| Office | Judges | Avg. Hearing Wait Time | Average Processing Time | Avg. Dispositions Per Day Per ALJ | Cases Dismissed | Cases Approved | Cases Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallahassee | 8 | 13 months | 466 days | 1.53 | 27% | 25% | 48% |
| St. Petersburg | 12 | 16 months | 544 days | 2.13 | 11% | 34% | 55% |
| Ft. Myers | 6 | 12 months | 451 days | 2.01 | 13% | 40% | 47% |
| Tampa | 17 | 18 months | 625 days | 1.98 | 17% | 51% | 32% |
| Fort Lauderdale | 20 | 18 months | 597 days | 1.43 | 44% | 27% | 29% |
| Jacksonville | 17 | 20 months | 617 days | 1.44 | 16% | 30% | 54% |
| Miami | 10 | 17 months | 578 days | 1.79 | 9% | 38% | 53% |
| Orlando | 16 | 18 months | 592 days | 1.93 | 12% | 45% | 42% |
| All Florida | 106 | 17 months | 559 days | 1.78 | 19% | 36% | 45% |
If you are thinking about applying for Social Security disability in Florida, then you should weigh the benefits of hiring an attorney. An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can significantly improve the odds that your case will be approved.
Social Security data from Florida reveals that 45% of the Social Security disability claims are denied on average. Of course, most applicants that have been denied on their first attempt appeal the decision. However, the chances of approval are even worse in the first phase of the appeals process, which is formally known as reconsideration.
The vast majority of claimants will have to wait until their hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) to have a significant chance of approval.
Florida has 8 Hearing Offices where you can go to have your case heard by an ALJ. They are listed in the above table.
Most successful Social Security disability claims are approved during the hearing, largely because the ALJs have more leeway in the way they handle claims and can actually see and hear you while you present evidence of your disability.
Overall, 36% of Florida disability hearings result in an disability benefits being awarded.
On average, Florida residents wait 559 days for their hearing before an ALJ. Some Hearing Offices are more favorable than others.
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