Key Takeaways
• Florida offers refugee services via DCF and DOH, primarily for refugees, asylees, SIV holders, and Cuban/Haitian entrants.
• Cash and medical aid last 12 months; other integration services last up to five years after arrival or status grant.
• Federal USRAP refugee admissions paused in 2025; local resettlement funding cuts caused some agency closures.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Florida in 2025, you may be wondering if you qualify for state-level support and what resources are available to help you settle and rebuild your life. Florida remains a leading state for refugee resettlement, offering a range of services through the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Florida Department of Health, and community organizations. However, recent changes in federal policy and funding have affected some programs, so it’s important to understand the current eligibility rules, what you can expect, and what to do if you do not qualify for certain services.
Below, you’ll find clear yes/no qualification criteria, detailed requirements with real-life examples, disqualifying factors, alternative options if you’re not eligible, and practical steps to improve your chances of getting help.
Who Qualifies for Florida’s Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support?
Florida’s main support programs for refugees and asylum seekers are managed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Florida Department of Health (DOH). These programs are mostly funded by the federal government, so they follow federal rules about who is eligible.
You generally qualify for state-level refugee services in Florida if you are:
- A refugee admitted to the United States 🇺🇸 through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)
- An asylee (someone granted asylum by a U.S. immigration judge or asylum officer)
- A Cuban or Haitian entrant (including parolees and certain other humanitarian categories)
- A victim of human trafficking with a valid certification letter
- A Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holder from Afghanistan or Iraq
- A lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who previously held one of the above statuses
You do NOT qualify for these services if you are:
- Still waiting for a decision on your asylum application (unless you have another qualifying status)
- In the United States 🇺🇸 on a temporary visa (such as a tourist, student, or work visa)
- An undocumented immigrant without any of the qualifying statuses above
- A refugee or asylee who has been in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 5 years (for most services)
- Someone whose status has changed to a non-qualifying category
Key Requirements and How They Work
Let’s break down the main programs and their requirements, so you can quickly see if you qualify.
1. Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Refugee Services
What is it?
The DCF Refugee Services Program helps refugees and other eligible groups become self-sufficient and adjust to life in the United States 🇺🇸. Services include job training, English classes, cash and medical assistance, and help with social adjustment.
Who can get these services?
– YES: Refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, victims of trafficking, SIV holders, and certain family members
– NO: People with only pending asylum applications, undocumented immigrants, or those on temporary visas
How long are you eligible?
– Cash and Medical Assistance: Up to 12 months after arrival or after getting qualifying status (recently increased from 8 months)
– Other Services (like job training, English classes): Usually up to 5 years after arrival or status grant
Example:
Maria, a Cuban parolee who arrived in Florida in February 2025, is eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance for 12 months. She can also join English classes and job training for up to 5 years.
Disqualifying Factors:
– If you have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 5 years since getting your qualifying status, you may not be eligible for most services.
– If you lose your qualifying status (for example, if your asylum is revoked), you lose eligibility.
– If you move out of Florida, you may need to reapply in your new state.
How to Apply:
– Contact the Florida Department of Children and Families Refugee Services. You can find more information and application details on their official website.
2. Florida Department of Health (DOH) Refugee Health Program
What is it?
This program provides a full health assessment within 90 days of arrival for eligible refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and others. The assessment includes a review of your overseas medical records, immunizations, and referrals for further care.
Who can get these services?
– YES: Refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, SIV holders, and victims of trafficking within 90 days of arrival or status grant
– NO: People with only pending asylum applications, undocumented immigrants, or those outside the 90-day window
Example:
Ahmed, an Iraqi SIV holder who arrived in Orlando in June 2025, is eligible for a free health assessment and immunizations through the DOH Refugee Health Program.
Disqualifying Factors:
– If you do not complete your health assessment within 90 days of arrival or status grant, you may lose eligibility for this free service.
– If you do not have a qualifying status, you cannot use this program.
How to Apply:
– Contact your local county health department or visit the Florida Department of Health Refugee Health Program for more information.
3. Community and Nonprofit Support
What is it?
Community organizations often provide extra help, such as English classes, job search support, housing referrals, and legal aid. Some of these services are open to a wider group, including people with pending asylum cases.
Who can get these services?
– YES: Many community programs are open to all immigrants, including those with pending asylum applications or undocumented status, especially for English classes and basic needs.
– NO: Some programs, especially those funded by the federal government, may have the same eligibility rules as DCF and DOH.
Recent Changes:
Some local programs have closed due to funding cuts. For example, Catholic Charities Bureau in Jacksonville stopped its refugee resettlement program in March 2025, but still offers English classes and referrals.
Example:
Luis, an asylum seeker waiting for a decision, cannot get DCF cash assistance but can join English classes at a local community center.
Disqualifying Factors:
– Some programs may have waiting lists or limited space.
– Services may be limited in areas where agencies have closed.
How to Find Help:
– Ask for referrals from local churches, mosques, or community centers.
– Call Catholic Charities or other local nonprofits for information about available resources.
4. Federal Policy Changes and Their Impact
USRAP Suspension:
In January 2025, President Biden ordered a temporary pause on new refugee admissions under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) while the government reviews security and welfare concerns. Some refugees may still be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
What does this mean for you?
