Pathways to Services

Apply for Services

Get Started on a Pathway to Services with APD

To apply for services with APD, which includes participation in the iBudget Home and Community-Based Services Waiver, placement in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ICF/IID), or other community services, submit an application to a local APD office by mail, in person, or apply online.

In order to be eligible for services from APD, an individual must have a developmental disability (as defined in section 393.063(11), Florida Statutes), which occurs prior to age 18 and constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely. Disabilities served by APD’s iBudget Florida, and Medicaid include:

Intellectual disabilities (Full Scale IQ of 70 or below)
Severe forms of autism
Spina bifida cystica or myelomeningocele
Cerebral palsy
Prader-Willi syndrome
Down syndrome
Phelan-McDermid syndrome or
Individuals between the ages of 3-5 who are at high risk for a developmental disability.

Help with How to Apply

Hope Florida - A Pathway to Possibilities

If you or someone you are assisting has a disability, but it is not one of the developmental disability diagnoses listed above, Hope Florida may be able to help you. To get connected to a Hope Navigator:

Call: 833-GET-HOPE (833-438-4673) or

Learn More on Hope Florida

Apply Online

Download PDF for:

Privacy and Consent:

Apply Online Now

Quick Guide to Applying for APD Services

APD has developed a Quick Guide to support you and your family through the application process. Please use the Quick Guide to learn about the documentation you will need for application submission.

Click here for more information on eligibility and applying for services.

Download PDF for:

Crisis Applicants

Applicants who are in crisis (meaning they’re currently homeless, exhibit life-threatening behaviors that place them or others in extreme danger, or have a caregiver who is in extreme duress and can no longer provide for the applicant’s health and safety) should contact the APD Regional office serving their county. For more information regarding crisis criteria, please visit the Florida Administrative Code & Florida Administrative Register website.

Download Quick Guide to Requesting Crisis Review PDF:

Quick Guide: Requesting Crisis Review

Children under 3 Years Old

Children under the age of 3 with significant delays or a condition likely to result in a developmental delay are served by the Florida’s Early Steps Program within the Department of Health. For more information, please contact them at 1-(800) 218-0001 or visit their website.

Please visit APD’s Resource Directory for additional information related to available resources and organizations throughout the State of Florida. You may also find helpful information in the following Resource List:

Northwest Region

Counties Served:

Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington
Northeast Region

Counties Served:

Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Volusia
Central Region

Counties Served:

Brevard, Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, and Sumter
Suncoast Region

Counties Served:

Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota
Southeast Region

Counties Served:

Broward, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie
Southern Region

Counties Served:

Dade and Monroe

Voter Registration

In accordance with Section 97.058 F.S. APD will provide each applicant the opportunity to register to vote or to update a voter registration record, at the time the applicant applies for services or assistance from APD, for renewal of such services or assistance, or for a change of address required with respect to the services or assistance.

For more information, please contact your Regional Voter Registration Liaison: