Florida
Florida has roughly 400,000 residents living with epilepsy — one of the largest epilepsy populations in the country. It also has one of the strictest driving frameworks: a 2-year default seizure-free standard, with a path to apply after 6 months. And Florida has its own state medication assistance program that most residents don't know exists. Here's the full picture.
Representation
Ashley Moody, U.S. Senator (R-FL) | (202) 224-3041
Rick Scott, U.S. Senator (R-FL) | (202) 224-5274
Go Here To Find Your Congressional Representative
Driving Laws
Florida's default standard requires drivers to be seizure-free for two years before a license is issued or reinstated. That is among the most restrictive standards in the country.
However — and this is the part that matters — you can apply to the Florida Medical Advisory Board (MAB) for reconsideration after just six months if you are seizure-free and under regular medical supervision. In practice, many Florida drivers with epilepsy get licensed after six months, not two years. But it requires understanding the process and having a neurologist who will properly document your case.
• Default standard: 2 years seizure-free before license issued or reinstated
• Early reconsideration: apply to Medical Advisory Board (MAB) after 6 months if seizure-free and under regular medical supervision
• Isolated first seizure with normal EEG: reconsideration possible after 3 months
• Must present Medical Report Form HSMV 72423 from treating physician
• If your medication is discontinued, no driving during withdrawal plus 3 months after
• Physicians are not required to report patients to the DMV — but the MAB can independently contact your physician
• Approved drivers may need to submit follow-up medical information periodically at the MAB's discretion
School Laws
Yes. Florida passed House Bill 173 in March 2022, signed by Governor DeSantis. Florida was among the 14th wave of states to enact seizure-safe legislation. The law requires school districts to adopt policies for seizure management, including:
• Individualized Seizure Action Plans
• Training for school staff in seizure recognition and first aid
• Administration of seizure medications by trained personnel
If your child's school is not complying, that is a violation of state law — not a discretionary policy gap. Contact the Florida Department of Education.
Support
Epilepsy Association of Florida
Epilepsy Care
If your seizures aren't controlled after 12 months with a general neurologist — or after two medications have failed — national guidelines say you should be at a Level 3 or Level 4 center. Most people who meet that bar were never told it existed.
Check out the NAEC to find a Level 3 or4 Epilepsy Center near you.
Florida has multiple NAEC-accredited epilepsy centers:
• Mayo Clinic Florida — Jacksonville (Level 4)
• University of Florida Health — Gainesville (Level 4)
• Tampa General Hospital / USF Health — Tampa (Level 4)
• Nicklaus Children's Hospital — Miami (Level 4, Pediatric)
• UF Health Jacksonville (Level 4)
Use the comments section to add additional resources for Florida or review the resources listed above.