Florida Disability Resources
If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what Florida offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.
Workers' Compensation
The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation under the Department of Financial Services handles claims.
What to do if you're hurt at work:- Report the injury to your employer within 30 days.
- Your employer must report it to their insurance carrier within 7 days.
- The insurer authorizes medical treatment.
- Report to your employer within 30 days.
- File a Petition for Benefits within 2 years (1 year for death benefits).
- Employers with 4+ employees must carry workers' comp (construction: 1+ employees).
- Benefits include medical care, temporary total/partial disability, impairment benefits, and death benefits.
- Temporary total disability pays 66 2/3% of average weekly wage.
- Employer/insurer selects the treating physician.
- Employee Assistance Hotline: 1-800-342-1741
- Web: myfloridacfo.com/division/wc
State Disability Programs
Florida does not have a state disability insurance program. Apply through federal SSDI/SSI at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
Medicaid
Florida Medicaid is administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
Key programs:- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC)
- Long-Term Care managed care plan for people needing nursing home-level care
- Home and Community-Based Services waivers
- Medically Needy program
- Online at myflorida.com/accessflorida
- By phone: 1-866-762-2237
- Web: ahca.myflorida.com
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment.
Contact:- Phone: 1-800-451-4327
- Web: rehabworks.org
Disability Rights
Disability Rights Florida is the state's federally designated Protection and Advocacy organization. Contact:- Phone: 1-800-342-0823
- Web: disabilityrightsflorida.org
Veterans Services
The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs provides state-level assistance.
Contact:- Phone: 727-319-7400
- Web: floridavets.org
State Employment Protections
Florida has the Florida Civil Rights Act, which prohibits disability employment discrimination for employers with 15 or more employees (same threshold as ADA).
Where to file a complaint:- Florida Commission on Human Relations: 850-488-7082
- Web: fchr.myflorida.com
- EEOC: 1-800-669-4000
Key Contacts
| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Division of Workers' Compensation | 1-800-342-1741 | myfloridacfo.com/division/wc | | Medicaid (AHCA) | 1-866-762-2237 | ahca.myflorida.com | | Division of Vocational Rehabilitation | 1-800-451-4327 | rehabworks.org | | Disability Rights Florida | 1-800-342-0823 | disabilityrightsflorida.org | | Dept. of Veterans' Affairs | 727-319-7400 | floridavets.org | | Commission on Human Relations | 850-488-7082 | fchr.myflorida.com | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |