incentive Coordinators who offer disability benefits advice on how employment affects SSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits for residents in 28 Northwest Florida counties.
employU Benefits Counseling delivers comprehensive Work Incentives Planning Assistance through Certified Work Incentive Practitioners who provide personalized disability financial support counseling and benefits eligibility help for SSI recipients and SSDI beneficiaries throughout Florida.
Disability Rights Florida offers free legal advocacy and representation services to individuals with disabilities, providing disability benefits advice and assistance with Social Security applications, appeals, and resolving legal issues related to benefit eligibility.
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities provides comprehensive guidance and support for individuals with developmental disabilities seeking services, including assistance with benefits eligibility help and connecting individuals to appropriate resources and financial support programs.
Abilities of Florida ServiceSource operates a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance program serving ten Southwest Florida counties, offering disability benefits advice through Community Work Incentive Coordinators who explain SSA work incentives and help remove barriers to employment.
Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation through the Department of Health provides disability determinations for Social Security Administration programs and offers disability financial support counseling to help individuals understand their eligibility for federal disability benefits.
Center for Independent Living of South Florida delivers free information and referral services along with advocacy support to help individuals with disabilities navigate benefits eligibility help and access appropriate disability financial support counseling services throughout Miami-Dade and surrounding counties.
Suncoast Center for Independent Living provides free advocacy and information services to residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties, offering guidance on disability benefits advice and connecting individuals to community resources for benefits eligibility help and financial support programs.
Florida Special Needs Childcare & Respite Care
Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break offers free respite care for disabled children ages 2-16 and their siblings through monthly three-hour programs at partner churches statewide, providing one-on-one attention with trained volunteers while parents receive much-needed breaks from caregiving responsibilities.
First Kid’s PPEC operates multiple Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care centers throughout Florida offering special needs daycare for medically complex children with conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental disabilities, providing up to 12 hours daily of nursing care, therapies, education, and transportation services covered by Medicaid.
Little Angels PPEC provides special needs daycare and medical childcare services in Longwood and Orlando for children with complex medical conditions, offering personalized care plans, skilled nursing supervision, therapy services, and non-emergency medical transportation for families needing childcare for disabled children.
Broward Children’s Center Respite Program delivers comprehensive respite care for disabled families in Broward County, providing temporary childcare relief services along with advocacy support, family strengthening programs, and medical care coordination for parents of children with special needs.
Florida Family Support provides personalized respite care services in Palm Beach and North Broward counties for families with children who have autism, ADHD, and developmental disabilities, offering in-home care by trained behavior technicians who understand each child’s specific communication and behavioral needs.
Children’s Rehab PPEC operates Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care centers in Miami Gardens and Lehigh Acres serving medically fragile children from birth to age 21 with comprehensive special needs daycare including nursing care, therapy services, special education, and complimentary transportation for families throughout South Florida.
Tender Care PPEC has provided free medical daycare services since 1988 across six Florida locations for medically complex and fragile children, offering skilled nursing care, therapy services, education programs, transportation, and nutritional support in a daycare-like environment for families needing childcare for disabled children.
PPEC of Palm Beach specializes in providing comprehensive care for medically fragile children under 21 years old, offering personalized nursing care, therapy coordination, family resource assistance, and educational support while helping parents navigate community resources and maintain employment through reliable special needs daycare services.
Florida ADA Compliance Assistance
Southeast ADA Center provides comprehensive information, training, and technical assistance on Americans with Disabilities Act compliance for businesses, government entities, and individuals throughout Florida, offering free guidance on ADA legal requirements through a toll-free hotline and specialized training programs.
Disability Rights Florida offers free legal advocacy and assistance to ensure ADA compliance for individuals and organizations, providing protection and advocacy services to address discrimination issues and help enforce Americans with Disabilities Act requirements throughout the state.
City of Tampa ADA Coordinator facilitates municipal ADA compliance efforts under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing guidance on accessibility requirements, reasonable accommodations, and ensuring city programs and services meet federal ADA legal requirements for persons with disabilities.
Miami-Dade County ADA Coordinators promote and coordinate ADA compliance across county departments, ensuring all services and programs are accessible to people with disabilities while providing training, policy development, and technical assistance on Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Florida Department of Education ADA Coordinators assist educational institutions and agencies with ADA compliance guidance, providing technical assistance on accessibility guidelines and helping ensure educational programs and facilities meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act legal requirements.
