The Florida Keys to Independence Act was signed into law in 2014. It is targeted at youth in licensed foster care between the ages of 15 to 21. The Act created a 3-year pilot project. The Department of Children and Families selected Embrace Families to operate and manage the program for the entire state. On May 1, 2017, Governor Rick Scott signed SB 60 into law. This law allowed Keys to Independence to become a permanent program in the state of Florida. This program reimburses youth and caregivers for the costs associated with driver’s education, driver’s licenses and other costs related to getting a driver’s license as well as motor vehicle insurance.
The Florida Legislature recently funded expansion of Florida’s Keys to Independence program to include certified unaccompanied youth and young people experiencing homelessness between the ages of 16-24.