Florida

FLORIDA (en español)

Last updated on February 27, 2018 by Matthew G. Kamine. (Please consider sending us a contribution at our office address specifically to help cover the administrative costs of updating this database – click here)

Please note that the information given here is intended as a general guideline. Please look into the specifics in your state to determine definitely if you qualify for one of the benefits listed here.  Your living organ donor coordinator may be a good resource for such information.

Most benefits are available in the state where you live, but also check for potential benefits in the state where you are donating if you are donating outside the state where you live.

Please discuss with your organ recipient options that may be available through his or her insurance.  Some private insurance companies offer transplant recipients travel and lodging benefits but do not care if recipients use that benefit themselves, or for a companion caregiver, or a donor.

There is one Federal program that provides money for travel and subsistence living for donors whose recipients can demonstrate need, please go to http://www.livingdonorassistance.org for more details.

All Federal Employees are eligible to take up to 30 days a year of paid leave for donating organs or seven days of paid leave for donating bone marrow. 5 U.S.C. § 6327.

Florida has no donor leave statute for state employees. If you work for a local government, please ask your human resources official if a leave policy exists at your level of government.

Florida has no tax deductions or tax credits for donation related expenses.

For updates on possible statutory changes or bills introduced, please see http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Welcome/index.cfm?CFID=31909119&CFTOKEN=90563601. For executive orders, see http://edocs.dlis.state.fl.us/fldocs/governor/orders/index.htm.

If you work for a private company, check with your employer about the possibility of employer sponsored donation related paid leave.

Check with the living organ donor coordinator and/or transplant social worker at the transplant center where you plan to donate for more information about local organizations that support living donors.

 

Private non-government groups

(Many of these groups are set up to help transplant recipients but will also help organ donors) 

The Brevard County Organ Transplant Support Group aims to help patients and their families adjust to a more normal everyday life.

The MHS provides a large variety of support groups all across the South Florida area. The support groups aim to help individuals through their time as a transplant patient.

The mission of the Organ Transplant Recipients of SW FL, Inc is to assist recipients and those awaiting transplantation.

The Kidney Association of South Florida support group, containing members that range from veteran patients to caregivers, helps support current patients through sharing their experiences and educating the public on organ donation.

The Tampa General Hospital provides a variety of different support groups to cater any transplant patient’s needs and preferences.

The “Other Living Donor Support Organizations” button on the right hand side of our home page lists some national organizations that may be of financial assistance.

 

Potential Sources for Local Non-Financial Assistance

These are organizations that have volunteer programs that help the elderly or disabled, but would probably also help recovering living organ donors if the situation is explained to them. It will take some discussion for them to even understand what living organ donation is and why donors need post-donation help, but once a relationship is established, you will have opened the door for other donors also to get help. The services offered vary, anything from running errands, rides to doctor’s appointments, and light yard work or housekeeping. Check with each organization individually to see if their volunteer services might be of assistance to you during your recovery after donation surgery.