Florida Courts ADA Information provides comprehensive guidance on ADA compliance for judicial officers and courthouse personnel, offering practical summaries of Title I and Title II requirements along with accessibility guidance to ensure court access meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
University of North Florida ADA Compliance serves as a model for institutional ADA compliance programs, providing consultation services for facilities planning, reasonable accommodations, and policy implementation to ensure university programs meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
North Miami Beach Office of ADA Compliance ensures municipal programs, services, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities, providing ADA compliance coordination, auxiliary aids assistance, and guidance on meeting Americans with Disabilities Act legal requirements for local government entities.
Florida Accessible Housing Services
Disability Rights Florida Affordable Housing Options provides comprehensive information on accessible housing programs including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing opportunities, and specialized vouchers for people with disabilities, helping individuals navigate federal and state disability housing assistance programs.
Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida builds wheelchair accessible ramps and provides housing modification services at no cost to individuals with disabilities, offering technical assistance on architectural accessibility and barrier removal to help people secure and maintain wheelchair accessible apartments and homes.
Suncoast Center for Independent Living constructs portable modular wheelchair ramps for homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties, providing free accessible housing modifications and transition services to help individuals with disabilities move from institutions to community-based living situations.
Residential Options of Florida (ROOF) specializes in creating affordable accessible housing opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing permanent supportive housing units and connecting individuals to state and federal disability housing assistance programs throughout Florida.
Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast serves Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties by providing advocacy and housing assistance services to help people with disabilities find and maintain accessible housing while promoting independent living in the community.
Center for Independent Living of Central Florida operates the Foundations to Freedom program offering free home modifications including wheelchair ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, and roll-in showers to create wheelchair accessible apartments and housing for individuals with disabilities in seven Central Florida counties.
Disability Achievement Center provides transition services and advocacy support to help individuals with disabilities in Pinellas and Pasco counties access community services and locate appropriate accessible housing options while promoting independent living and community inclusion.
Center for Independent Living Northwest Florida assists people with disabilities in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties with housing accessibility modifications, equipment provision, and advocacy services to help individuals achieve independent living goals in wheelchair accessible housing.
Florida Mental Health Disability Services
NAMI Florida provides advocacy, education, and support groups for individuals living with mental illness and their families throughout Florida.
Florida Mental Health Advocacy Coalition serves as a non-profit, non-partisan coalition advocating for policy changes to improve quality of life for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders.
Mental Health Association of Central Florida operates the only free mental health clinic in Central Florida and provides guardian advocate services, peer support recovery programs, and mental health connections to over 4,200 families annually.
Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida delivers community mental health programs including the Gollee Gator Children’s Mental Health Initiative, veterans support services, and senior mental health programs.
Citrus Health Network operates as one of South Florida’s largest mental and behavioral health providers, offering comprehensive outpatient services, crisis stabilization, and assertive community treatment teams throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Henderson Behavioral Health provides healthcare, housing, and hope for over 30,000 individuals annually with behavioral health conditions, offering crisis services, residential treatment, and specialized programs for youth and families across South Florida.
Central Florida Behavioral Health Network manages publicly funded mental health and substance abuse services across 14 counties in the SunCoast region, coordinating acute care, residential treatment, and recovery support services.
South County Mental Health Center delivers quality behavioral health therapies to adults and children in Palm Beach County south of Southern Boulevard, operating as a state-chartered nonprofit organization since 1974.
Florida Personal Care Assistance (PCA)
Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living administers the James Patrick Memorial Work Incentive Personal Attendant Services program providing monthly reimbursements up to $2,160 to help working adults with disabilities offset personal care assistant costs.
Center for Independent Living of South Florida provides the JP-PAS program offering monthly financial assistance to eligible individuals requiring pca services for disabled adults who need support with at least two activities of daily living to maintain employment.
Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida empowers people with disabilities to achieve independence goals through advocacy, community inclusion, and access to in-home personal care resources and services.
Disability Achievement Center serves Pinellas and Pasco Counties by helping individuals with disabilities live independently through information and referral services, independent living skills training, and transition services.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs operates the Home Care for the Elderly program providing monthly subsidies to caregivers and personal care assistant services for Floridians age 60 and older in family-type living arrangements.
Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging delivers Home Care for the Elderly services offering monthly subsidy payments to personal care assistants and relatives to help keep low-income seniors in their homes rather than nursing facilities.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration provides Medicaid home health services including personal care services for children under 21 and home health aide visits for recipients requiring medically necessary in-home personal care assistance.