– If you are already in Florida with qualifying status, you can still get services.
– If you are waiting overseas to come as a refugee, your arrival may be delayed.
– If you are a Cuban or Haitian entrant, you may still qualify under separate rules.
Funding Cuts:
Federal funding for refugee programs has been reduced, leading to the closure of some local resettlement agencies. State-level programs remain, but there may be fewer local services in some areas.
Example:
A family from Haiti who arrived in Miami in April 2025 can still get DCF and DOH services, but may have fewer local agencies to help with housing or job placement.
5. Step-by-Step: How to Get Support in Florida
Step 1: Check Your Status
– Are you a refugee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian entrant, SIV holder, or victim of trafficking?
– YES: You likely qualify for DCF and DOH services.
– NO: You may still find help from community organizations, but not from state refugee programs.
Step 2: Apply for Services
– Contact the Florida Department of Children and Families Refugee Services for cash, medical, and social services.
– Contact the Florida Department of Health for your health assessment within 90 days of arrival.
Step 3: Gather Documents
– Bring your immigration documents (I-94, asylum approval, parole letter, SIV, or trafficking certification).
– Bring proof of arrival date or date you received your qualifying status.
Step 4: Attend Your Health Assessment
– Complete your health screening at your local county health department.
Step 5: Join Integration Programs
– Sign up for English classes, job training, and case management through DCF or local partners.
Step 6: Connect with Community Resources
– Ask for referrals to local nonprofits for extra help with housing, legal aid, or education.
6. What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you do not meet the eligibility rules for state-level refugee services, you still have options:
- Community Organizations: Many offer English classes, food assistance, and basic needs help to all immigrants, regardless of status.
- Legal Aid: Some nonprofits provide free or low-cost legal help for asylum seekers and other immigrants.
- Public Health Clinics: Even if you miss the 90-day window for the refugee health assessment, you can still get care at public health clinics, though you may have to pay a fee.
- Education: Children can attend public schools in Florida regardless of immigration status.
- Work Authorization: If you are an asylum seeker with a pending case, you may be able to apply for a work permit after 150 days. Learn more about the process on the USCIS website.
7. How to Improve Your Chances
- Apply Early: Start your applications for DCF and DOH services as soon as you arrive or get your qualifying status.
- Keep Documents Safe: Always keep copies of your immigration papers and proof of arrival.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals from community organizations, schools, or religious groups.
- Stay Informed: Policies and funding can change. Check official websites regularly for updates.
- Learn English: Joining English classes can help you find work and connect with your new community.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you are unsure about your status or eligibility, talk to a trusted immigration attorney or accredited representative.
8. Key Contacts and Resources
- Florida Department of Children and Families Refugee Services:
For eligibility, applications, and program details, visit the official DCF Refugee Services page. - Florida Department of Health Refugee Health Program:
For health assessments and immunizations, visit the DOH Refugee Health Program. -
Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR):
For federal policy updates and national resources, see the ORR website. -
Catholic Charities Bureau Jacksonville:
For English classes and referrals (program closed for resettlement, but still offers some services), call 904-354-4846.
9. Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1:
Fatima, a Somali refugee, arrives in Miami in March 2025. She receives a health assessment within 90 days, enrolls in English classes, and gets cash assistance for 12 months. She finds a job with help from DCF’s employment program.
Scenario 2:
Carlos, a Venezuelan asylum seeker, is waiting for a decision on his case. He cannot get DCF cash assistance but joins free English classes at a local church and gets legal help from a nonprofit.
Scenario 3:
Ana, a Cuban parolee, moves to Tampa in January 2025. She applies for DCF services, gets her health assessment, and receives job training. She finds housing with help from a community group.
10. Future Outlook and Advocacy
Experts warn that ongoing federal funding cuts and the temporary USRAP suspension could weaken Florida’s support system for refugees and asylum seekers. They urge the federal government to provide more funding and work closely with states to keep these vital programs running. Refugees are seen as important workers in fields like healthcare and education, and helping them succeed benefits all Floridians.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Florida remains committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, but the future of some local programs depends on federal decisions. Staying informed and connected to official sources is the best way to protect your access to services.
Takeaway:
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Florida, check your eligibility, apply early, and use both state and community resources to support your new life. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the Florida Department of Children and Families Refugee Services.
If you have questions about your specific situation, reach out to DCF, DOH, or a trusted community organization for help.
Learn Today
Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) → A U.S. federal program that manages the admission of refugees seeking resettlement in the United States.
Asylee → A person granted asylum status after arriving in the U.S. due to persecution fears in their home country.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) → A visa granted to certain nationals of Afghanistan or Iraq who assisted the U.S. government.
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) → Temporary financial support for refugees to cover basic needs during initial resettlement.
Health Assessment → A comprehensive medical examination refugees must complete within 90 days of arrival for immunizations and care.
This Article in a Nutshell
Refugees and asylum seekers in Florida can access vital state services like cash aid, health checks, and training. Eligibility depends on legal status, arrival timing, and federal rule changes. Despite funding cuts and USRAP suspension, community and state programs continue supporting integration and self-sufficiency throughout 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
