05/24/2026
URGENT: Families Needed to Email Budget Chairs & Presiding Officers This Weekend Regarding APD Waiver Enrollment
Budget negotiations are entering a critical stage, and families, self-advocates, providers, and community supporters need to continue reaching out immediately regarding APD waiver enrollment funding.
At this point, negotiations are continuing between the House and Senate. If the final budget released Tuesday excludes funding for continued waiver enrollment beyond crisis cases, it will go to Governor DeSantis, who can approve or veto items within the budget. Therefore, it is extremely important that elected officials continue hearing directly from families and stakeholders now.
I've attached the Senate APD proviso language and budget update memos.
Please also continue forwarding this information to other families, caregivers, self-advocates, providers, and community supporters.
Please send emails to:
Chair Ed Hooper: Hooper.Ed.web@flsenate.gov
Chair Lawrence McClure: Lawrence.McClure@flhouse.gov
Senate President Ben Albritton: Albritton: albritton.ben.web@flsenate.gov
boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov
House Speaker Danny Perez: Daniel.Perez@flhouse.gov
Representative Sam Garrison: Sam.Garrison@flhouse.gov
Possible subject lines:
Please Support Continued APD Waiver Enrollment
Please Prevent Families from Remaining on the APD Waitlist Until Crisis
Protect Continued Enrollment for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Template email:
Dear [Senator/Representative Name],
I am a [self-advocate/parent/family member/caregiver/provider/community supporter] concerned about proposals that would significantly limit additional APD waiver enrollment unless specifically authorized by the Legislature.
Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families were told to apply early, plan ahead, and place their names on the APD waitlist. People should not have to wait until they are in full crisis before receiving support.
Home and Community Based Services were designed to help prevent crisis, preserve families, and allow individuals to remain safely supported in their homes and communities.
Please support continued movement from the APD pre-enrollment list and continued expansion of waiver services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Community-based supports were designed to prevent crisis, not wait for collapse.
Families across Florida are counting on leadership to continue moving this program forward.
Respectfully, [Your Name] [Your City]
This was sent to help families with help from
Melissa Mazaeda, VP
J&M Support Coordination Services, Inc.
