The Florida Statewide Independent Living Council (FILC) was established in 1999 by amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is a statutory requirement under Federal laws. The FILC is designed to maintain independence and not exist within any state agency, to ensure autonomy of the Independent Living (IL) Program in Florida.

The FILC’s is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of the State Plan for Independent Living, a three-year strategic plan for Florida to work towards goals of greater access, inclusion and independence; coordinating activities with other entities that provide services similar or complementary to Independent Living Services; assisting to develop the network of Centers for Independent Living; and conduct regular meetings of the Council that are open to the public.