Florida and Social Security Disability Benefits
- Why is State-by-State Information Important?
- Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida – What You Need To Know
- Florida SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Approval By Office
- Hearing Offices in Florida & The SSA Offices They Serve
- List of Social Security Administration Field Offices in Florida
- More Important Information about The Application Process
ALL STATE DATA UPDATED FOR 2024!
Everyone’s experience applying for Social Security Disability benefits will be unique. Part of this is because everyone’s individual medical and work history is different. But, potential applicants should also know that each state – like Florida – has its own story to tell in terms of social security disability benefit approval rates at each stage of the process, as well as waiting times at the hearing stage.
Why is State-by-State Information Important?
Specialized disability advocates (like us here at Citizens Disability) and Florida social security disability attorneys know all too well how important it is to understand that every state is different. It’s very helpful to know what the trends are, how long the wait times are from office to office, and what the different rates of approvals are.
Citizens Disability takes a data-driven approach to helping our clients. We want to make sure that we’re giving our clients the best possible advice at every step in the application process. We also work very hard to present the best possible case for each of our clients. Bringing together data from a wide variety of sources – including data like this, which comes from the Social Security Administration – allows us to make smart decisions when we present cases for our clients.
Finally, this information can be very helpful to applicants. Applying for social security benefits is likely a new experience for most applicants, and having an idea of what they can expect from the process can help them be engaged and involved participants with their advocates.
While your own journey may be different than the trends you see here, these tables and charts can help you understand what, on average, you can expect.
You will also find location and contact information for all the offices in Florida below.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida – What You Need To Know
There are generally three stages in the application process for Social Security Disability benefits: initial application, reconsideration, and the hearing. In this table, you can see how Florida compares to the national average (all states in America) when it comes to approval rates at each of those stages.
| Initial Application (L1) | Reconsideration (L2) | Hearing (L3) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 37.2% | 14.4% | 57.7% |
| National Average | 39.5% | 15.1% | 57.7% |
| State Difference: | -2.3% | -0.7% | 0.0% |
As the table shows, in 2024, Florida was on par with the national average at Hearing level. However, Florida is trailing slightly behind the national average at the Initial application and Reconsideration level. Florida was just the same as the national average for approvals at Hearing, but there’s more to this story, as Florida has 10 different hearing offices, all with different waits and approval rates (which we’ll describe below).
Florida Initial Application Approval Over Time
| Initial Application Approval Rate | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 37.2% | 39.7% | 39.9% | 35.4% | 36.0% | 36.5% | 34.8% | 33.5% | 32.2% | 30.7% |
| National Average | 39.5% | 38.9% | 38.8% | 37.7% | 38.3% | 37.6% | 35.3% | 34.4% | 33.5% | 32.8% |
As the table and the below chart show, Florida has, across the state, been either a few points behind or above the national average for approvals of Initial Applications going back to at least 2015. In 2024, Florida ranked 40th in the nation in terms of percentage approval of Initial Applications. While approval rates have improved in Florida over the last few years, they still only barely match the national average, meaning that about 1 in 3 initial applications are approved in Florida. If you are thinking of applying for SSDI, don’t worry – there are multiple stages to the application process.
Florida Reconsideration Approval Over Time
| Reconsideration Approval Rate | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 14.4% | 14.7% | 14.5% | 12.2% | 12.2% | 12.0% | 12.7% | 13.5% | 12.5% | 11.1% |
| National Average | 15.1% | 15.5% | 15.0% | 13.2% | 13.6% | 13.4% | 12.4% | 12.9% | 12.6% | 11.7% |
As the table and the below chart indicate, Florida has again generally tracked the national average when it comes to approvals at the Reconsideration level, keeping within a few percentage points. In 2024, Florida ranked 33rd in the nation for highest percentage of approvals at Reconsideration. However, as you can see, in general, the chances of winning approval at Reconsideration are not particularly high. That is why many applicants must continue in the next level, the Hearing.
Florida Hearings Approval Over Time
| Hearing Approval Rate | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 57.7% | 56.2% | 56.1% | 56.5% | 51.2% | 55.2% | 54.0% | 57.5% | 56.1% | 53.9% |
| National Average | 57.7% | 56.8% | 54.2% | 54.7% | 51.1% | 52.9% | 53.9% | 56.8% | 54.7% | 53.4% |
As the table and the below chart indicate, Florida has stayed close to the national average when it comes to approvals at the Hearing level, but has managed to stay on the positive side. In 2024, Florida ranked 22nd in the nation for highest percentage of approvals at Hearings.
However, as you’ll see below, all individual hearing offices in Florida are not the same – each office has its own approval rates, and almost as importantly, waiting times. Which hearing office your case is assigned to in Florida may have a significant bearing on your chances for approval.
Also worthy of note is the fact that past performance is only one indicator of likely outcomes; as new data comes in, you might see that a state’s performance compared to the national average has either improved or weakened.
Florida SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Approval By Office
Florida is part of the Social Security Administration’s “Region 4,” which is headquartered in Atlanta, George. There are 8 hearing offices in Florida. You can see waiting times for hearings & case dispositions for each office below, with comparisons to Florida and National Averages.
The “Hearing Wait Time (Months)” is, on average, how long it takes in between when an applicant asks for a Hearing and when that hearing occurs.
The “Average Disposition Time (Days)” is, on average, the number of days in between when an applicant asks for a Hearing, and when the Administrative Law Judge who hears their case actually makes a decision on that case.
The “Average Approval Rate” is percentage at which cases are decided in favor of the applicant.
| Hearing Wait Time (Months) | Average Disposition Time (Days) | Average Approval Rate (2024) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Average | 9.3 | 366 | 57.7% |
| Florida Average | 7.2 | 311 | 57.7% |
| FT LAUDERDALE | 6.0 | 304 | 46.9% |
| FORT MYERS FL | 7.0 | 321 | 69.2% |
| JACKSONVILLE | 7.0 | 313 | 48.4% |
| MIAMI | 8.0 | 348 | 64.2% |
| ORLANDO | 8.0 | 341 | 63.2% |
| ST PETERSBURG | 7.9 | 260 | 57.8% |
| TALLAHASSEE | 6.5 | 268 | 62.2% |
| TAMPA | 7.1 | 334 | 60.1% |
As the table here and the chart below indicate, in 2024, Florida is generally behind the national averages for wait times. The offices in Jacksonville and FT Myers have wait times significantly below the national average. Tallahassee and FT Lauderdale, however, are the two slowest offices in the state. Florida overall ranks 5th in the Nation in terms of wait times.
FT Lauderdale has the lowest approval rates in 2024 so far, with Hearing-level approval rates of 46.9%. The highest approval rate in Florida at the time of this article’s writing was FT Myers, with a 69.2% approval rate.
These waiting times and approval rates only highlight how important it can be to have a qualified representative – such as an Advocate from Citizens Disability – working on your case. The Government Accountability Office has done research that shows that an applicant who has a representative has an up to three times greater chance of being approved than a person who goes it alone.
Hearing Offices in Florida & The SSA Offices They Serve
These are the “Office of Hearing Operations” offices in Florida. These offices are where hearings are scheduled and generally conducted. Each OHO office supports a number of regional Social Security Administration field offices. You are likely (but not guaranteed) to have your hearing scheduled with a Judge who works in the OHO office that supports the SSA field office nearest to you.
