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Florida Cerebral Palsy Resource Guide

Each year, an estimated 275 to 650 Florida children are newly diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Some are identified in infancy after complications such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, while others are diagnosed later, when motor delays become more apparent.

Fortunately, Florida is home to a network of community support for CP families, plus several nationally recognized pediatric medical centers with advanced neonatal intensive care units and multidisciplinary cerebral palsy clinics. 

Major children’s hospitals in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville offer pediatric neurology, orthopedic surgery, developmental medicine, and rehabilitation under coordinated care models. Many participate in research on neuroprotection, early brain injury detection, spasticity management, and assistive technology.

Well-known treatment centers include Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville.

If a child’s cerebral palsy was caused by preventable medical error during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, Florida law also permits families to pursue a medical malpractice claim. Due to specific pre-suit requirements, expert affidavit rules, and statutory frameworks, early legal consultation is especially important.

In this guide we’ll detail some of the vast resources available in the Sunshine State for families coping with cerebral palsy.

CIty specific: Find Orlando cerebral palsy attorneys or Miami cerebral palsy lawyers.

Reviewed by Chris Schroeder, Esq.
Updated May 2026
5 min read
Florida
6.1
Per 1,000 infant mortality rate
1 in 9
FL babies born preterm
86%
Rural hospitals with no labor and delivery
Florida cerebral palsy resources

Medical facilities for diagnosing cerebral palsy in Florida

Early diagnosis often involves pediatric neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and high-risk infant follow-up programs.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
3100 SW 62nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33155
Phone: (305) 666-6511
Website: https://www.nicklauschildrens.org

Nicklaus Children’s provides pediatric neurology, developmental medicine, and neonatal follow-up clinics for infants with perinatal complications.

Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida
6535 Nemours Parkway, Orlando, FL 32827
Phone: (407) 567-4000
Website: https://www.nemours.org

Nemours offers multidisciplinary developmental assessment and pediatric neurology services.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital - Cerebral palsy lawyer in Tampa
501 6th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 767-4176
Website: https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org

This hospital operates a high-risk infant program and pediatric brain injury services.

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Treatment and therapy for cerebral palsy in Florida

Children with cerebral palsy often require long-term physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language services, orthopedic consultation, and spasticity management.

Wolfson Children’s Hospital - Find a Jacksonville cerebral palsy lawyer
800 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: (904) 202-8000
Website: https://www.wolfsonchildrens.com

Wolfson provides pediatric rehabilitation and neurology services for children throughout Northeast Florida.

Miami Children’s Health System Rehabilitation Services
3100 SW 62nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33155
Phone: (305) 662-8301
Website: https://www.nicklauschildrens.org

Offers comprehensive rehabilitation therapies and mobility clinics.

Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
92 West Miller Street, Orlando, FL 32806
Phone: (321) 841-5111
Website: https://www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com

Provides pediatric rehabilitation and orthopedic services for children with neuromuscular conditions.

Organizations that support cerebral palsy in Florida

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida
4780 Data Court, Orlando, FL 32817
Phone: (407) 852-3300
Website: https://www.ucpcfl.org

United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida
141 NW 20th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: (561) 994-4357
Website: https://www.ucpsouthflorida.org

The Arc of Florida
2898 Mahan Drive, Suite 1, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 921-0460
Website: https://www.thearcflorida.org

These organizations provide family advocacy, early childhood programs, respite care, adult transition services, and employment support.

Fundraisers for cerebral palsy in Florida

UCP Walk & Roll (Multiple Florida Locations)
Website: https://www.ucpcfl.org

Easterseals Florida Walk With Me
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/florida

These events raise funds for therapy programs, adaptive equipment, and inclusive community services.

Legal rights for those with a cerebral palsy disability

Families in Florida have multiple legal protections and public benefits available:

  • Medicaid coverage: Florida Medicaid may cover physician visits, therapy, durable medical equipment, and home health services for eligible children.
  • Early Steps (Early Intervention): Provides therapy and developmental services for infants and toddlers under age three with delays or disabilities.
  • Educational rights: Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children are entitled to a free appropriate public education and an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
  • Employment protections: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida Civil Rights Act prohibit discrimination based on disability.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides financial assistance for qualifying children with disabilities.
  • Home and Community-Based Services Waivers: Florida offers Medicaid waiver programs to support long-term in-home and community care.

Florida juries and hospital insurers have shown a strong willingness to award compensation to children who suffer birth injury like cerebral palsy when negligent care can be proven as a cause. However, Florida medical malpractice law requires a pre-suit investigation and expert verification before filing suit. 

In birth injury cases involving severe neurological impairment, families may also evaluate the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) program, which provides a no-fault compensation alternative in certain circumstances. Families are advised to speak with a Florida cerebral palsy lawyer for more info and help.

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Other helpful info for families dealing with cerebral palsy in Florida

Families should seek early referral to pediatric neurology and developmental services if motor delays are suspected. Maintaining detailed records of prenatal care, labor and delivery, neonatal hospitalization, and therapy progress can help both medically and legally.

Because Florida’s Medicaid waiver programs may have waiting lists, early application is essential. Parents should also coordinate closely with school districts to ensure timely evaluations and appropriate classroom accommodations.

In hurricane-prone regions, families should maintain emergency preparedness plans that account for medical equipment, medications, and mobility needs.

Florida offers world-class pediatric expertise alongside strong disability advocacy networks. With early intervention, coordinated medical care, and informed legal guidance when necessary, children with cerebral palsy in Florida can access meaningful support across every stage of development.

Cerebral palsy resources by city in Florida