Apply through Florida CONNECT or your county office
You apply for Medicaid in Florida through Florida CONNECT, the state's online portal, or by visiting your county's Department of Children and Families (DCF) office in person. Florida CONNECT is the fastest route — you can start an application from home, upload documents, and track your case status without waiting for an appointment. If you prefer to apply in person or need help with the process, your county DCF office has staff who can walk you through it.
You can also apply by phone through Florida CONNECT's customer service line, though online is typically faster because you can upload documents immediately rather than mailing them in. The state processes applications in the order they arrive, and the timeline depends on whether your case is straightforward or requires additional verification.
Key Takeaways
- Florida CONNECT (myflorida.gov/connect) is the official online portal where you start most Medicaid applications and check your case status.
- Your county Department of Children and Families office can process applications in person if you cannot or prefer not to apply online.
- You will need proof of identity, residency, income, and citizenship or immigration status — the exact documents depend on your situation.
- Processing typically takes 30 to 45 days, but cases with missing documents can take longer, so submit everything at once if possible.
- If you are over 65, blind, or disabled, you may have a faster track; contact your county office to ask about expedited review.
How to apply online through Florida CONNECT
Go to myflorida.gov/connect and create an account with your email address and a password. You will answer questions about your household size, income, assets, and the reason you are applying (regular Medicaid, emergency Medicaid, or a specific program like Medicaid for the Elderly, Blind, or Disabled). The system will tell you which documents to upload before you submit.
Upload scans or photos of your documents directly into the portal — driver's license or state ID, proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), recent pay stubs or tax returns, and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). If you are applying for emergency Medicaid or have a disability, you may need additional medical records or a doctor's statement.
After you submit, you will receive a case number and can log back in to check the status. The system will send you messages if the caseworker needs more information. Respond within the deadline shown, or your application may be denied.
Applying in person at your county DCF office
Find your county office at myflorida.gov/connect or by calling 1-866-762-2237. Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday. Bring original documents or certified copies — a caseworker will review them on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. If you have all required documents, the office can often scan them into the system immediately.
Some county offices require you to schedule an appointment rather than accept walk-ins. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. If you are elderly, disabled, or have a medical emergency, ask whether you can be seen the same day.
What documents you need to bring
| Category | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Identity | Florida driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID |
| Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within 60 days |
| Income | Recent pay stubs, tax return, Social Security statement, or letter from employer |
| Citizenship | Birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth |
| Social Security Number | Social Security card or statement from SSA |
If you do not have a document in a category, ask your caseworker what alternatives are accepted. For example, if you have no utility bill, a bank statement or letter from a shelter can prove residency. If you cannot locate your birth certificate, you can request one from the Florida Department of State Vital Statistics.
How long processing takes and what happens next
Standard Medicaid applications are processed within 30 to 45 days of submission. If your case is straightforward — you have all required documents and your income is clearly below the limit — you may hear back in two to three weeks. If the caseworker needs more information, they will send you a notice with a deadline, usually 10 days, to respond.
If you are approved, you will receive a notice in the mail and your Medicaid card will arrive separately within one to two weeks. Your coverage begins on the first day of the month after approval, unless you are applying for emergency Medicaid, which can cover medical bills from the date you applied.
If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to request a hearing. You have 90 days from the date of the denial to ask for a hearing before a judge.
Expedited processing for emergency situations
If you need Medicaid to cover a medical bill or emergency treatment right now, you can request emergency Medicaid at the time of application. Tell the caseworker or select "emergency Medicaid" in the Florida CONNECT form. Emergency Medicaid covers hospital and emergency room visits for people who meet income and residency rules, even if their full application is still being reviewed.
Emergency Medicaid is processed within one to three business days. It covers only emergency services and typically lasts 30 days, but it can buy time while your regular Medicaid application is being processed. You must still submit all required documents for regular Medicaid to continue coverage after the emergency period ends.
If you need help with your application
Call Florida CONNECT customer service at 1-866-762-2237 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). They can answer questions about what documents you need, help you troubleshoot the online portal, or tell you the status of your case if you have your case number.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the Florida Relay Service at 711. If you speak a language other than English, interpreters are available at county DCF offices and through the phone line.
Community action agencies and legal aid organizations in your county also offer free help with Medicaid applications. Search "Medicaid help [your county]" or call 211 to find a local organization near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you are a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, you must provide a Social Security number or apply for one. If you are undocumented, you may still be able to get emergency Medicaid to cover hospital and emergency room visits. Contact your county DCF office to discuss your situation.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can request a certified copy from the Florida Department of State Vital Statistics (vitalstatistics.dhh.state.fl.us) or by calling 904-359-6900. The process takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, ask your caseworker if other documents like a driver's license or school records can be used temporarily while you wait for the birth certificate.
Do I have to apply online, or can I only apply in person?
You can do either. Florida CONNECT online is faster because you can upload documents immediately and check your status anytime. In-person applications at your county office are fine if you prefer to speak with someone or do not have internet access. Both routes lead to the same result.
What if I miss the deadline to send in more documents?
If you miss the deadline, your application will be denied. You can request a hearing within 90 days, or you can submit a new application. If you see a deadline notice, respond as soon as possible — caseworkers sometimes grant small extensions if you contact them before the deadline passes.
Can I apply for my child if I do not have Medicaid myself?
Yes. Children have their own income limits, which are usually higher than adult limits. You can apply for your child through Florida CONNECT or your county office using the same process, even if you do not may have access to for Medicaid yourself.