How does Florida Medicaid cover addiction treatment?
Most Florida Medicaid members get care through Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC), run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). According to AHCA, community behavioral health services, which cover both mental health and substance use needs, are a minimum covered service for all Managed Medical Assistance plans.
Covered services include assessments, medical and psychiatric services, individual, group and family therapy, and rehabilitative services. Eligibility depends on medical necessity, and covered providers vary by plan.
If you don't have insurance, DCF also contracts with regional managing entities that oversee publicly funded treatment. Explore Florida programs that accept Medicaid and state-funded options in Florida.
Not sure what your plan covers? Call (877) 847-2855 to talk with our admissions helpline and check your benefits. It's free and confidential.
Who licenses rehabs in Florida?
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licenses substance use treatment providers under Chapter 397 of the Florida Statutes. Licenses are issued for specific services, such as detox, residential treatment or outpatient care.
Before you commit, ask the program for its DCF license and confirm that it covers the level of care you need. Accreditation from The Joint Commission or CARF is a good added sign of quality. If you need detox, make sure the program provides medical supervision. Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines can be life-threatening.
What is the Marchman Act?
The Hal S. Marchman Alcohol and Other Drug Services Act, enacted in 1993, governs voluntary and involuntary substance use treatment in Florida. It lets a spouse, relative or guardian, and in some cases other adults with direct knowledge of the person's condition, petition the circuit court to order treatment.
In general, the court must find that the person has lost the power of self-control over substance use and either:
- Has caused, threatened or attempted harm to themselves or others, or is likely to without treatment, or
- Needs treatment but, because of their impairment, can't recognize that need or make a rational decision about it
A 2024 law, HB 7021, took effect July 1, 2024. It combined involuntary assessment and stabilization into a single involuntary treatment process, gave courts more flexibility, including ordering outpatient care, inpatient care or both, and allowed remote testimony. Marchman Act petitions and court records are confidential.
The process varies by county. Contact your county clerk of court for forms, and talk with a lawyer if you have questions. Our guide on how to help a loved one covers other approaches too.
How does Florida protect people from patient brokering?
Florida has specific laws aimed at patient brokering and unsafe recovery housing:
- The Patient Brokering Act (Florida Statutes 817.505) makes it a third-degree felony to offer, pay, solicit or receive kickbacks, bribes or other benefits for patient referrals. Penalties rise to higher-degree felonies and larger fines when 10 or more patients are involved. The law covers substance use treatment providers licensed under Chapter 397.
- Recovery residence rules (Florida Statutes 397.4873) generally bar licensed providers from referring patients to, or accepting referrals from, a recovery residence unless it's certified and managed by a certified administrator. Providers can never refer to a home that allows alcohol or drugs on site.
Watch for offers of free flights, free rent or cash to enter treatment. Learn more about sober living homes in Florida and other warning signs in our guide on how to choose a rehab.
Where can you find treatment in Florida?
Florida's major treatment hubs include:
- South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County
- Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach and Delray Beach
- Tampa Bay, including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater
- Orlando and Central Florida
- Jacksonville and Northeast Florida
- Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers and Naples
- Tallahassee and the Panhandle
Use the filters on this page to find detox centers, residential treatment or intensive outpatient programs.
Should you get treatment in Florida or travel?
Florida draws many people from out of state. If you live in Florida, staying in-state is usually simplest, especially with Medicaid, which generally covers in-state care.
If you're traveling to Florida, check that the program is in your insurance network, since out-of-network costs can be high. Most out-of-state Medicaid plans won't pay for treatment in Florida. Ask how the program will connect you with outpatient care, therapy and support back home. Learn how private insurance usually handles rehab.
Find safe, licensed care in Florida
With so many options, it pays to check licensing, ask direct questions and avoid offers that seem too good to be true. For help comparing Florida programs and checking your coverage, call (877) 847-2855 to reach our admissions helpline. If anyone is in danger, call 911, or call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.