Traveling to Florida for Rehab: A Guide for Out-of-State Families

Why families choose Florida

• A wide range of licensed residential, detox and dual diagnosis programs
• Specialized tracks: executive, young adult, trauma-focused and gender-specific
• Step-down options like partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and certified recovery residences
• Distance from the people and routines tied to use at home

Insurance from another state

Many commercial plans can be used at Florida providers, but networks differ. Blue Cross Blue Shield plans from other states generally work through the national Blue network, so ask your plan whether a Florida provider is in network. For any plan, ask about out-of-network benefits, pre-authorization and how long a stay is approved at first. Marketplace plans must cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit.

Questions to ask before travel

• Is the program licensed by Florida DCF for the services it offers?
• Who arranges and pays for travel? (Programs offering free travel or other inducements are a red flag under Florida's patient brokering law.)
• How is detox handled on arrival?
• How will the program keep the family informed, with your loved one's consent?
• What is the plan for discharge and care back home?

Plan for coming home

The return home is a high-risk time. Ask the program to set up outpatient care, medication follow-up and support groups in your home state before discharge, or consider staying in Florida for step-down care in a certified recovery residence first.

Find treatment

Residential Drug Rehab in FloridaResidential Alcohol Rehab in FloridaLuxury Rehab in FloridaBrowse by county

Related reading

• What Is Residential Treatment for Addiction?
• Inpatient vs Residential Rehab: What's the Difference?
• How to Choose a Rehab in Florida (and Avoid Bad Actors)
• What to Expect in Residential Rehab: Your First Week and Beyond
• How Long Is Rehab? 30, 60 and 90-Day Programs Compared
• Medical Detox: What to Expect and How Long It Takes

Sources

• HealthCare.gov: Mental health and substance abuse coverage
• Florida DCF: Substance use provider search
• Florida Statutes s. 817.505: Patient brokering prohibited
• Florida Statutes s. 397.487: Voluntary certification of recovery residences
• NIDA: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment