Florida
Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+)
Self-directed care programs in Florida that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Consumer Directed Care Plus
Waitlist ActivePA Hourly Rate
$15.00 - $17.00
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,200 - $5,000
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire your spouse or family members as paid caregivers
- Set your own care schedule and choose your providers
- Manage a monthly budget for all care-related services
- Purchase approved supplies and equipment with CDC+ funds
- Use respite care services for backup coverage
- Receive companion and homemaker services in addition to personal care
- Work with a consultant to adjust your plan as needs change
What You Can't Do
- Use CDC+ funds for room, board, or utility bills
- Carry over unused monthly budget to the next month
- Purchase services outside your approved purchasing plan
- Use funds for skilled nursing procedures
- Receive CDC+ services while in a nursing facility or hospital
- Hire a caregiver who does not pass the Level 2 background screening
How to Apply
Apply for Florida Medicaid
Ensure you have active Florida Medicaid. Apply through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) ACCESS system.
Contact APD or DOEA
Reach out to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) at (866) 273-2273 or Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) for a waiver referral.
Complete needs assessment
A case manager or assessor evaluates your functional needs to determine eligibility and level of care.
Join the waitlist
If eligible, you'll be placed on the waiver waitlist. Wait times vary by region (typically 3-12+ months).
Elect CDC+ option
When a slot opens, choose Consumer Directed Care Plus as your service delivery method.
Develop purchasing plan with consultant
Work with your CDC+ consultant to create a monthly purchasing plan detailing services, providers, and budget allocation.
Hire caregivers and begin services
Recruit and enroll your caregivers through the fiscal intermediary. All caregivers must complete a Level 2 background screening.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Florida
Government-issued photo ID
Valid Florida driver's license, state ID, or passport
Social Security card
Original card for employment and payroll processing
Level 2 background screening
FDLE and FBI fingerprint-based background check — mandatory for all caregivers in Florida
W-4 tax withholding form
Federal income tax withholding
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization verification
CDC+ Representative Agreement
If someone other than the consumer manages the care, a representative agreement is required
Direct deposit enrollment
Bank account information for electronic pay
CPR/First Aid certification
Recommended but not always required depending on the care plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDC+ in Florida?
Consumer Directed Care Plus is a self-directed long-term care option that gives you a monthly budget to purchase services, including hiring your own personal care attendants. You have more choice and control than traditional agency services.
Can my spouse be my CDC+ caregiver in Florida?
Yes. Florida's CDC+ program allows spouses, parents, adult children, and other relatives to be hired as paid caregivers.
Why is there a long waitlist for CDC+?
CDC+ operates under Florida's Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver, which has limited enrollment slots. The waitlist can range from several months to years depending on the region and funding availability.
How does the CDC+ budget work?
You receive a monthly allocation based on your assessed needs. You can use it to pay attendants, purchase supplies, and cover other approved services. Any unused funds do not carry over between months.
What is the Consultant role in CDC+?
A CDC+ Consultant helps you develop your purchasing plan, manage your budget, and ensure you're meeting program requirements. Every CDC+ participant must work with a consultant.
Can I use CDC+ for more than personal care?
Yes. Your CDC+ budget can cover personal care, companion services, homemaker services, respite care, and certain supplies and equipment — all as outlined in your approved purchasing plan.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Florida's CDC+ program.