Florida EMS County and Matching Grant Programs (FL EMS Grants)
State EMS grants funded largely by a surcharge on traffic violations. The County Grant program sends funds to each county to improve and expand prehospital EMS. The Matching Grant program provides competitive, matched funding to EMS providers for equipment and projects that improve patient care.
Who it is for
County Grant funds go to county governments for EMS improvement. Matching Grant funds are open to licensed EMS providers and related public agencies in Florida. Confirm specific eligibility in the current grant guidance.
Department types: Any department
An honest note on fit
One of the few dedicated EMS funding streams on this list, and a fit for Florida EMS providers, especially for equipment that improves patient care. The matching requirement on the competitive track means you need local funds to pair with it. County-allocated funds depend on how your county chooses to use them.
Before you start
How you apply: Application path varies.
County grants flow to county governments, which manage local EMS use. Matching grants are applied for by EMS providers through the Department of Health. The path depends on which program you are using.
Match required: The Matching Grant program requires a local match. The County Grant program is a formula allocation rather than a matched grant.
How to apply
- Decide which program fits: the county-allocated grant (through your county) or the competitive matching grant (applied for directly).
- For the matching grant, review the current application cycle and required match on the Department of Health EMS grants page.
- Prepare your project, focused on improving or expanding prehospital EMS care or equipment.
- Submit the application to the Department of Health by the cycle deadline, or coordinate with your county for county-grant funds.
Deadline: Annual cycles tied to the state fiscal year. The FY2026-2027 matching and rural grant cycle has closed, with the next cycle expected to open later in the calendar year. Confirm current timing on the EMS grants page. (Annual cycle)
Funding: Amounts vary by program and the surcharge revenue collected. The matching grant requires a local match. Confirm current figures in the grant guidance.
Verified as of 2026-05-31. Programs are checked periodically against their official source. Funding details and deadlines change. Confirm the current requirements on the official program page before you apply.