South Florida
Miami-Dade · Broward · Palm Beach
(Miami-Dade • Broward • Palm Beach)
Community & Clinic Providers
Hospital & Academic Care
Private Infectious Disease
Tampa Bay Region
Hillsborough · Pinellas · Pasco
(Hillsborough • Pinellas • Pasco)
Hospital & Academic Care
Private Infectious Disease
Southwest Florida
Fort Myers · Sarasota · Naples
(Fort Myers • Sarasota • Naples)
Central Florida
Orlando & surrounding counties
(Orlando & surrounding counties)
Hospital & Academic Care
North Florida
Jacksonville · Duval · Clay · Nassau · St. Johns · Baker
(Jacksonville • Duval • Clay • Nassau • St. Johns • Baker Counties)
Hospital & Academic Care
Florida Keys
Monroe County
(Monroe County)
North Central and Panhandle
Gainesville · Tallahassee · Big Bend · Panama City · Pensacola
(Gainesville • Tallahassee • Big Bend • Panama City • Pensacola)
Mental Health and Substance Use Support
Crisis Support
Behavioral Health Programs
Substance Use & HIV
Substance use — including alcohol, methamphetamine, and opioids — can create serious barriers to staying engaged in HIV care and maintaining medication adherence. Many Ryan White–funded clinics and case management agencies provide substance use counseling or referrals as part of their services. If you are living with HIV and navigating substance use, your case manager or HIV clinic can often help connect you to treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Some Florida HIV service organizations with substance use programs include:
Recovery Meeting Finders
Recovery meetings are available throughout Florida and can be an important part of long-term wellness for people in recovery. Meeting times and locations change frequently, so the best way to find current meetings is through the directories below.
Many of these programs also offer virtual and phone-based meetings for those who cannot attend in person.
Harm Reduction & Syringe Services Programs (SSPs)
Sharing needles and syringes is one of the highest-risk activities for HIV and Hepatitis C transmission. Florida legalized syringe exchange programs statewide in 2019 through the Infectious Disease Elimination Act (IDEA). These programs operate on a one-to-one exchange model (one used syringe for one sterile one) and also provide free HIV and Hepatitis C testing, naloxone (Narcan) distribution, overdose prevention education, wound care, and referrals to addiction treatment and healthcare. Participation is anonymous — programs cannot collect personal identifying information. All are funded entirely through private grants and donations.
Active Florida Syringe Services Programs:
Harm Reduction Advocacy & Education Organizations
National Harm Reduction Resources
For statewide information on starting or finding a syringe exchange program, visit the Florida Department of Health IDEA page, which includes an implementation map showing which counties have taken steps toward establishing programs.
Housing and Food Support
Stable housing is one of the strongest predictors of health outcomes for people living with HIV. Many Ryan White–funded providers offer housing-related services, and the federal HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS) program provides rental assistance, emergency financial help, and transitional housing specifically for people living with HIV.
Services commonly available through Ryan White providers and HOPWA:
To get started, contact your HIV case manager, your local county health department, or call 211. Your case manager can help determine HOPWA eligibility and connect you with local housing programs.
Food Programs for People Living with HIV
Food insecurity directly impacts HIV health outcomes — people who don't have consistent access to nutritious food are less likely to stay in care, adhere to medication, and achieve viral suppression. These organizations specifically serve people living with HIV across Florida.
South Florida
The Poverello Center — South Florida's oldest service organization providing nutritious food for people living with HIV, founded in 1987 by Father Bill Collins. The Eat Well Center offers medically tailored groceries customized to your health needs — including heart-healthy, kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, and vegetarian meal plans. Serves nearly 5,000 South Floridians annually, providing food that amounts to nearly a million meals per year. Clients enrolled in Ryan White services can access the pantry by contacting the Ryan White Central Intake & Eligibility Department (CIED). Also operates a 340b pharmacy, STI screening, wellness programs, and thrift stores. 92% of program participants living with HIV achieve viral suppression. 2056 N Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. (954) 561-3663. Email: [email protected]
Sunshine Cathedral Food Sharing Ministry — Fort Lauderdale. The world's largest progressive LGBTQ+ church runs a food pantry and Brown Bag Lunch Program reaching 750+ people weekly — a population that is largely BIPOC, senior, LGBTQ+, lower-income, and/or living with HIV. Wednesday food pantry and weekend distribution. No ID or income verification required. Also partners with DKBmed for HIV testing and health screenings at community health fairs. 1480 SW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. (954) 462-2004.
Care Resource — Food pantry services at multiple locations across Miami-Dade and Broward for clients enrolled in HIV care.
Broward House — Nutrition services and food support as part of comprehensive HIV services in Broward County.
Tampa Bay
EPIC (Empath Partners in Care) — Operates two food pantries for HIV clients: the Alfred T. May Pantry in Pinellas County and the Fred B. Sieber Pantry in Hillsborough County. Enrolled clients can select up to ten food items and ten personal care items per month, plus fresh food when available.
Metro Inclusive Health — Nutritional services and food assistance for HIV clients across Tampa Bay through their Ryan White case management program.
Central Florida
Positively U — Operates the Helping Hands food pantry in Winter Haven and Tampa for people living with HIV. Also provides free clothing, laundry services, and serves as a cooling station during extreme heat. Call 863-229-5775.
Miracle of Love — Ryan White–funded food services and the Stafford House drop-in center serving Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola counties since 1991.
Central Florida Haven of Hope Ministries — Food pantry program specifically for people living with HIV in the Orlando area. Also provides personal hygiene products, blankets, and pillows. 1310 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32804.
Northeast Florida
Northeast Florida AIDS Network (NFAN) — Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry — The longest-running HIV food pantry in Northeast Florida, founded by volunteer Mary H. Lewis in 1990. Provides food assistance to low-income people living with HIV across Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, and Baker counties. In 2024, NFAN provided over 15,000 meals. The annual Dining Out For Life Jacksonville fundraiser (April 16, 2026) directly supports this pantry. Call 904-356-1612.
Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida — Food pantry open Monday through Friday, plus comprehensive HIV wraparound services including case management in Jacksonville.
Treasure Coast & Space Coast
Project Response — Food pantry and nutritional support for HIV clients serving Brevard, St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.
Florida Keys
AH of Monroe County — Food assistance as part of comprehensive HIV services for Monroe County residents.
North Central & Panhandle
Big Bend Cares — Emergency food assistance and hot meals for people living with HIV in the eight-county Big Bend region.
