Agency for Persons with Disabilities


In October 2004, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) became an agency separate from the Department of Children and Families, specifically tasked with serving the needs of Floridians with developmental disabilities. Prior to that time, it existed as the Developmental Disabilities Program. The agency is governed by Chapter 20, Chapter 393, and Chapter 916 of the Florida Statutes.

APD supports individuals with unique abilities and their families in living, learning and working within their communities by creating multiple pathways to possibilities. APD identifies the service needs of people with developmental disabilities, and those individuals may receive social, medical, behavioral, residential, and/or therapeutic services.

Who We Serve

The agency serves more than 60,000 Floridians with the following disabilities:

  • People severely impaired by autism
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Spina bifida
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Down syndrome
  • Prader-Willi syndrome
  • Phelan-McDermid syndrome
  • Children age 3-5 who are at a high risk of a developmental disability



How can you learn more about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities?

  • Write or call the local office, Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

  • Attend meetings of the Family Care Council where people with developmental disabilities and their family members discuss issues important to them.