Florida Special Needs Resources
Comprehensive directory of special needs resources and support services in Florida. Find government services, educational programs, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Choosing Between Public ESE & Private Schools?
Understanding the funding gap (FES-UA) and class size differences is critical for Florida families. Read our comparison guide and find the perfect match for your child.
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Florida Disability & Special Education Support Resources Overview
This page provides a neutral overview of publicly available disability, autism, and special education support resources in the state of Florida. It is intended for families seeking guidance, non-profit organizations, and service coordinators. Our goal is to offer a single, centralized reference to commonly used statewide and regional resources in Florida.
About This Page: This resource is curated as a public-interest reference. All listed organizations are publicly accessible government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or university-affiliated resources. Links are provided for informational purposes to help Florida families navigate the complex landscape of special needs support.
Navigating the Florida ESE and IEP Process
In Florida, special education is referred to as Exceptional Student Education (ESE). The process begins with a referral for evaluation to determining if a child has a disability and needs specialized instruction. If eligible, an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is developed by a team including parents, teachers, and specialists.
The IEP is a legal document that outlines the child's current performance, measurable annual goals, and the specific services the school will provide. Florida law emphasizes the importance of parental participation in all ESE meetings. Families have the right to request an evaluation at any time if they suspect their child has a disability that impacts their learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Special Education
What is the McKay Scholarship?
The McKay Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities allowed parents to choose the best educational setting for their child. Note: As of 2022, this has been transitioned into the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA).
How do I start the ESE process in Florida?
Contact your local public school's ESE coordinator or the principal to request a formal evaluation in writing. The school district must respond to your request within 30 days.
Where can I find help for Autism in Florida?
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is a primary statewide resource with regional centers providing free consultation, training, and technical assistance to families and professionals.
Government Resources
3 resource s
FLDOE - Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services
Special education policy, ESE compliance, IDEA
www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Developmental disabilities, Medicaid waivers, adult services
apd.myflorida.com/Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment, transition, adult services
www.rehabworks.org/Educational Resources
1 resource
Early Steps Florida
Birth to age 3 developmental services
www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/childrens-health/early-steps/Healthcare Services
2 resource s
DOH - Children’s Medical Services
Medical and developmental services for children
www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/childrens-health/childrens-medical-services/Family-to-Family Health Information Centers of Florida
Healthcare navigation for families of children with disabilities
familytlf.org/Support Groups
2 resource s
Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)
Autism support, training, technical assistance
www.card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/Florida Autism Center of Excellence
Autism research and statewide collaboration
www.floridaautismcenter.org/Legal Resources
1 resource
Disability Rights Florida
Civil rights, special education law, disability law
disabilityrightsflorida.org/Advocacy Organizations
4 resource s
Community Resources
2 resource s
USF – Florida Mental Health Institute
Disability, autism, mental health research
www.usf.edu/cbcs/fmhi/Information Disclaimer
While we strive to keep all resource information current and accurate, services and contact details may change. We recommend verifying information directly with each organization before making important decisions. This directory is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute professional advice.
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