When you apply for social security disability benefits in Florida, you should do so with the understanding that the application and review process for SSD benefits is often lengthy and with very few guarantees. In fact, over 60% of initial applications are denied benefits.
Florida Initial Application Approval Rate in 2024: 37.2%
Florida Reconsideration Approval Rate in 2024: 14.4%
The initial application approval rate is slightly lower than the national approval rate average, which is 39.5% in 2024. If your application is initially denied, you can file an appeal and request reconsideration. The reconsideration approval rate is also slightly lower than the national average, which is 15.1% in 2024.
The majority of social security disability claimants will have to make the decision between going without SSD benefits and forging on in the hopes that they will be awarded benefits at the hearing level.
Florida Hearing Offices
There are eight SSD hearing offices in the state of Florida located in the following cities:
- Miami
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
- Ft. Lauderdale
- St. Petersburg
- Fort Myers
- Tallahassee
Approval Rates & Application Processing Time in Florida
The time it takes to have a hearing processed at one of the local hearing offices ranges in time from 293-417 days, with the state average being 380 days. Nationwide, the average processing time for a hearing on a social security disability case is 349 days.
Florida Hearing Approval Approval Rate: 57.7%
The average approval in Florida is actually exactly the same as the national average, but your approval may depend on where your hearing is. The time it takes to get a decision on your hearing also may depend on where your hearing is. Below is a list of average approval rates and processing times for each of the eight hearing offices:
| Hearing Office | Approval Rate | Processing Time in Days |
| Miami | 38.8% | 379 |
| Orlando | 52.5% | 293 |
| Tampa | 51.8% | 374 |
| Jacksonville | 36.0% | 360 |
| Fort Lauderdale | 47.8% | 398 |
| St. Petersburg | 46.6% | 417 |
| Fort Myers | 41.8% | 403 |
| Tallahassee | 51.9% | 416 |
Administrative Law Judges in Florida
Ninety-five judges review the thousands of Florida SSD cases split between the offices:
- Miami: 12
- Orlando: 16
- Tampa: 15
- Jacksonville: 14
- Fort Lauderdale: 13
- St. Petersburg: 12
- Fort Myers: 6
- Tallahassee: 7
A Florida disability attorney who may have attended hearings at either of the eight hearing offices may be at an advantage presenting cases before an ALJ with whom the attorney has become familiar.
Factors Influencing Approval Rate in Florida
Approval for disability benefits in Florida relies on key factors, including age, work history, and medical condition severity. Applicants over 50 may face more lenient evaluations due to the difficulty for finding new employment, while younger individuals might find stricter judgment.
A strong work history shows a credible claim, but a scattered record may raise doubts about the severity of the disability. Additionally, the nature of the medical condition plays a critical role, as well-documented and clearly defined conditions are more likely to be approved.
How to Improve Your Chances of Approval
Improving your chances of disability approval in Florida requires a thorough application. Ensuring all personal, work history, and medical information is accurately completed is important.
A strong application includes persuasive medical evidence, including doctor’s notes, test results, and detailed statements linking the disability to daily limitations.
Additionally, working with a disability attorney has proven to be beneficial in disability cases. Those who work closely with a disability lawyer are three times more likely to be approved for benefits.
A disability lawyer can help tell you how much you’ll be able to receive, collect medical records, and support you at hearings.
Connect with a Florida Disability Lawyer Today
A free consultation with a Florida disability attorney can be scheduled using the free evaluation form that is available at the top of this page.
Initial consultations are always free and you are not required to pay any attorney’s fees unless your disability lawyer wins your case. If you are looking to hire a Florida Social Security attorney, click on the city closest to you for more information:
- Gainesville Social Security Attorney
- Hialeah Social Security Attorney
- Hollywood Social Security Attorney
- Jacksonville Social Security Attorney
- Kendall Social Security Attorney
- Lakeland Social Security Attorney
- Largo Social Security Attorney
- Lauderhill Social Security Attorney
- Melbourne Social Security Attorney
- Miami Social Security Attorney
- Miami Beach Social Security Attorney
- Miami Gardens Social Security Attorney
- Miramar Social Security Attorney
- Orlando Social Security Attorney
- Palm Bay Social Security Attorney
- Palm Coast Social Security Attorney
- Port St. Lucie Social Security Attorney
- Plantation Social Security Attorney
- St. Petersburg Social Security Attorney
- Sunrise Social Security Attorney
- Tallahassee Social Security Attorney
- Tamiami Social Security Attorney
- Tampa Social Security Attorney
- The Hammocks Social Security Attorney
- Town n' Country Social Security Attorney
- Weston Social Security Attorney
