Florida Division of Blind Services
Florida — Statewide State Agency
Full Description
The Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS) is a division of the Florida Department of Education that has served blind and visually impaired Floridians since 1941. DBS operates a statewide network of programs designed to help people of all ages, from infants through older adults, build the skills, confidence, and resources needed to live independently and pursue meaningful employment.
Programs and Services
DBS offers a range of programs, including:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Program
- Independent Living Program
- Business Enterprise Program
- Blind Babies Program
- Children’s Program
- Transition Program for students
- Employer Services
- Florida Braille and Talking Book Library
- Career, Technology, and Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Daytona Beach)
Who the Agency Serves
Blind and visually impaired Floridians of all ages, including infants, students, working-age adults, and seniors.
Eligibility Information
Eligibility varies by program. For the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, an applicant must have a visual impairment in both eyes and require vocational rehabilitation services to obtain, maintain, or regain employment. Other programs, such as Independent Living, the Children’s Program, and the Talking Book Library, have their own guidelines based on age and visual condition. Contacting DBS directly is the best way to confirm eligibility for a specific program.
Geographic Area Served
Statewide Florida. DBS maintains district offices in Cocoa, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, Palmetto, Panama City, Pensacola, Sunrise, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
How to Apply
You can apply online using the DBS Online Application for Services, or contact the DBS district office nearest you if you have questions before applying. Paper application and release-of-information forms are also available in English and Spanish on the official website.
Contact Information
Telephone: (850) 245-0300 (main) | (800) 342-1828 (toll-free)
Email: Not publicly listed; use the online application or call a district office to reach DBS staff directly.
Main Office Address:
Florida Division of Blind Services
325 West Gaines Street, Turlington Building, Suite 1114
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Local and Regional Office Information
DBS operates district offices across the state, including in Cocoa, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, Palmetto, Panama City, Pensacola, Sunrise, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. Use the office locator on the official website to find contact details for the office nearest you.
Additional Notes
In addition to individual services, DBS operates the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library and the Career, Technology, and Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Daytona Beach, which offers residential training programs for teens and adults.
Why We Recommend This Resource
As Florida’s primary state agency dedicated to blind and visually impaired residents, DBS offers a wide range of no-cost or low-cost programs, from vocational rehabilitation to independent living skills, that can be a valuable first stop for Floridians exploring available support.