Hearing Office Region 4 Fort Lauderdale SSA, OHO
Suite 1000, 10th Floor 500 East Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394
(888) 436-2637 • (954) 356-7901 • (877) 760-0003
Hours: 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services these Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA: Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale • (East & West), Melbourne, North Broward, Pembroke Pines, Port St. Lucie, South Broward, Sunrise, Vero Beach, W. Palm Beach
Hearing Office Region 4 Fort Myers SSA, OHO
2nd Floor 3650 Colonial Boulevard
Ft. Myers, Florida 33966
(888) 462-1109 • (239) 278-0684 • (877) 847-1596
Hours: 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services these Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA: Ft. Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte
Hearing Office Region 4 Jacksonville SSA, OHO
DeSoto Building, Suite 400 8880 Freedom Crossing Trail
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
(866) 931-0124 • (904) 232-3961 • (877) 760-0594
Hours: 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services these Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA: Deland, Gainesville, Jacksonville • (North), Jacksonville • (South), Lake City, Port Orange, St. Augustine
Hearing Office Region 4 Miami SSA, OHO
One Riverview Square, 8th Floor 333 S. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33130 • (866) 964-5052
(305) 536-4788 • (877) 330-7137
Hours: 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services these Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA: Allapattah, Hialeah, Key West, Little Havanna, Little River, Miami Beach, Miami • (North), Miami • (South), Perrine, Jackson Mem Site
Hearing Office Region 4 Orlando SSA, OHO
Glenridge Building, Suite 300 3505 Lake Lynda Drive
Orlando, Florida 32817-9801
(877) 833-2730 • (407) 380-3658 • (877) 330-7138
Hours: 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services these Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA: Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Leesburg, Ocala, Orlando
Hearing Office Region 4 Tallahassee SSA, OHO
2nd Floor 1961 Quail Grove Lane
Tallahassee, Florida 32311
(888) 472-5996 • (850) 942-1034 • (877) 435-0334
Hours: 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services these Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA: Marianna, Panama City, Tallahassee and GEORGIA: Thomasville
Hearing Office Region 4 Tampa SSA, OHO
Fountain Square II, Suite 200 4925 Independence Parkway
Tampa, Florida 33634 • (855) 248-0239
(813) 883-7355 • (877) 330-7844
Hours: 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services these Social Security Field Offices:
FLORIDA: Carrollwood, Dade City, Lakeland, Sebring, Seffner, Tampa, Winter Haven
Hearing Office Region 4 St. Petersburg SSA, OHO
2nd Floor 830 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
(877) 452-4193 • (727) 893-3148 • (877) 847-1597
Hours: 8:00a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services these Social Security Field Offices:
FLORDIA: Bradenton, Clearwater, New Port Richey, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Venice
List of Social Security Administration Field Offices in Florida
| Office Name | Location | Address | City | State | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE CITY FL | 1348 SW BASCOM NORRIS | LAKE CITY | FL | 32025 | (877) 600-2859 | |
| PORT ST LUCIE FL | 6810 S US HWY 1 | PORT ST LUCIE | FL | 34952 | (866) 366-1627 | |
| CLEARWATER FL | 2340 DREW STREET | CLEARWATER | FL | 33765 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| LEESBURG FL | SUITE 100 | 900 N 14TH STREET | LEESBURG | FL | 34748 | (866) 836-3623 |
| DELAND FL | 1629 S ADELLE AVE | DELAND | FL | 32720 | (866) 964-7396 | |
| SOUTH BROWARD FL | 12249 PEMBROKE RD | PEMBROKE PINES | FL | 33025 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| PERRINE FL | 11100 SW 211 STREET | MIAMI | FL | 33189 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| HIALEAH FL | 6500 W 21 COURT | HIALEAH | FL | 33016 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| JACKSONVILLE NORTH FL | 1685 DUNN AVE | JACKSONVILLE | FL | 32218 | (866) 635-0789 | |
| ALLAPATTAH FL | GROUND FLOOR | 1251 NW 36TH STREET | MIAMI | FL | 33142 | (800) 772-1213 |