General Food Assistance (not HIV-specific but available to anyone)
Additional statewide support:
Transportation Assistance
Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to staying in HIV care — especially in rural Florida. If you're having trouble getting to medical appointments, pharmacy visits, or lab work, there are several options available.
Through Your Ryan White Case Manager
Ryan White Medical Transportation is available to eligible clients enrolled in Ryan White services who do not qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or other transportation programs. Your case manager can arrange bus passes, gas cards, taxi rides, or van transport to HIV-related medical appointments. Contact your local Ryan White case manager to see if you qualify — many of the organizations listed in this guide (EPIC, NFAN, Project Response, Miracle of Love, Big Bend Cares, BASIC NWFL) provide transportation assistance directly.
Through Florida Medicaid
If you're enrolled in Florida Medicaid, you have access to free non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from doctor appointments, the pharmacy, lab work, and other covered services. There are no limits on the number of trips. Your Medicaid managed care plan arranges rides through a transportation broker — typically Alivi or ModivCare depending on your plan and region. Call at least 24 hours before your appointment (3 business days for routine visits). Ride types include sedan, van, taxi, wheelchair vehicle, public transit pass, or mileage reimbursement if a friend or family member drives you.
Key phone numbers by plan:
Tips:
Other Options
Pet Care Support
Pets provide critical emotional and social support for people living with HIV. Research from the University of Florida found that more than a third of pet owners living with HIV reported delaying their own medical care due to concerns about their pet's welfare. The following organizations help people living with HIV keep their pets while staying engaged in care.
If you know of additional pet care support organizations serving people living with HIV in Florida, please email [email protected] so this section can be expanded.
Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Safety
Intimate partner violence is a significant barrier to HIV care. People experiencing domestic violence may face medication interference, coerced non-disclosure of HIV status, isolation from support services, or inability to attend medical appointments. If you are living with HIV and experiencing domestic violence, confidential support is available.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Legal and Benefits Support
People living with HIV may face legal issues related to housing discrimination, public benefits denials, disability claims, employment, immigration, and insurance. Several Florida legal aid organizations provide free civil legal services to low-income individuals, including those living with HIV.
HIV Criminalization in Florida: What You Should Know
Florida is one of 32 states that still criminalizes HIV non-disclosure. Under current Florida law, a person living with HIV can face up to 30 years in prison for not disclosing their status to a sexual partner — regardless of whether transmission actually occurs, regardless of whether the person has an undetectable viral load, and regardless of whether the sexual contact carried any real risk of transmission. The law was written at the height of the epidemic before modern treatment existed and has not been updated to reflect decades of scientific advances, including U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
These laws work against public health. They discourage people from getting tested (you can't be prosecuted for non-disclosure if you don't know your status), they increase stigma, and they disproportionately affect people of color, women, and LGBTQ communities. They also ignore the medical reality that people on effective treatment who maintain an undetectable viral load pose zero transmission risk.
The Florida HIV Justice Coalition is a broad-based coalition working to modernize these laws. The coalition includes Equality Florida (which leads the HIV Advocacy Project), The Sero Project, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the ACLU of Florida, Lambda Legal, SAVE, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. The coalition's work is supported by the AIDS United Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
In the 2026 Florida legislative session, the HIV Modernization Act has been introduced. The bill would align Florida's HIV laws with current science, ensuring HIV is treated like other sexually transmitted infections under state law and reducing criminal penalties for people living with HIV. The sponsors are Rep. Young, Sen. Jones, and Sen. Rodriguez.
What you can do:
If You Were Recently Diagnosed with HIV
If you were recently diagnosed with HIV, know that effective treatment is available and people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
Many clinics listed in this guide provide rapid start treatment, meaning medication can often begin the same day or within a few days of diagnosis.
One of the most important things to know: when a person living with HIV takes medication consistently and achieves an undetectable viral load, they cannot sexually transmit HIV to others. This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) and is supported by extensive scientific evidence. It is one of the most empowering facts in HIV care today.
Helpful first steps may include:
Many people receive support through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which helps cover medical care, medications, and supportive services for eligible individuals. To understand how the Ryan White care system works and what you may be eligible for, see From Crisis to Commitment: The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
If you are unsure where to begin, you can call the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline for confidential guidance and referrals:
1-800-352-2437
You do not have to navigate this alone.
Support Groups & Peer Connection
A diagnosis changes your life — but it doesn't have to isolate you. Whether you were just diagnosed last week or you've been living with HIV for 30 years, connecting with others who understand what you're going through is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health and wellbeing.
If you were recently diagnosed, many clinics and organizations listed in this guide offer peer navigation — someone who is also living with HIV and can walk you through the first weeks and months. Ask your case manager or clinic about peer navigators or newly diagnosed support groups. You don't have to figure this out alone.
For peer support groups across Florida, see the RiseUpToHIV Florida Community Hub, which lists groups by region including:
Many Ryan White–funded clinics also run their own support groups. Ask your provider what's available locally.
Online support: If in-person groups aren't accessible — due to transportation, rural location, stigma concerns, or schedule — several groups meet virtually. PPN offers weekly online sessions, and many organizations expanded virtual programming since 2020.
Aging with HIV
More than half of all people living with HIV in the United States are now over 50. If you're a long-term survivor, you navigated the worst years of the epidemic — and now you're facing challenges the healthcare system hasn't fully caught up with: managing multiple chronic conditions alongside HIV, navigating Medicare, finding providers who understand aging with HIV, dealing with isolation, and confronting both HIV stigma and ageism.
What to know:
HIV-related inflammation, even when viral load is undetectable, contributes to earlier onset of conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, bone loss, and cognitive changes (HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder, or HAND). If you're over 50 and living with HIV, proactive screening and management of these comorbidities is essential — not just HIV care, but whole-person care.
Resources for aging with HIV:
NMAC's HIV 50+ Community Education Project — free, self-paced online program in English and Spanish. Covers managing comorbidities, mental health, Medicare navigation, and advocacy skills. Connects participants to the National HIV Aging & Advocacy Network (NHAAN).
Aging Well with HIV (AWHIV) — interactive 6-week workshop (2½ hours/week) covering physical activity, healthy eating, medication management, sleep, self-advocacy, and communication with providers. Available in community settings and online.
HealthHIV Pozitively Aging — national program improving health literacy for people aging with HIV and building provider capacity. Offers the annual State of Aging with HIV National Survey and connections to the Medicare Access for Patient Rx (MAPRx) coalition for Medicare Part D navigation.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) — if you're managing multiple conditions alongside HIV (diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease), PAF operates dozens of disease-specific co-pay funds beyond their HIV fund. Check the full directory — you may qualify for help with multiple medications.
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day — September 18 each year. Watch for local Florida events.
Medicare and HIV: If you're newly eligible for Medicare, navigating Part D prescription coverage can be confusing — especially for HIV medications. HealthHIV's MAPRx coalition and your Ryan White case manager can help you choose a plan that covers your regimen. ADAP copay assistance (if still eligible) can also help with Medicare Part D costs.
For the full listing of aging-with-HIV training programs, see the Training Programs section in the RiseUpToHIV Florida Community Hub.
Statewide Resources
Florida Department of Health — State public health agency providing HIV testing, prevention services, and county health department clinics across Florida.
Find your local county health department: County Health Department Locator
County health departments often provide:
Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline — Confidential information, referrals to testing sites, medical care, and local support services. The hotline can also help connect individuals to free at-home HIV test kits when available.
HIV.gov Service Locator — Search tool to find HIV care, testing services, PrEP, PEP, and treatment providers by ZIP code.
The AIDS Institute — Florida-based national nonprofit focused on HIV/AIDS and hepatitis policy, advocacy, research, and education. Founded in Tampa in 1985 and affiliated with USF College of Medicine. Coordinates the Florida Comprehensive Planning Network and manages the Florida HIV/AIDS Advocacy Network of over 2,600 individuals and organizations. A key resource for understanding HIV-related policy changes in Florida.
HealthHIV ASO/CBO National Directory — searchable national directory of AIDS Service Organizations and community-based organizations providing HIV, hepatitis, and LGBTQ+ health services. Search by city, ZIP code, or state.
Free At-Home HIV Test Kits
If you're not ready to walk into a clinic, you can test for HIV at home — for free. Several programs across Florida will mail you a discreet test kit or deliver one to your door.
Statewide Programs
Know Your HIV Status (Florida DOH) — The official Florida Department of Health portal where any Florida resident can order a free OraQuick In-Home Rapid HIV Testing Kit, mailed discreetly. Results in 20 minutes with a simple oral swab — no lab visit or sample mailing required. The same test healthcare professionals use, valued at $45, now free.
CDC Together TakeMeHome — A national CDC-sponsored program that mails free HIV self-test kits to anyone in the U.S. aged 17 or older. Discreet packaging, no insurance needed.
Florida Harm Reduction Collective (FLHRC) — Provides free at-home HIV self-testing kits and education specifically for individuals at higher risk, including people who use drugs and sex workers. Order through NEXT Distro partnership.
CAN Community Health — Home HIV self-test kits available by mail across Florida. Visit canhivtest.org for information, or contact any CAN office.
Regional & Local Programs
For faster access or additional support, many local organizations offer their own mailing or delivery services:
Central Florida (Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard) — The Talk Test Treat Central Florida program, run by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (Area 7), provides free test kits by mail. Includes oral swab, test tube, and step-by-step instructions. Follow-up by HIV staff is optional.
Tampa Bay (Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco) — EPIC (Empath Partners in Care) offers free HIV test kits that can be mailed, delivered to your home, or picked up at offices in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa. Oral swab with results in 20 minutes — no need to mail anything back. A trained counselor guides you through the process by phone. Call (727) 328-3260 or (813) 237-3066.
South Florida (Miami-Dade & Broward) — Care Resource provides no-cost home HIV tests for individuals ages 14+ who meet certain criteria. Request online or call 305-576-1234. Test Miami (Florida DOH in Miami-Dade) also offers free in-home HIV kits.
Northeast Florida (Jacksonville) — JASMYN delivers free HIV self-test kits within Jacksonville for young adults ages 18–29. Your choice of support level: delivered in person, dropped at a location you choose, or with a counselor who waits while you test. Call or fill out the online form. COLORS Community Center also provides HIV testing and home test kits — call to request.
Broward County — The Florida Department of Health in Broward County offers free HIV and syphilis self-testing kits. Call 954-847-8132 or complete the request form online.
Anywhere in Florida — If none of the programs above serve your area, call the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-352-2437 and ask about free at-home test kit availability, or visit KnowYourHIVStatus.com — the statewide program covers all 67 counties.
HIV Prevention: PrEP & PEP
This guide is primarily for people living with HIV, but if you are HIV-negative and looking for prevention resources, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) are available throughout Florida. Many clinics listed in this guide also provide PrEP and PEP services.
PrEP is free at all 67 Florida county health departments. Many people don't know this: the Florida Department of Health offers PrEP at no cost — including the medication, lab work, and doctor visits — at every county health department in the state. You do not need insurance. Some counties, including Pinellas and Hillsborough, also offer Tele-PrEP: the entire process (consultation, prescriptions, lab orders) can be handled via video call, with medications mailed to your door. Ask your local county health department about virtual PrEP options.
PrEP is available as a daily pill or a bi-monthly injection and can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, PEP must be started within 72 hours — contact your nearest emergency room, urgent care, or county health department immediately.
DoxyPEP: STI Prevention After Exposure
DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a newer prevention tool that reduces the risk of bacterial STIs — syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea — when taken within 72 hours after condomless sex. The CDC issued clinical guidelines for DoxyPEP in 2024 for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and for transgender women who have had a bacterial STI in the past year. DoxyPEP does not prevent HIV — it is specifically for bacterial STIs that frequently co-occur with or complicate HIV care. Many Florida clinics that provide PrEP now also prescribe DoxyPEP, including Metro Inclusive Health (Tampa Bay), Bliss Healthcare Services (Orlando), CREW Health (Orlando), and others. Ask your HIV provider or PrEP clinic about DoxyPEP if you are at risk for bacterial STIs.
Mpox (Monkeypox) Vaccination
People living with HIV — particularly those with CD4 counts below 200 — are at higher risk for severe mpox illness. The Jynneos vaccine (two doses, 28 days apart) is recommended by the CDC for people at risk, including gay and bisexual men, people with HIV, and anyone who has had close contact with someone diagnosed with mpox. Florida experienced significant mpox outbreaks in 2022–2023, primarily in South Florida and Tampa Bay. The Jynneos vaccine is available at many Florida county health departments and HIV clinics at no cost. Ask your HIV provider about mpox vaccination at your next visit, or contact your local county health department.
Hepatitis C & HIV Co-Infection
An estimated 21% of people living with HIV in the United States also have Hepatitis C (HCV), and the rate is significantly higher among people who inject drugs. The critical thing to know: Hepatitis C is now curable. Direct-acting antiviral treatments cure HCV in over 95% of cases, typically in 8–12 weeks of oral medication, and treatment is safe and effective for people with HIV/HCV co-infection. Left untreated, HCV accelerates liver damage in people with HIV and complicates overall care. Every person living with HIV should be tested for Hepatitis C — the CDC recommends screening at least once, with regular retesting for those at ongoing risk. If you test positive for HCV, your HIV provider can often treat both conditions or refer you to a hepatitis specialist. Many Ryan White clinics, syringe services programs, and the harm reduction organizations listed in this guide offer free HCV testing alongside HIV testing. The Florida Harm Reduction Collective provides free anonymous HCV rapid testing at locations across the state. For HCV treatment assistance, HarborPath helps uninsured patients access free Hepatitis C medications through manufacturer programs alongside HIV medications.
Youth Testing & Treatment Rights
Under Florida Statute 384.30, minors (under 18) can consent to HIV testing and treatment without parental notification or consent. This is vital for young people who may be afraid to talk to their parents or who fear that disclosing their status could put them at risk. County health departments, community clinics like JASMYN (Jacksonville, ages 13–29), and organizations like Pridelines (Miami) and Safe Schools South Florida all provide youth-friendly, confidential testing environments. If you are a young person in Florida, you have the right to know your status — and no one needs to tell your parents.
Understanding Specialty Pharmacies & 340B
If you are living with HIV and using Medicaid, ADAP, or Ryan White services, it's important to know that your HIV medications may need to be filled at a designated specialty pharmacy or a 340B pharmacy linked to your clinic — not at any retail pharmacy. Many patients discover this the hard way when a general pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens cannot fill their prescription. Your Ryan White case manager or clinic pharmacist can tell you which pharmacy is designated for your plan. If you're having trouble getting your medications, contact your case manager immediately — gaps in medication can affect your viral load and your health.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) & Co-Pay Assistance
If you cannot afford your HIV medications — whether you're uninsured, underinsured, or your insurance leaves you with high out-of-pocket costs — help exists. Pharmaceutical companies and independent foundations offer programs that can provide your medications at no cost or significantly reduce what you pay. These programs are separate from ADAP and Ryan White and can often be used alongside them. Your case manager, clinic pharmacist, or provider can help you apply, or you can contact these programs directly.
Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs
These are run by the companies that make HIV medications. If you are prescribed a specific drug, start with the manufacturer's program — they often provide the most comprehensive assistance.
Gilead Advancing Access — Covers Biktarvy, Descovy, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, and Sunlenca (lenacapavir). The Medication Assistance Program (MAP) provides these medications free to eligible uninsured or underinsured individuals (income limit: 500% FPL, approximately $75,000 for a household of one). The Co-Pay Savings Program helps commercially insured patients pay as little as $0/month. As of May 2025, Gilead transitioned its free drug program to mail-order delivery via FedEx overnight — medications can be shipped to your home, a shelter, a clinic, or a FedEx pickup location. Note: Gilead ended free access to Truvada, Emtriva, Tybost, and Complera in January 2025 because generic alternatives are available. Descovy for PrEP remains covered. For PrEP-specific enrollment, visit prep.advancingaccess.com. Call 1-800-226-2056 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–8 PM ET). Enrollment forms available in English and Spanish.
ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program — Covers Dovato, Cabenuva, Tivicay, Juluca, Triumeq, Rukobia, and other ViiV medicines. Provides medications at no cost to eligible patients who are uninsured or have Medicare without sufficient coverage. You must reside in the US, DC, or Puerto Rico and not be enrolled in Medicaid or other government health plans (except Medicare). The ViiVConnect program also offers co-pay savings cards for commercially insured patients — most patients pay $0 per fill on Dovato and as little as $0 per dose on Cabenuva. Call 1-844-588-3288 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–8 PM ET).
Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance / J&J withMe — Covers Symtuza (the only J&J HIV medication currently in wide use). The Janssen CarePath Savings Program helps commercially insured patients reduce co-pays; the Patient Assistance Program provides free medication to eligible uninsured patients (income limit: approximately $45,180 for a household of one in 2025). Note: Janssen CarePath is transitioning to the name "J&J withMe" — you may see both names. Call 1-866-836-0114.
Merck Patient Assistance Program — Covers Isentress (raltegravir) and Pifeltro/Delstrigo. Provides free medication to eligible uninsured patients. Income limits apply. Call 1-800-727-5400.
Independent Co-Pay Foundations
These nonprofit foundations help insured patients (including those with Medicare) cover co-pays, deductibles, and premiums that manufacturer programs cannot cover. Funds open and close based on available donations — check each foundation's website for current HIV fund status and sign up for notifications.
Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief (PAF CPR) — One of the most trusted co-pay assistance programs for people living with HIV. The HIV, AIDS and Prevention fund covers treatment and prevention medications. Income limit: 500% FPL. Can assist patients with Medicare, which manufacturer programs often cannot. PAF also operates dozens of other disease funds covering conditions common among people with HIV — including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hepatitis, kidney disease, depression, and many more. Check the full fund directory if you're managing multiple conditions. Sign up for "Get Notified" alerts when funds reopen. Call 1-866-512-3861.
Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN Foundation) — National 501(c)(3) that has provided over $2.5 billion in assistance to 700,000+ patients since 2004. PAN offers an HIV Treatment & Prevention fund for co-pay and premium assistance, but also maintains 50+ disease-specific funds — including funds for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hepatitis, mental health conditions, and many others. If you're managing multiple chronic conditions alongside HIV, check the full disease fund directory — you may qualify for assistance with more than one condition. Income limits vary by fund. Particularly valuable for Medicare patients. Apply online at panapply.org or call 1-866-316-7263 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–5:30 PM ET). Spanish-language support available by phone (press 2).
HealthWell Foundation — Assists underinsured patients with copays, premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs. Has provided assistance to over 1.1 million patients since 2004. Accepts patients with private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare. Income limit: 400–500% FPL. Same-day grant approvals available through online portal. HealthWell maintains funds for dozens of conditions beyond HIV — including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hepatitis, mental health, kidney disease, and more. Check the Disease Funds page for current availability across all your conditions. Call 1-800-675-8416 (Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM ET).
Good Days — Provides co-pay assistance for patients who cannot afford out-of-pocket costs after insurance. HIV/AIDS Treatment & Prevention fund covers FDA-approved treatment and PrEP/PEP medications (up to $7,500/year). Income limit: 500% FPL. Apply online or call 1-877-968-7233 (Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM CT). Enrollment forms available in English and Spanish.
The Assistance Fund — Co-pay assistance, insurance premiums, and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. HIV fund available (check for current status). Call 1-855-845-3663.
Accessia Health (formerly Patient Services Inc.) — Financial assistance for premiums, co-pays, medical expenses, and travel costs related to treatment. HIV fund available. Provides one total assistance amount per year that patients can allocate flexibly across medications, premiums, medical visits, and travel (up to $500 for travel). Call 1-800-366-7741 or email [email protected].
One-Stop Application Tools
HarborPath — A nonprofit that helps uninsured individuals living with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C access free medications through manufacturer PAPs. Acts as a single application portal — you apply once, and HarborPath coordinates with the relevant pharmaceutical companies and ships medications to you via mail-order pharmacy. Simplifies a process that can otherwise require separate applications to each manufacturer. Call 1-877-972-4267.
NAETC Medication Assistance Programs Directory — The National AETC maintains the most comprehensive, regularly updated listing of all HIV medication assistance programs — manufacturer PAPs, co-pay programs, and independent foundations — organized by medication name. Bookmark this page.
HIV.gov Patient Assistance Directory — Federal government directory of manufacturer PAPs and co-pay programs for HIV treatment and prevention medications, updated January 2026. See also the PrEP assistance programs page.
NeedyMeds — Free searchable database of patient assistance programs, co-pay cards, discount drug cards, and free/low-cost clinics. Search by drug name or condition.
RxAssist — Comprehensive directory of patient assistance programs maintained by Volunteers in Health Care.
POZ Drug Assistance Guide — Plain-language overview of all major HIV drug assistance programs with eligibility details and direct links.
Prescription Discount Cards & Price Comparison Tools
People living with HIV often manage multiple medications — not just antiretrovirals, but prescriptions for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, mental health, pain, and other conditions that become more common with long-term HIV and aging. These free tools can help you compare prices across pharmacies and reduce what you pay at the counter for all of your medications. They are especially useful for generic medications where savings can be substantial. For brand-name HIV drugs like Biktarvy or Descovy — which cost $3,500–$4,200/month — discount cards typically offer only modest savings and should be a last resort after exploring the manufacturer PAPs and co-pay programs listed above, which can reduce your cost to $0.
GoodRx — The most widely used prescription discount platform. Free coupons accepted at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Publix, and others). Compare prices across nearby pharmacies, print or show a coupon on your phone, and pay the discounted price. GoodRx also lists manufacturer co-pay cards and PAPs on each drug's page, making it a useful starting point for finding all available discounts. GoodRx Gold ($9.99/month membership) offers deeper discounts. No insurance required.
SingleCare — Free prescription savings card accepted at 35,000+ pharmacies. Works similarly to GoodRx — compare prices, present the card at the pharmacy, and pay the discounted rate. Can sometimes beat GoodRx prices depending on the pharmacy and medication. No sign-up, no fees, no insurance required.
RxSaver by RetailMeNot — Free prescription price comparison tool. Search by drug name, compare prices at nearby pharmacies, and get a discount coupon. Particularly useful for finding the cheapest pharmacy in your area for generic medications.
Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs — Online pharmacy that sells generic medications at cost plus a flat 15% markup and $5 pharmacy fee. Currently carries generic emtricitabine/tenofovir (generic Truvada) and other generic antiretrovirals at substantially reduced prices. Medications shipped to your door. Worth checking for any generic HIV medications you take.
Amazon Pharmacy — Amazon's online pharmacy offers price comparisons and a Prime membership discount (up to 80% off generics, up to 40% off brand-name drugs for Prime members). Accepts most insurance. May offer competitive pricing on generic HIV medications.
A note on discount cards vs. PAPs: Discount cards like GoodRx reduce the cash price you pay at the pharmacy but do not count toward your insurance deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. If you have insurance, using a discount card instead of your insurance means those dollars won't help you reach your deductible. For brand-name HIV medications, manufacturer co-pay programs and independent foundation grants will almost always save more money than discount cards. But for the other medications many people with HIV take every day — statins, blood pressure meds, metformin, antidepressants, acid reflux medications, and others — these discount tools can make a real difference. Use them for generics, for price comparison across pharmacies, or as a bridge when other programs haven't kicked in yet.
Important notes about PAPs:
People enrolled in Medicaid generally cannot use manufacturer PAPs (because Medicaid already covers the medication). People with Medicare can use manufacturer PAPs in some cases, but independent foundations like PAF, PAN, and HealthWell are often the better path for Medicare co-pay help. If one fund is closed, try another — funds reopen regularly as donations come in. Your HIV case manager or clinic social worker deals with these programs every day and can tell you which ones are currently open and which will work best for your situation. Never go without your HIV medications because of cost — there is almost always a program that can help.
HIV Clinical Trials & Research in Florida
Florida is home to some of the most important HIV research happening in the country. If you're living with HIV — or at risk — participating in a clinical trial is one of the most powerful ways to contribute to ending the epidemic. Trial participants often receive free cutting-edge care, medication, and lab work, and some studies offer compensation. Here's where to look.
Major Florida Research Sites
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine — HEIDI Institute
The HIV/AIDS and Emerging Infectious Diseases Institute (HEIDI) is one of Florida's most important HIV research hubs, funding cure and vaccine research through a partnership with the State of Florida. UM operates the Miami HIV/AIDS Clinical Therapeutic and Vaccine Trial Unit, a longstanding member of both the NIH-funded AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) and the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN). UM's R.A.P.I.D. Program is actively recruiting for prevention trials including long-acting injectable PrEP studies.
Orlando Immunology Center (OIC)
One of the most recognized and successful HIV clinical trial sites in the country. OIC has participated in the development of virtually every commercially available antiretroviral and contributed to finding the Hepatitis C cure. OIC is an ACTG Clinical Research Site and is currently recruiting for long-acting injectable PrEP studies (including the EXTEND 4M study evaluating injections every 4 months), therapeutic vaccine trials, and treatment simplification studies. OIC also recently launched OIC Inspired, a nonprofit clinic model expanding access to care.
Other Florida Trial Sites
Clinical trials are also conducted at Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami), Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa), Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville), University of Florida (Gainesville), and various CAN Community Health clinics across the state. Many community health centers and Ryan White clinics also enroll patients in observational studies.
What's in the Pipeline (2025–2026)
The HIV treatment and prevention landscape is evolving rapidly. Some of what's currently being studied at sites across the U.S. — including Florida:
How to Find a Trial
Note: No current trial is expected to produce an outright cure — these are research studies working toward that goal. All benefits and risks are explained before you decide whether to participate, and you can withdraw at any time.
ADAP Income and Eligibility
Florida's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) helps eligible individuals living with HIV access life-saving medications and related support services.
2026 Income Threshold (1 person):
$20,748 per year (130% Federal Poverty Level)
As of March 1, 2026, Florida ADAP made sweeping changes: eligibility for uninsured clients dropped from 400% FPL to 130% FPL, all insurance premium assistance was eliminated, and Biktarvy was removed from the formulary. An estimated 16,000 of the 30,000 Floridians enrolled in ADAP are at risk of losing coverage. ADAP copay assistance remains available for insured clients up to 400% FPL.
The Florida Coverage Gap
Florida is one of ten states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This creates a coverage gap that hits people living with HIV especially hard:
Below 100% FPL (under ~$15,960/year for 1 person): In most cases, you do not qualify for Medicaid in Florida unless you are disabled, pregnant, a parent of minor children with very low income (under ~26% FPL), or a child. You also do not qualify for ACA Marketplace premium subsidies, because the ACA was written assuming Medicaid would cover you. This is the true coverage gap — an estimated 388,000 Floridians fall into it. If you are in this gap and living with HIV, Ryan White services and manufacturer assistance programs are your primary safety net.
100% to 138% FPL (~$15,960 to ~$22,084/year for 1 person): You may qualify for ACA Marketplace plans with premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. In a Medicaid expansion state, you would have Medicaid — but Florida did not expand. Your best option is to enroll in a Marketplace plan during open enrollment or a special enrollment period. Cost-sharing reductions at this income level can make silver plans very affordable, with an actuarial value of 94% (meaning the plan covers 94% of costs). The 60-day special enrollment period for people affected by ADAP changes runs through April 30, 2026.
130% to 400% FPL: You no longer qualify for ADAP medication assistance as of March 2026 if uninsured. However, ADAP copay assistance is still available if you have insurance. ACA Marketplace plans with premium tax credits are available. The enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan Act expired, which may increase your costs — check healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for current pricing.
What To Do Right Now If You Lost ADAP Coverage
1. Don't stop taking your medication. Treatment interruption causes viral rebound, potential drug resistance, and increased risk of transmission. If you are about to run out, call your HIV provider immediately — they may have samples, or can connect you to emergency supply programs.
2. Contact the ADAP Help Desk: 1-844-381-2327. They can confirm your current eligibility, explain the transition period, and refer you to a case manager.
3. Enroll in a Marketplace plan: The 60-day special enrollment period runs through April 30, 2026. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov. If your income is 100% FPL or above, you qualify for premium subsidies. Florida navigator help: 1-877-813-9115. For step-by-step instructions, see the RiseUpToHIV 60-Day Special Enrollment Period Guide. For help choosing a plan that covers your HIV medications, see the Florida-Focused ACA Marketplace Guide.
4. Apply for manufacturer assistance programs:
5. Contact your Ryan White case manager. Ryan White services have not changed. Your case manager can help you navigate new options, apply for programs, and ensure no interruption in care. To understand how the entire Ryan White system works — ADAP, Part A, Part B, case management, and how it all connects — see From Crisis to Commitment: The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
6. Apply for Medicaid if you think you may qualify: myflorida.com/accessflorida or call 1-866-762-2237. Even if you've been denied before, check again — eligibility can change with income or life circumstances.
7. Look into Sunshine Health Power to Thrive: Florida's Medicaid HIV specialty plan through Sunshine Health, available to Medicaid-eligible individuals living with HIV. Includes comprehensive HIV care, transportation, and pharmacy services. Call 1-866-796-0530.
8. Contact Clear Health Alliance: Another Florida Medicaid HIV specialty plan covering comprehensive HIV care. Call 1-844-405-4295.
Advocacy Resources
In the press: The Tampa Bay Times published a major investigation into the ADAP cuts: "Florida blamed Congress for AIDS drug cuts. The DeSantis admin made them worse." (February 12, 2026). The article details how Florida Department of Health leadership forced out key employees and made cuts beyond what federal funding reductions required.
Why Medicaid Expansion Matters for HIV
If Florida expanded Medicaid, approximately 388,000 people currently in the coverage gap would gain health insurance — including thousands living with HIV. In states that expanded Medicaid, uninsurance rates among people with HIV dropped significantly, viral suppression improved, and reliance on ADAP decreased. The decision not to expand Medicaid is a policy choice, not a funding limitation — the federal government covers 90% of expansion costs.
If you believe you may qualify for ADAP, or if your coverage recently changed, contact a local HIV clinic, county health department, or case manager for guidance on current eligibility and available options.
You may also use the HIV.gov Service Locator to find nearby care providers.
If your coverage changed recently, you are not alone. Many clinics and case managers across Florida are helping patients navigate new options.
Resources for Immigrants Living with HIV
If you are an immigrant — whether documented, undocumented, a refugee, or an asylee — you can access HIV care and treatment in Florida. Immigration status alone does not prevent you from receiving services.
Key things to know:
Immigrant-serving organizations in Florida that can help:
If you are afraid to seek care because of your immigration status, know that HIV clinics and health departments are focused on providing healthcare — not enforcement. Many organizations listed in this guide have experience serving immigrant communities and can help you navigate the system confidentially.
Spanish and Creole Language Resources
Nearly 28% of new HIV diagnoses in Florida in 2023 were among Hispanic/Latino individuals. Access to care in your own language can make a significant difference in health outcomes, treatment adherence, and overall wellbeing.
Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline — Línea en Español:
Florida providers with dedicated Spanish and/or Creole-language services:
Transgender Health & HIV in Florida
Transgender women face one of the highest burdens of HIV of any population in the United States. Nationally, an estimated one in five transgender women is living with HIV, and for Black transgender women that rate is dramatically higher — more than half in some studies. Research estimates transgender women face 34 times the odds of HIV infection compared to the general adult population. In South Florida, which has among the highest HIV prevalence in the country, these disparities are compounded by barriers to gender-affirming care, housing instability, discrimination in healthcare settings, and disproportionate exposure to violence. Florida's surveillance data has historically undercounted transgender people, making the true scope of the epidemic in this community difficult to measure.
These organizations provide HIV care, prevention, peer support, and gender-affirming services specifically designed for transgender and gender-diverse Floridians.
Trans-Led Organizations
The McKenzie Project — the sole Black trans-led organization in Miami-Dade County, founded by Jasmine McKenzie, a long-term HIV survivor. Mission: uplift Black TGNCNB+ individuals ages 14 and up across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Programs include Joy & Liberation Centers (drop-in centers in Miami and Dania Beach with laundry, showers, food pantry, mailbox center), POSE+ Incubator (entrepreneurship), House of the South (emergency housing with TransSOCIAL), HIV testing, linkage to care, and creative arts advocacy. Partners with TransSOCIAL at the Joy & Liberation Centers. Contact: [email protected]
TransSOCIAL — trans-led nonprofit serving Florida and Georgia since 2016, founded by Ashley and Morgan Mayfaire. Has assisted nearly 500 name changes and served over 1,000 trans individuals with medical referrals, legal resources, and mental health services. Opened Joy & Liberation Centers in Miami-Dade and Broward with Ariana Grande's Protect & Defend Youth Fund grant. Programs include Mayfaire Medical (primary care, HIV treatment/prevention, gender-affirming care), Play Safe Miami (HIV prevention resources with trans-competent providers), peer support, case management, and advocacy. Locations: 8390 W. Flagler St., Suite 201, Miami; 1518 SW Second Ave., Dania Beach. Contact: [email protected]
TransInclusive Group (TIG) — South Florida nonprofit hosting one of the largest transgender support groups in the region since 2017. Services include free confidential in-home HIV testing, peer support, linkage to PrEP/PEP/STI testing/mental health care. Focus populations: Black and Latino MSM, Black women, and trans and gender-diverse communities most impacted by HIV. Also operates the TransInclusive Emergency Crisis Fund (TECF) for mutual aid. Hosts Soul Food & Sisterhood dinners centering Black women, Black trans women, and BIPOC women.
Trans-Affirming HIV Care Providers
SunServe — South Florida LGBTQ social services agency in Wilton Manors (Fort Lauderdale) with a dedicated Transgender Services Department. Services include HIV testing, PrEP referrals, name/gender marker change assistance, transportation, food, medical referrals, and trans-focused support groups (Safe "T" group for transgender/gender non-conforming persons, Wednesdays 6:30–8 PM). Also provides mental health counseling, youth programs, senior care, housing assistance, and substance abuse treatment. No one turned away for inability to pay. Contact: (954) 764-5150 · [email protected]
CREW Health — Orlando-based primary care and infectious disease clinic specializing in free HIV/STD testing, HIV treatment and prevention, free PrEP/PEP, and a wide range of transgender and non-binary health services including hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Harmony Healthcare — Gender-affirming care, HIV treatment/prevention, PrEP, STI testing, and mental health support at clinics in Orlando, Tampa, and Kissimmee. Dr. Varesh R. Patel provides gender-affirming care. Sliding fee scale available.
South Florida Care Center — Infectious disease specialists in Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale providing transgender health services including hormone therapy, along with HIV care.
26Health — Orlando LGBTQ-affirming health center offering gender-affirming care (HRT), HIV/STI testing, medical services, mental health counseling, and adoption services. Gender-affirming care was restored after a federal ruling in 2025. Contact: (321) 800-2922
Pridelines — Miami LGBTQ youth and community center. The League of Extraordinary Transgender Women program (where Jasmine McKenzie previously served as case manager) supports, educates, and empowers transgender community members. Also provides HIV testing, prevention education, and linkage to care.
Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center — Lake Worth Beach, Palm Beach County. Free HIV testing, CAN Community Health clinic on-site, PrEP linkage, case management for 400+ clients annually, and trans-specific crisis line: (877) 565-8860.
Advocacy & Legal Support
TransAction Florida — Equality Florida's program established in 2014 to raise awareness and advocate for transgender Floridians. Conducts diversity trainings for corporations, healthcare systems, law enforcement, faith organizations, schools, and universities. Focus areas: incarceration, violence, healthcare, homelessness.
Southern Legal Counsel — Statewide civil rights litigation including cases involving transgender rights. (352) 271-4344.
Lambda Legal Help Desk — Takes cases involving HIV and transgender discrimination nationally. (866) 542-8336.
Important Note on Florida Law
As of late 2024, Florida can enforce restrictions on gender-affirming care under FL SB 254 (passed 2023). For adults, this means in-person consent forms signed by a licensed MD or DO are required before starting or continuing hormone therapy. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants currently cannot prescribe GAHT in Florida. Gender-affirming care for minors remains banned. If you need help navigating these restrictions, the providers above can assist, and telehealth options like Plume Clinic are working to maintain access for trans adults in Florida.
Trans Lifeline (staffed by transgender individuals): 1-877-565-8860 · translifeline.org
Women & HIV in Florida
HIV does not only affect men who have sex with men. In Florida, women — particularly Black women — carry a disproportionate and often invisible burden of HIV. Black women make up nearly 60% of all Florida women diagnosed with HIV, and over 95% of Florida women who contracted HIV did so through heterosexual sex. Black women in Florida are 17 times more likely to receive a new HIV diagnosis than white women. About half of all Florida women living with HIV are over the age of 40.
These are not just statistics. They reflect a reality where HIV prevention campaigns, PrEP outreach, and community resources have historically been designed for and marketed to gay and bisexual men — leaving cisgender women, especially women of color, underserved and often unaware of their risk. PrEP awareness and uptake among at-risk women remain alarmingly low compared to men who have sex with men, even though PrEP is just as effective for women when taken as prescribed.
Organizations Serving Women Living with or Affected by HIV
Let's Beehive!, Inc. — Orlando-based grassroots nonprofit founded by Dr. Andrea Dunn, dedicated to HIV prevention and education for Black and minority women and teenage girls. Programs include the CDC Sister to Sister: Take Control of Your Health curriculum, the annual Queen Bee HIV Awareness Symposium (held on National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day with free HIV testing), and She Is PrEPalicious — a community-based program specifically focused on increasing PrEP awareness among Black and minority women and their healthcare providers. Partnered with Rollins College and the University of Central Florida on research to remove HIV prevention obstacles for Black women in Orange County.