Miami-Dade County Home Care Program offers personal care assistance including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, transferring, and mobility support for elderly residents with disabilities aged 60 and older.
Florida Veterans’ Disability Services
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides free VA disability claim assistance through approximately 100 State Veterans’ Service Officers located at VA Regional Offices, Medical Centers, and Outpatient Clinics to help veterans file VA disability compensation claims and appeals.
County Veterans Services Officer Association of Florida offers free assistance through trained and accredited Veteran Service Officers who help veterans and dependents file VA disability claims, obtain healthcare benefits, and navigate the Veterans disability application process.
Veterans Florida connects veterans with employment, training, and educational opportunities while helping them transition from military service to civilian careers, including support for veterans with service-connected disabilities seeking work.
Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization providing direct services and partnering with organizations to assist Florida veterans and their families, including those dealing with veterans disability compensation issues.
Bay Area Legal Services Veterans Legal Helpline operates the Florida Veterans Legal Helpline at (866) 486-6161 providing free legal advice and representation for veterans disability lawyer services, VA disability benefits appeals, and other legal matters.
Disabled American Veterans Florida empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with dignity by ensuring access to the full range of VA disability benefits and fighting for America’s injured heroes through advocacy and support services.
Stetson University Veterans Advocacy Clinic provides pro bono representation to Tampa Bay area veterans appealing VA disability rating decisions and offers legal assistance through a medical-legal partnership with Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.
Bay Area Legal Services Medical-Legal Partnership offers free legal assistance at Bay Pines VA Medical Center helping veterans with VA disability pay issues, veterans benefits assistance, and other civil legal matters affecting those receiving VA care.
Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses supports service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses while connecting veterans with resources and advocacy for those navigating the VA disability claim process and seeking business opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Disability Services
What types of disability services are available in Florida? Florida offers comprehensive disability services including developmental disability support through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, mental health services, personal care assistance programs, veterans’ disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, independent living services through Centers for Independent Living, and various state-funded programs for individuals with disabilities of all ages.
How do I apply for disability services in Florida? Applications vary by program type. For developmental disabilities, contact the Agency for Persons with Disabilities or apply online through their portal. For mental health services, contact your local managing entity or community mental health center. Veterans should contact the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs or a County Veterans Service Office. Most services require documentation of disability and Florida residency.
Are Florida disability services free? Many Florida disability services are provided at no cost to qualifying individuals, including services through Centers for Independent Living, County Veterans Service Offices, and state-funded programs. Some services may have income-based eligibility requirements or sliding fee scales. Medicaid often covers many disability-related services for eligible individuals.
What is the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and what services do they provide? The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is Florida’s lead agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities. They provide waiver services, support coordination, residential services, day programs, employment support, respite care, and other community-based services to help people with developmental disabilities live independently in their communities.
How can I find mental health disability services in my area of Florida? Florida’s mental health services are organized through regional managing entities that coordinate care in specific geographic areas. You can contact your local managing entity, visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website, call 211 for referrals, or contact organizations like NAMI Florida for support and resources in your specific region.
What personal care assistance programs are available for disabled individuals in Florida? Florida offers several personal care assistance programs including the JP-PAS program for working adults with disabilities, Home Care for the Elderly program, Medicaid personal care services, and services through Centers for Independent Living. These programs help individuals with activities of daily living and maintaining independence in their homes.
Are there special disability services for Florida veterans? Yes, Florida provides extensive disability services for veterans including free VA disability claim assistance through State Veterans’ Service Officers, specialized legal representation, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, accessible housing programs, and comprehensive support through the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and County Veterans Service Offices.
How long does it take to get approved for disability services in Florida? Processing times vary significantly by program type. Some services like information and referral through Centers for Independent Living are immediate, while others like developmental disability waiver services may have waiting lists. VA disability claims typically take several months. Mental health crisis services are available immediately, while ongoing services may require assessment and care coordination.
What documentation do I need to apply for Florida disability services? Required documentation typically includes proof of disability (medical records, VA rating letters, or professional assessments), proof of Florida residency, identification, and income verification for some programs. Veterans need their DD-214 discharge papers. Specific requirements vary by program, so contact the relevant agency for detailed documentation requirements.
Can I receive multiple types of disability services in Florida simultaneously? Yes, many individuals receive services from multiple agencies and programs simultaneously. For example, a veteran might receive VA disability benefits, services from a Center for Independent Living, and mental health services through a community provider. Care coordination helps ensure services complement rather than duplicate each other.