How to apply for Medicaid in Florida

You apply for Medicaid in Florida through the Department of Children and Families (DCF), which runs the program statewide. The fastest way is to apply online at myflorida.gov/accessflorida, where you can submit your application and upload documents without leaving home. You can also apply in person at your county's DCF office, by mail, or by phone at 1-866-762-2237.

The online route typically moves faster than in-person or phone applications because your documents upload directly into the system. If you apply online, you will receive a confirmation number immediately and can check your status anytime by logging back into Access Florida. Paper applications take longer to process because staff must manually enter your information.

Whichever method you choose, have your Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and identification ready before you start. If you are applying for a child or elderly relative, you will need their information as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at myflorida.gov/accessflorida for the fastest processing, or call 1-866-762-2237 to apply by phone.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of income, proof of residency, and a valid ID to complete your application.
  • Online applications are processed faster than paper or phone applications because documents upload directly into the system.
  • After you submit, you can check your application status anytime by logging into your Access Florida account.
  • Processing typically takes 30 days, though expedited coverage for emergency medical needs may be available sooner.

What documents you need before you apply

Gather these documents before you start your application, whether online or in person. You will need proof of your Florida residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works for identification.

For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, or a letter from your employer stating your income. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank statements. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or other benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement showing the monthly amount.

If you are applying for a child, you will also need their birth certificate and Social Security card. For elderly or disabled adults you are applying for, bring their medical records or documentation of disability if you have it — though DCF can request these later if needed.

Applying online through Access Florida

Go to myflorida.gov/accessflorida and click "Apply Now." You will create a login account with an email and password, then answer questions about your household size, income, and assets. The system asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and residency information. Answer honestly — the information you provide is verified against state and federal databases.

After you complete the questions, you will be asked to upload documents. Take clear photos or scans of your proof of income, residency, and ID. Upload them directly into the application. If a document is blurry or cut off, the reviewer will ask you to resubmit it, which delays processing.

Once you submit, you receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. You can log back into your Access Florida account anytime to check whether your application is pending, approved, or if DCF is asking for more information. If they request documents, you can upload them through the same account.

Applying in person at your county DCF office

Find your county's DCF office at myflorida.gov/accessflorida or call 1-866-762-2237 for the address and hours. Bring all your documents — originals or copies — and arrive early, as many offices have limited appointment slots. Some counties allow walk-ins; others require you to schedule ahead.

A DCF worker will review your documents on the spot and ask clarifying questions about your household and income. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what else you need. You may be able to provide it that day or may need to return. In-person applications sometimes move faster if all documents are complete, because the worker can verify information immediately.

Ask for a receipt or confirmation number before you leave. This proves you applied and when. If you do not receive one, ask the worker to print it for you.

Applying by phone or mail

To apply by phone, call 1-866-762-2237 and tell the representative you want to apply for Medicaid. They will ask the same questions as the online form — household size, income, residency, Social Security number. Have your documents nearby so you can answer accurately. The representative will tell you how to submit your documents: usually by mail, fax, or by uploading them to your Access Florida account after the call.

To apply by mail, request an application form by calling 1-866-762-2237 or downloading it from myflorida.gov/accessflorida. Fill it out completely, make copies of all your documents, and mail everything to your county's DCF office. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and Social Security number so they can match your documents to your application. Mail applications take the longest to process — typically 45 to 60 days — because they must be manually entered into the system.

What happens after you submit your application

DCF will review your application within 30 days. If your information matches state and federal records, you may be approved within two weeks. If something does not match or is unclear, DCF will contact you by mail, email, or phone asking for more information or clarification. You will have 10 days to respond.

If you are approved, you will receive a notice in the mail with your Medicaid number and coverage start date. You can also see your approval status in your Access Florida account. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to request a hearing to appeal the decision.

If DCF needs more information and you do not respond within 10 days, your application may be denied. If that happens, you can reapply anytime. There is no penalty for reapplying.

Expedited coverage for emergency situations

If you need medical coverage urgently — for example, you have a scheduled surgery or ongoing treatment — you can request expedited processing. Call 1-866-762-2237 and explain your situation. DCF may be able to process your application within 7 days instead of 30 if your need is documented by a doctor or hospital.

Expedited coverage is not may provide and depends on your circumstances and the current workload at your county office. Even if your full application takes 30 days, you may receive temporary emergency coverage while it is being reviewed. Ask DCF whether you may have access to when you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Medicaid if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant to receive Medicaid in Florida. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and some refugees and asylees. Undocumented immigrants are not may be able to access for regular Medicaid, though Florida does cover emergency medical services for anyone regardless of immigration status. Call 1-866-762-2237 to discuss your specific situation.

How long does it take to get approved after I apply?

Most applications are processed within 30 days. Online applications often move faster — sometimes within two weeks — if all your documents are clear and your information matches state records. Phone and mail applications take longer because they require manual data entry. If DCF asks for more information, you have 10 days to respond, which extends the timeline.

What if I do not have a computer or internet to apply online?

You can apply by phone at 1-866-762-2237 or in person at your county DCF office. Both methods work just as well as online; they simply take longer to process. Many public libraries in Florida also offer free computer access if you want to apply online but do not have internet at home.

Can I apply for my child if I do not have custody?

You can apply for a child you are responsible for — including grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or foster children in your care. You will need the child's birth certificate and Social Security number. If you do not have legal custody, bring documentation showing you are the child's caregiver, such as a school enrollment form listing you as the emergency contact or a letter from the child's parent.

What if my application is denied?

The denial notice will explain why — usually because your income is too high, you do not meet residency requirements, or you did not provide required documents. You have the right to request a hearing to appeal the decision. The notice will include instructions on how to request a hearing. You can also reapply anytime if your circumstances change.