| BRADENTON FL | SUITE 100 | 5540 SR 64 EAST | BRADENTON | FL | 34208 | (800) 772-1213 |
| EAST HILLSBOROUGH FL | 2027 S PARSONS AVE | SEFFNER | FL | 33584 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| LAKE MARY FL | 101 COMMERCE ST | SUITE 2001 | LAKE MARY | FL | 32746 | (866) 964-7379 |
| JACKSONVILLE SOUTH FL | SUITE 1 | 7185 BONNEVAL ROAD | JACKSONVILLE | FL | 32256 | (877) 409-8424 |
| TAMPA FL | 3415 E FRONTAGE ROAD | TAMPA | FL | 33607 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| ORLANDO FL | SUITE 101 | 5520 GATLIN AVE | ORLANDO | FL | 32812 | (866) 964-6146 |
| LAKELAND FL | 550 COMMERCE DR | LAKELAND | FL | 33813 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| TALLAHASSEE FL | STE B-12 | 2002 OLD ST AUGUSTINE | TALLAHASSEE | FL | 32301 | (866) 248-2088 |
| PENSACOLA FL | 411 W GARDEN STREET | PENSACOLA | FL | 32502 | (877) 505-4550 | |
| WEST PALM BEACH FL | SUITE 2 | 801 CLEMATIS STREET | WEST PALM BEACH | FL | 33401 | (800) 772-1213 |
| ST PETERSBURG FL | 30 DR MLK ST S | ST PETERSBURG | FL | 33701 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| GAINESVILLE FL | 4562 NW 13 STREET | GAINESVILLE | FL | 32609 | (877) 219-8323 | |
| PORT ORANGE FL | 4990 S CLYDE MORRIS BL | PORT ORANGE | FL | 32127 | (866) 210-8089 | |
| FT LAUDERDALE EAST FL | SUITE 100 | 3201 W COMMERCIAL BLVD | FT LAUDERDALE | FL | 33309 | (800) 772-1213 |
| SARASOTA FL | SUITE 301 | 2001 SIESTA DR | SARASOTA | FL | 34239 | (800) 772-1213 |
| PANAMA CITY FL | 3215 HWY 77 | PANAMA CITY | FL | 32405 | (866) 348-5833 | |
| MIAMI NORTH FL | 16900 NW 12 AVE | MIAMI | FL | 33169 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| FORT MYERS FL | FIRST FLOOR SUITE 101 | 3650 COLONIAL BLVD | FORT MYERS | FL | 33966 | (800) 772-1213 |
| MIAMI BEACH FL | SUITE 200 | 1801 ALTON RD | MIAMI BEACH | FL | 33139 | (800) 772-1213 |
| MELBOURNE FL | 1715 W NASA BLVD | MELBOURNE | FL | 32901 | (866) 716-7667 | |
| OCALA FL | 933 E SILVER SPGS BLVD | OCALA | FL | 34470 | (877) 626-9911 | |
| NEW PORT RICHEY FL | SUITE 100 | 8661 CITIZENS DRIVE | NEW PORT RICHEY | FL | 34654 | (800) 772-1213 |
| NORTH BROWARD FL | 5195 COCONUT CREEK PKY | MARGATE | FL | 33063 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| MIAMI SOUTH FL | 11401 W FLAGLER ST | MIAMI | FL | 33174 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| ST AUGUSTINE FL | 2428 OLD MOULTRIE ROAD | ST AUGUSTINE | FL | 32086 | (877) 405-5867 | |
| CARROLLWOOD FL | SUITE 100 | 4010 GUNN HIGHWAY | TAMPA | FL | 33618 | (800) 772-1213 |
| PT CHARLOTTE FL | SUITE 200 | 1600 TAMIAMI TRAIL | PORT CHARLOTTE | FL | 33948 | (800) 772-1213 |
| VENICE FL | 114 | 1435 E VENICE AVE | VENICE | FL | 34292 | (800) 772-1213 |
| KISSIMMEE FL | 1201 E OAK ST | KISSIMMEE | FL | 34744 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| FT WALTON BEACH FL | 111B RACETRACK RD NW | FORT WALTON BEACH | FL | 32547 | (866) 331-2194 | |
| WINTER HAVEN FL | 1395 NW HAVENDALE BLVD | WINTER HAVEN | FL | 33881 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| BELLE GLADE FL | 925 SE 1ST STREET | BELLE GLADE | FL | 33430 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| DADE CITY FL | 36630 ADAIR ROAD | DADE CITY | FL | 33525 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| SEBRING FL | 3700 COMMERCIAL DRIVE | SEBRING | FL | 33870 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| VERO BEACH FL | 724 20TH ST | VERO BEACH | FL | 32960 | (866) 964-7414 | |
| NAPLES FL | SUITE 1114 | 2659 PROFESSIONAL CIR, | NAPLES | FL | 34119 | (800) 772-1213 |
| FT LAUDERDALE W | SUITE 100 | 8501 W SUNRISE BLVD | PLANTATION | FL | 33322 | (800) 772-1213 |
| MARIANNA FL | 4125 JIREH COURT | MARIANNA | FL | 32448 | (888) 397-4815 | |
| LITTLE RIVER FL | 8345 BISCAYNE BLVD | MIAMI | FL | 33138 | (800) 772-1213 | |
| SOUTH PALM BEACH FL | SUITE 400 | 621 NW 53 ST | BOCA RATON | FL | 33487 | (800) 772-1213 |
| LITTLE HAVANA FL | SUITE 300 | 6101 BLUE LAGOON DRIVE | MIAMI | FL | 33126 | (800) 772-1213 |
| COCOA FL | 310 CANAVERAL GROVES | COCOA | FL | 32926 | (800) 772-1213 |
Swipe left & right to see the whole table
All data on this page is current as of July, 2024.
More Important Information about The Application Process
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