Florida has more licensed addiction treatment facilities than any other state — over 1,200 — and a significant portion offer free or low-cost services. The state received $730 million in opioid settlement funds, much of which is flowing into expanded free treatment access. Whether you are in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, or a rural county, there are free options within reach.

Florida Medicaid coverage for rehab

Florida Medicaid covers substance abuse treatment through managed care plans. Covered services include assessment, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient, residential treatment, detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support. To qualify, you generally must be a pregnant woman, parent of a dependent child, elderly, disabled, or a child. Florida has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, but the existing program covers millions of residents.

If you have Florida Medicaid, call your managed care plan (such as Humana, Sunshine Health, or Molina) and request a substance abuse assessment. They will refer you to an in-network treatment provider at no cost.

State-funded programs through DCF

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) contracts with community-based providers called Managing Entities to deliver free substance abuse treatment. There are seven Managing Entities covering all 67 Florida counties. They serve people who are uninsured, underinsured, or cannot afford treatment.

Call the DCF Substance Abuse Helpline at (866) 762-2237 to be connected with your regional Managing Entity. They will assess your needs and connect you with available treatment at no cost.

City-by-city free treatment options

Miami-Dade and Broward Counties

South Florida Behavioral Health Network serves as the Managing Entity for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Free programs include Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital (detox and residential), Banyan Health Systems, and New Horizons Community Mental Health Center. Broward County is served by the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition with multiple free treatment providers.

Tampa Bay Area

Central Florida Behavioral Health Network covers the Tampa Bay region. DACCO Behavioral Health, Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS), and the Salvation Army provide free or sliding-scale treatment. Tampa General Hospital offers emergency detox regardless of insurance status.

Orlando and Central Florida

Central Florida Cares Health System coordinates free treatment in the Orlando metro area. The Center for Drug-Free Living, Aspire Health Partners, and Turning Point provide free residential and outpatient services.

Jacksonville and North Florida

Lutheran Services Florida manages the behavioral health system for Northeast Florida. River Region Human Services, Gateway Community Services, and the Sulzbacher Center offer free treatment in the Jacksonville area.

Nonprofit and faith-based programs

  • Salvation Army — Free residential in Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Pensacola
  • The Lord Place (West Palm Beach) — Free residential for men
  • Miami Rescue Mission — Free residential recovery for men and women
  • Jacksonville Rescue Mission — Free 12-month recovery program
  • Teen Challenge Florida — Free faith-based residential in multiple locations
Florida has more free treatment capacity than most people realize. Between Medicaid, DCF-funded programs, and nonprofits, help is available in every region. Search RehabLookup for Florida treatment centers filtered by free and low-cost options.