Disability Advocacy is Important for Key Bills and Budget in 2026

Disability advocates, please stay alert to encourage the passage of key bills and budget items during the 2026 Florida legislative session that continues through March 13. Here’s a summary of major bills we’re watching that affect the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as well as tips for effective advocacy.

Click on the Senate Bill and House Bill numbers to read the status of each item.

• Repair of Mobility Devices (HB 487 / SB 586) – Requires manufacturers to release documentation, parts, and tools so that wheelchairs can be repaired faster and cheaper. This is a bill that was not passed last year, but advocacy can make a difference. The bill is expected to pass all committees and full house but is meeting resistance in the senate. Please contact your state senators and Senate Commerce Committee Chair Tom Leek and ask him to put the bill on the committee agenda.

• Working People with Disabilities (HB 915 / SB 1016) – Requires AHCA to notify eligible adults about the program in writing and to educate Department of Children and Families employees about the program so they can assist clients with using the program. This this bill is supported in both chambers.

Keeping Up with Bill & Budget Progress

The two chambers will begin working on the state budget very soon and advocacy will then include reaching out to legislators asking them to fund disability needs. Learn more about bills and budget lines other agencies are watching by visiting their legislative advocacy pages and following them on social media. Here are a few tips for keeping up with disability issues during the session.

1. Stay current on progress via FL SAND and FSACentral Facebook pages. Search #FloridaDDAdvocacy2026.

   
   

2. Sign up for emails at disability organizations to receive their legislative updates:

   • Florida Developmental Disabilities Council FDDC.org

   • Disability Rights Florida disabilityrightsflorida.org

   • The Arc of Florida arcflorida.org

   • The Family Cafe familycafe.net

   • Florida Self-Advocacy Central FSACentral.org

     
     

3. Participate in Family Café’s “Let’s Talk” Friday at 4 PM (Eastern) calls during the legislative session. Check their website or Facebook page or register here.

   
   

4. Follow bill progress and committee meeting schedules on these sites:

   • Florida Senate: www.flsenate.gov

   • Florida House of Representatives www.myfloridahouse.gov

     
     

5. Be a part of the AMPLIFY! Monthly Advocacy Call hosted by the FL SAND Fellows on the first Monday at 7:00 PM ET. Learn more at www.flsand.org/monthlycall.

Advocacy During the Legislative Session

Your participation as a self-advocate is important. These are some tips for effective advocacy for any legislative priority important to you:

• Make an appointment to speak with your legislators or their staff (everyone has one state senator and one representative in the legislature). This can be done virtually or by phone. Be prepared to share your story about wheelchair repairs or working while receiving Medicaid waiver services. Once you make the appointment, be on time. You can find your legislators here.

• Be ready to respond to calls to action from disability agencies in emails or on social media. Agencies may ask you to email or call legislators when an important vote is coming up. Posting on a legislator's social media page can also be effective.

• Once important bills have passed both the house and senate chambers, contact the governor's office and urge him to sign them into law. 

The legislative session is a vital time to stay alert on bills that affect the lives of people with disabilities. This requires following agencies that report updates via newsletters and social media. Let your voice be heard by scheduling appointments or emailing your legislators. Your story matters.