Why does Florida spend so much money on treatment for children with autism and special needs?

Florida spent $6.57 billion between 2023 and 2025 providing applied behavior analysis services, significantly more than any other state. Consequently, a blue ribbon task force has been convened to review Florida’s Medicaid program and ABA service delivery by December 31st. This review is happening amid policy changes requiring managed care plans and increased scrutiny over healthcare fraud.