State guide

Florida

Programs, dollars, and people that serve autism families in Florida. Federal protections always apply on top of what you see here.

Florida overview

Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) manages Medicaid waiver services through the iBudget waiver. Florida historically has had significant waiver waitlists — apply through APD the day of diagnosis. Family Care Councils advise APD regionally and are a good point of contact. Family Network on Disabilities (FND) is Florida's PTI center. FEAT of Florida and the Autism Society of Florida chapters provide community connection. Florida mandates ABA therapy coverage through private insurance.

Verify program names, URLs, and eligibility on official .gov sites — these change.

⏰ Act now — Medicaid waiver waitlist

iBudget Florida Waiver

Typical wait: 3–6 years

Apply through APD the day of diagnosis — Florida's iBudget waiver waitlist starts at application.

Apply or learn more →

Statewide resources

These four programs exist in every state and are the fastest entry points for most families.

Early Intervention (Birth to 3)

Florida Early Steps

(850) 245-4200

Part C IDEA services for children under 3. Apply immediately after diagnosis.

Insurance Coverage

Whether private insurance must cover ABA therapy in Florida.

Florida requires insurance to cover ABA therapy

SB 2922 · effective 2008

No age capNo dollar capDiagnosis required

Originally capped at age 18; later expanded to remove the age cap. Requires autism diagnosis and treatment by a licensed BCBA. Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are exempt — check with your HR department.

Self-funded employer plans (ERISA) are typically exempt — ask your HR department which type of plan you have.

Medicaid Waiver

Home and community-based services (HCBS) for autism families in Florida.

iBudget Florida Waiver

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Currently closed

Typical wait time

5-8 years (varies significantly by APD region)

Coverage highlights

  • ✓Respite
  • ✓Supported Living
  • ✓Therapy
  • ✓Employment Supports

Florida's iBudget waiver uses an algorithm to determine each person's annual budget rather than a set rate, giving families flexibility in how they use funds. The waitlist varies considerably by APD region — some areas are longer than others. Families should apply immediately at diagnosis and explore APD's non-waiver services while waiting.

How to apply

Apply online →866-773-2368

Medicaid Managed Care

How Medicaid pays for ABA therapy in Florida.

Medicaid Managed Medical Assistance (MMA)

Covers ABA through under 21

How to find your plan

Visit flmedicaidmanagedcare.com or call 1-877-711-3662. Florida is divided into 11 managed care regions; your plan options depend on your county.

Major plans in this state

  • Aetna Better Health of Florida
  • Molina Healthcare of Florida
  • Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida
  • Simply Healthcare Plans

Florida's MMA program uses regional managed care plans. ABA therapy is covered for children under 21 through EPSDT. Florida has a state autism insurance mandate (SB 2654) that requires ABA coverage for commercial insurance, but Medicaid has its own separate authorization process. Contact your plan's behavioral health department to find ABA providers.

⚠️ Prior authorization is required before starting ABA services.