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Florida · FL

How to get paid to care for a family member in Florida

In Florida, the main path is SMMC Long-Term Care Participant Direction Option (PDO).1 Enrolled in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care program, living in their own home or a family member's home, with an eligible service in the care plan.1 AHCA does not publish one statewide hourly rate for PDO workers on the pages we reviewed. The rate is set within the plan's rules.1

  • Official sources
  • Last verified Oct 20, 2026
  • Independent site, not a government agency
An adult son and daughter help their mother, who uses a wheelchair, with her medicine in the kitchen

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Reviewed against official sources Last verified 6 official sources cited

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Key facts

Program
SMMC Long-Term Care Participant Direction Option (PDO)1
Who can be paid
A family member, friend, or neighbor can be hired as a direct service worker if they meet qualifications and pass background screening. A representative who handles employer duties cannot also be the paid worker.1
Spouse
Check with your LTC plan1
Pay
AHCA does not publish one statewide hourly rate for PDO workers on the pages we reviewed. The rate is set within the plan's rules.1
Key facts: Florida. Program: SMMC Long-Term Care Participant Direction Option (PDO). Spouse: Check with your LTC plan. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: ahca.myflorida.com, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in Florida

Florida programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
SMMC Long-Term Care Participant Direction Option (PDO)HCBS self-directedEnrolled in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care program, living in their own home or a family member's home, with an eligible service in the care plan.Official page1
VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family CaregiversVAFor eligible Veterans with a 70% or higher VA disability rating. See VA stipend.va.gov3

Is there IHSS or CDPAP in Florida?

No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program5 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program6. Florida does not use those names. The comparable path on the Florida official source is SMMC Long-Term Care Participant Direction Option (PDO).1

How to apply

  1. Enroll in the SMMC Long-Term Care program.1
  2. Ask the LTC plan case manager about the Participant Direction Option.1
  3. Choose and hire your worker.1
  4. The worker completes required background screening.1
Steps to apply: 1. Enroll in the SMMC Long-Term Care program. 2. Ask the LTC plan case manager about the Participant Direction Option. 3. Choose and hire your worker. 4. The worker completes required background screening.
Source: ahca.myflorida.com, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your Florida application checklist

Use this list to track the official steps. It does not decide eligibility. Only the agency decides who qualifies. Applying through the state is free.

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Want a step by step plan? See the Application Plan Kit

Frequently asked questions

Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in Florida?

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. SMMC Long-Term Care Participant Direction Option (PDO): A family member, friend, or neighbor can be hired as a direct service worker if they meet qualifications and pass background screening. A representative who handles employer duties cannot also be the paid worker.

How much does Florida pay family caregivers?

AHCA does not publish one statewide hourly rate for PDO workers on the pages we reviewed. The rate is set within the plan's rules.

Can a spouse be paid in Florida?

What the official source says: Check with your LTC plan. Confirm with the program before you rely on it.

Who decides if we qualify?

Only the state agency or health plan decides. This site cannot approve anyone or promise eligibility.

Sources

  1. https://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/statewide-medicaid-managed-care/long-term-care-program/long-term-care-plans-participant-direction-option-pdo.htmlOfficial
  2. https://ahca.myflorida.com/content/download/26612/file/LTC_PDO_Provider_Webinar_February2025.pdfOfficial
  3. VA PCAFC: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/Official
  4. USA.gov: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiverOfficial
  5. California CDSS, IHSS: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-servicesOfficial
  6. New York DOH, CDPAP: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap/Official

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