Filing for Disability in Florida
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Florida, 44.4% are approved — above the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 37.0%
Nat'l avg: 38.9%
Nat'l avg: 42.3%
Know Your Numbers
Florida approves 44.4% of initial disability claims. That’s 7.4 percentage points above the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,824/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Florida vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).
Florida's medical approval rate has risen from 36.5% to 44.4% over this period.
At a Glance — March 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
44.4%
Claims Filed
11,227
Determinations
6,818
Pending Claims
47,802
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
16.7%
Recon Claims Pending
15,075
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Fort Myers
Hearing OfficeFt. Myers · 3 judges · 6.0 months wait · 981 pending
approval
Ft. Lauderdale
Hearing OfficeHollywood · 10 judges · 7.0 months wait · 2,688 pending
approval
Jacksonville
Hearing OfficeJacksonville · 11 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,945 pending
approval
Miami
Hearing OfficeMiami · 8 judges · 7.0 months wait · 2,306 pending
approval
Orlando
Hearing OfficeOrlando · 10 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,687 pending
approval
St. Petersburg
Hearing OfficeSt. Petersburg · 7 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,336 pending
approval
Tallahassee
Hearing OfficeTallahassee · 6 judges · 7.0 months wait · 1,225 pending
approval
Tampa
Hearing OfficeTampa · 12 judges · 7.0 months wait · 2,985 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 35.2%
- Disabled Child
- 49.4%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 13.1%
- Disabled Child
- 20.3%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,146
- Approved
- 893
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 3,686
- Approved
- 1,787
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 986
- Approved
- 347
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,648
- Approved
- 1,309
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 7,231
- Approved
- 1,206
What to Do Next
Review Florida's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in Florida. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Florida?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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