Introduction

Licensure functions are implemented by staff of the Office of Licensing at the local levels throughout the state. The provision of substance abuse services is governed by Chapter 394, Florida Statutes (opens in a new window) and Chapter 397, Florida Statutes (opens in a new window) , which provide direction for a continuum of community-based services including prevention, treatment, and detoxification services.

Licensure Services are required to administer and maintain a comprehensive regulatory process to license service providers and professionals who provide substance abuse services to individuals and families who are at risk of or challenged by substance abuse. This licensure process is governed and regulated by Chapter 397, Florida Statutes (opens in a new window) and Chapter 65D-30, Florida Administrative Code (opens in a new window) Minimum standards for licensure are specified for the following program components:

• Addictions receiving facilities
• Day or night treatment
• Day or night treatment with community housing
• Detoxification
• Intensive inpatient treatment
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders
• Outpatient treatment
• Residential treatment
• Intervention
• Prevention
• Aftercare

Specific criteria must be met in order for an agency to receive a license for any of these program components.

Now Available!

We’re pleased to announce that DCF’s new Provider Substance Use Disorder Licensing and Designation Search is now live.

View the SUD Provider Search

What the new tool offers: SUD Provider Search Fact Sheet (PDF) (opens in a new tab)

Important note: This database is intended for licensing verification and transparency. It is not a quality rating and does not constitute an endorsement of any provider.

Licensure Requirements

• Rule 65D-30, F.A.C. (opens in a new window)

LEADS Complaint

The Licensing Enforcement and Designation System (LEADS)

LEADS is the Florida Department of Children and Families online licensing system for Substance Use Disorder and Receiving Facility Designation providers.

You will be able to:

• Apply for licensure online
• Track application progress
• Submit required documentation electronically

For more information, please contact your Regional Change Champion

Helpful Resources:

• Introductory Training for New Licensing Enforcement and Designation System (LEADS) - Provider Training
• LEADS Frequently Asked Questions
• Introductory Training for the NEW Licensing Enforcement and Designation System (LEADS) 

• PLADS Retirement and LEADS Go-Live Training Dates (Email) PDF
• PLADS Retirement and LEADS Go-Live Training Dates (Email) PDF

The Licensing Enforcement and Designation System (LEADS) Training

Provider Training sessions will be offered on April 1, 7, and 9, 2026.

Instructions to register for the LEADS Training in My FL Learn:

1. Select this link: Introductory Training for the NEW Licensing Enforcement and Designation System (LEADS)
2. Select “Request”
3. For Each Leads Provider Training (morning and afternoon) select “Activate”, select “Session”, then choose "Session".

You are now registered to attend the session on the date(s) you selected. You will receive a confirmation email for each session you register for.

Frequently Asked Questions