The eight issues we track
These are the autism-related issues we follow for every candidate, always in this order. Select any card to read a plain-language overview, see what's changed recently, and find where candidates stand.
Insurance coverage
Florida's Steven A. Geller Autism Coverage Act requires certain group health plans to cover autism screening and treatment, including applied behavior analysis and speech, occupational, and physical therapy. It covers people under 18, and students 18 or older who are still in high school and were diagnosed by age 8.
Read the overviewMedicaid waiver
iBudget pays for support at home instead of in an institution: personal supports, respite, supported employment. There are more people who qualify than there is funding, so there is a waitlist.
Read the overviewEarly intervention
Early Steps is Florida's program for children under 3. A parent, a doctor, or anyone else can refer a child. An evaluation is free.
Read the overviewSchool services
An IEP is a written plan for a student who needs specially designed instruction. A 504 plan is for a student who needs accommodations but not specially designed instruction.
Read the overviewProvider licensure
Florida does not issue a state license to behavior analysts. State law lets the Agency for Persons with Disabilities certify behavior analysts, and directs it to recognize national certification from a nonprofit credentialing board.
Read the overviewEmployment
Vocational Rehabilitation pays for job coaching, training and some equipment for people whose disability affects work. Supported employment can also be funded through iBudget.
Read the overviewGuardianship
Guardianship moves legal decisions from one adult to another. A supported decision-making agreement keeps those rights with the person and names people who help them decide.
Read the overviewFirst responders
Florida law requires law enforcement agencies to offer training on recognizing and responding to autism spectrum disorder, and a 2026 law strengthens that requirement going forward.
Read the overview