For over 25 years, my wife Kim and I have called Naples home. In that time, I have had the privilege of serving our city in public office and raising our children in this community. My commitment as a father to a special needs son and as a public servant has always been rooted in a simple belief: Every member of our community deserves the dignity and autonomy to plan for their future.
That is why I am proud to support the launch of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, a landmark expansion of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program. Starting January 1, 2026, Floridians whose disability or diagnoses occurred before age 46, including veterans and adults with later-onset conditions like multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and PTSD, will finally have access to ABLE United accounts.
For years, outdated policies have forced families to choose between saving for the future and maintaining eligibility for public assistance. Before ABLE accounts, individuals with disabilities faced a harsh reality: Saving more than $2,000 could mean losing critical benefits. The ABLE Act of 2014 changed that, creating tax-advantaged accounts for qualified expenses. However, until now, eligibility was limited to those whose disability began before age 26…