Statewide Family Care Council

---

In the 2024 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature established the Statewide FCC in Section 393.502(1) of the Florida Statutes. Its purpose is to connect local FCCs and enable direct communication between local councils and the agency, with the goal of improving access to and the quality of resources and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
 

The council will:

1. Review reports, policy ideas, and program recommendations from local family care councils.
    
2. Give advice to the agency on statewide policies, programs, and services based on local council input.
    
3. Identify problems that make it hard to provide services and suggest solutions.
    
4. Encourage local councils to share best practices and resources to improve services across regions.
    
5. Submit an annual report by December 1 to the Governor, legislative leaders, and the agency. This report includes a summary of local council findings, recommendations, and an evaluation of the agency’s response to past recommendations. The agency must respond in writing within 60 days, explaining what actions it has taken or plans to take, a timeline for implementation, or reasons why recommendations won’t be adopted.

 Members are appointed by the Governor and include:
 

1. One representative from each local family care council (must live in that council’s area). Among these, at least one must be receiving waiver services and at least one must be on a pre-enrollment list for waiver services.
    
2. One person from a disability advocacy organization.
    
3. One person from a service provider that does not have a Medicaid waiver contract with the agency.
    

Agency employees are not allowed to serve on the council.

Members are appointed for staggered initial terms of 2 or 4 years; after that, terms are 4 years. Members may serve two consecutive terms.
 

After two consecutive terms, a member must wait 12 months before serving again.
 

If a vacancy occurs, the council recommends candidates to the Governor, who must appoint someone within 45 days.
 

If the Governor does not appoint someone, the local council chair can temporarily appoint a representative.
 

• The council meets at least quarterly, in person or electronically.
   
• The Governor appoints the first chair; after that, the council elects a chair annually.
   
• Members are not paid but can be reimbursed for travel and expenses.
   
• A majority of members is needed to make official decisions (quorum).