Florida Legislature Passes FY 26-27 Budget
Tallahassee, FL (May 29, 2026) After a delay of several months, the Florida Legislature came back on May 12th to begin the Special Session focused on the FY 26-27 budget. The Legislature agreed to an approximate $114.5 billion dollar funding agreement for the coming state fiscal year. After much advocacy for the last year, the Legislature provided iBudget Waiver providers a 1% across the board rate increase. While this is not the amount Florida ARF was seeking or that the provider community needs to continue providing vital community services, we were pleased to have received at least a small increase. Also, the Legislature recognized the current iConnect system cannot continue in its current form and they allocated over $33 million for an iConnect replacement. The Community ICF appropriation was increased by $3.6 million for the coming year. Additional funds were also appropriated for the ICMC program. Now we wait for the budget to be sent to Governor DeSantis for his signature.
The Association is appreciative to the Florida Legislature for the achievements this Session. Florida ARF will continue advocating for needed funding to support the needs of our members in preparation of the 2027 Session.
Florida ARF Recognizes Autism Acceptance Month
Tallahassee, FL (April 1, 2026) During Autism Acceptance Month, we celebrate and promote awareness of the condition that is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. Data from the CDC reveals that about 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism, up from 1 in 125 two decades ago. Autism, a complex developmental condition affecting the individual’s ability to interact, communicate, and socialize, has not one but many subtypes. Every individual on the Autism spectrum brings their own unique strengths, talents, and perspectives to the world, and deserves to feel understood, accepted, and valued. Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to recognize the importance of supporting, understanding, accepting, including, and empowering people on the autism spectrum in our community and workplaces.
In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, Florida ARF honors the contribution of Floridians on the autism spectrum in our state. We join other organizations in recognizing the needs of people on the spectrum to lead full and successful lives. The Association understands the need to foster awareness to ignite change and improved opportunities for people with autism. Join us as we raise awareness and acceptance to promote autism awareness, celebrate neurodiversity and individual differences, and continue to advance inclusivity and connectedness throughout the community. Together, we can make a better world for those with Autism!
Florida ARF Reflects on the Needs of Individuals with Disabilities During DD Awareness Month
Tallahassee, FL (March 31, 2026) March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month, celebrating inclusion, advocacy, and the achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities. Florida ARF was honored to recognize DD Awareness Month and support this year's theme “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always,” as it recognizes that people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities - and always will be, which aligns with our mission and focus. This month is a reminder that people with disabilities are always here, and that all of us have a responsibility to keep learning, engaging, and building communities where everyone belongs – every day of the year to reach their goals and potential. We wholeheartedly embrace the goal to foster a world where people with disabilities can succeed by working together to remove obstacles and creating opportunities to thrive. This is woven into the fabric of our organization. Florida ARF stands alongside our partners in this mission to envision a world of opportunities every day for the Floridians with disabilities supported by our member agencies across the state!
Florida ARF & RESPECT of Florida Participate in Developmental Disabilities Day at the Capitol
Tallahassee, FL (February 2026) Florida ARF and RESPECT of Florida were honored to participate in the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the Florida Capitol on February 10th. The annual event is hosted by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC). This inspiring gathering gave us a wonderful opportunity to educate visitors about the mission of the RESPECT of Florida program to employ individuals with disabilities to provide valuable commodities and services to state agencies and others throughout Florida.
Our team enjoyed speaking with people from around the state who stopped by our booth to say hello, learn more about what we do, and grab RESPECT giveaways. It's always our pleasure to educate the public about what we do and how we work together with our Employment Centers to make life-changing, positive impacts on Floridians with disabilities through fulfilling, productive employment opportunities!