Miracle of Love, Inc. — Orlando-based multicultural HIV/AIDS care, education, and prevention organization serving Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola counties since 1991. Provides Ryan White medical case management (380+ clients/year), HOPWA housing assistance, HIV/STI testing (free, Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM), and the TOPWA program (Targeted Outreach for Pregnant Women) — working with women experiencing high-risk pregnancies with or without HIV, including free pregnancy testing. Also operates the Stafford House (711 Seminole Ave, Orlando), a drop-in center and safe social gathering space. Founded by Lowell D. Stafford. Contact: (407) 843-1760
SunServe Women's Services — Wilton Manors (Fort Lauderdale). Improves the well-being of LBT women through health and wellness services, connection to community resources, social engagement, and networking. Also provides mental health counseling, housing assistance, and case management. Contact: (954) 764-5150
TransInclusive Group Soul Food & Sisterhood — South Florida. Intimate, affirming dinner gatherings centering Black women, Black trans women, and BIPOC women and trans folks. Features food, connection, and community storytelling.
Healthy Start Coalitions — Multiple Florida regions. WellFlorida Council coordinates Healthy Start of North Central Florida (12 counties) and Central Healthy Start (4 counties). Serve 6,200+ pregnant women and families annually with prenatal care, home visiting, and social service connections. While not HIV-specific, these programs connect high-risk pregnant women (including those living with HIV) to care.
What Every Woman Should Know
PrEP works for women. Truvada and Apretude (the injectable form of PrEP, given every two months) are both approved for cisgender women. PrEP has no negative effects on fertility and is safe during pregnancy. If you are having sex without condoms, have a partner whose HIV status you don't know, or have a partner living with HIV, ask your provider about PrEP. You can get PrEP free at any of Florida's 67 county health departments.
Mother-to-child transmission is preventable. Under Florida Statute 384.31, all pregnant women must be offered HIV testing during pregnancy. With proper antiretroviral treatment, the risk of transmitting HIV to a baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding drops to less than 1%. If you are pregnant and living with HIV, early and consistent treatment is essential.
You are not alone. If you have been recently diagnosed, the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline (1-800-352-2437) can connect you to care, case management, and peer support. Many of the clinics listed throughout this guide provide women-specific services, and the social groups in the Community Hub include spaces specifically for women.
National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed every year on March 10. See the HIV/AIDS Awareness Days Calendar in the Community Hub for this and other observance days.
Heterosexual Men & HIV: The Invisible Epidemic
HIV prevention conversations in the United States have historically centered on men who have sex with men — and for good reason, given the disproportionate burden of HIV in that community. But heterosexual men are not immune, and they are dramatically underserved by HIV prevention infrastructure.
Nationally, almost 14% of new male HIV cases occur among heterosexual men, with the vast majority among Black (63%) and Latino (22%) men and those living in the South (62%). In Florida, heterosexual contact is one of the top reported modes of HIV exposure, and it is the primary route of transmission for women — which means that reaching heterosexual men with testing, PrEP, and education directly protects women as well.
The problem is structural: because CDC surveillance tracks HIV by mode of transmission rather than by a person's sexual identity, heterosexual men are often undercounted or categorized elsewhere. Funding for HIV prevention programs is tied to these transmission categories, which means there are very few programs anywhere in the country designed specifically for straight men. There is also significant stigma — heterosexual men may avoid HIV testing, PrEP conversations, or HIV-specific service organizations because of the assumption that HIV is "not their issue."
What Heterosexual Men Should Know
PrEP is for everyone. Truvada, Descovy (for cisgender males), and Apretude (the injectable form) are all available for heterosexual men at risk. PrEP is free at all 67 Florida county health departments and is required to be covered with zero copay by all private insurance plans.
Testing is simple, free, and confidential. Every clinic, county health department, and home testing program listed in this guide serves everyone regardless of sexual orientation. Knowing your status protects you, your partner(s), and your family.
U=U applies to everyone. If you are living with HIV and achieve an undetectable viral load through treatment, you cannot sexually transmit HIV to a partner. This is true regardless of sexual orientation.
Talk to your barber, your pastor, your coach. Research shows that heterosexual men prefer to receive health information in community settings — barbershops, churches, sporting events, workplaces — rather than in clinical or HIV-specific settings. If you're reading this and it doesn't feel like it was written for you, share it with someone it might reach.
Every provider, clinic, and resource listed in this guide is open to all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. You do not need to identify as LGBTQ+ to use any resource in this guide.
HIV in Florida: By the Numbers
Understanding the scope of HIV in Florida helps explain why resources, advocacy, and community support matter.
People Living with HIV in Florida (2023–2024):
New Diagnoses:
Who Is Most Affected:
Care and Treatment:
Why This Matters:
When people are connected to care and achieve viral suppression, they live longer, healthier lives — and they cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners (U=U). The gap between those in care and those not in care represents thousands of Floridians who could benefit from the resources in this guide.
Data Sources: Florida Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Diseases (FLHealthCHARTS, data as of 06/30/2025); CDC National HIV Surveillance System; Duval County HIVCareNow Statistics Report (2023 Florida data). Explore Florida's data yourself at FLHealthCHARTS.gov and AIDSVu Florida.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided solely as an independent informational resource for people living with, affected by, or working to end HIV in Florida. RiseUpToHIV is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or funded by any organization, clinic, government agency, or pharmaceutical company listed in this guide. Inclusion in this guide does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of the quality, accuracy, or availability of any organization's services.
This is not an exhaustive list. Florida has hundreds of clinics, providers, housing programs, legal aid organizations, and community resources serving people affected by HIV. If your organization is not listed here, that does not reflect a judgment on your work — it means we haven't found you yet or haven't been able to verify your information. We are constantly updating and expanding this guide.
If your organization would like to be included in this hub, please email [email protected]. We welcome submissions from HIV care providers, testing sites, housing programs, legal services, harm reduction organizations, pharmacies, community health centers, and any organization serving people affected by HIV in Florida. Please include your organization name, website, location(s), a brief description of services, and contact information.
Accuracy and updates. We make every effort to verify the information in this guide, but services, hours, locations, eligibility requirements, and contact information change frequently. If you notice an error or outdated information, please let us know at [email protected]. We are especially grateful to community members who help us keep this guide current.
This guide is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Always verify information directly with the organizations listed and consult qualified professionals for medical, legal, or financial decisions. Nothing in this guide should be used as a substitute for professional medical care, legal counsel, or case management.
Share freely. This guide is free and open. You may share, print, or distribute it in any form. If it helps one person find care, connection, or hope, it has done its job.
For events, support groups, advocacy organizations, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved, see: RiseUpToHIV Florida Community Hub
RiseUpToHIV is independent and not affiliated with any organizations listed. This is a community resource built from lived experience.