HOPE
Support Groups
Florida Epilepsy Services (FES) Adult Support Groups
This hybrid support group is open to adults living with epilepsy who need or prefer English speaking
Florida Epilepsy Services (FES) Adult Support Groups
This hybrid support group is open to adults living with epilepsy who need or prefer Spanish speaking
Florida Epilepsy Services (FES) Other Support Groups
From online to in-person, we provide support groups for those in the Florida community.
Did You Know?
223,900
People in Florida live with Epilepsy and Seizures
1 in 10
People have a Seizure in their lifetime
1 in 26
People are diagnosed with Epilepsy
Our Vision
To be the Lighthouse and change the way Florida families discover and deal with their journey through epilepsy. We aim to guide them out of desperation and into hope, while partnering with them to safely navigate their challenges so that they can build a renewed sense of self and hope for better outcomes.
Here to Serve Since 1973
Our agency was founded in 1973 by a parent of a child with epilepsy. The parent formed a support group with other parents and, in 1974, advocated for persons with epilepsy to the Florida Legislature. As a result, a statute was passed stating the State of Florida must provide services to persons with epilepsy. These advocacy actions are still active today through ongoing volunteer board members and staff. We have developed long-term partnerships with local neurologists and clinics to serve our clients.
Spot the Changes We Can Make
STAY WITH AND GUIDE
Guidance
Open and Regular Communication
Wellness Check-ups
Mental Health Services
Help Reduce Financial Impact
DISCOVER NEW OPTIONS
Safety
Case Management
Support Groups
Education and Information
Medications Available
IDENTIFY & ACCEPT
Hope
Erase the stigma
Challenge Dismissiveness
Rise above desperation
Be comfortable with self
We are committed to helping people with epilepsy be the most productive and successful they can be working with the individual child, adult, or family and their employers and schools, and be educating the public
Advocacy Information and Referral
We provide Mental Health Counseling Services to our clients via Tele-counseling where clients can receive these services while enjoying the comforts of their home.
Mental Health
Services
Access to pediatric and adult neurologists. Access to Diagnostic Labs and other Testing. Full or partial payment of medical treatment
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
Coordination of medical and other support services. Case management counseling provided for clients and family members. Initiation of Treatment Plans and Plans of Care
Case
Management
Education programs for clients, family members and the general public. Coordination of support groups. Seizure First Aid Training and Certification. Health Fairs.
Prevention and
Education
Florida Epilepsy Services provides programs and community resources to support individuals living with epilepsy and their caregivers. We offer access to local services to improve quality of life and promote independence.
Programs & Community Resources
Tampa Walk 2025
With your help, we can continue to raise awareness by sharing stories from the epilepsy community. Your tax deductible donation to the Epilepsy Foundation can change lives for the better.
"I've been a client at the Brandon branch since 2004 when we moved from N.Y, for many years now and its been a life changer for me and my epilepsy condition"
- Jose Garrido
Programs & Resources
Join us for programs, events, and resources dedicated to the Florida Area.
GUIDANCE
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)
This program is a workshop for adults with at least one chronic health condition, which may include epilepsy. It focuses on disease management skills including decision making, problem-solving, and action planning.
Participants attend a 2 1⁄2-hour interactive workshop once a week for 6 weeks to learn problem-solving, decision-making, and other techniques for managing problems common to people with chronic diseases.
These workshops are offered in person and virtually and run by 2 trained leaders. In a typical workshop, participants set a realistic goal for the upcoming week and develop an action plan for meeting that goal. They report on their progress at the following workshop and ask for feedback from the group to help address any challenges.
Join FES for Self-Management May - Register now for our next workshop!
Classes begin May 8th, 2025
Registration Ends: May 7th, 2025
GUIDANCE
Tobacco Free Florida Refferal Program
Tobacco & Epilepsy
-
Adults with epilepsy smoke at higher rates than the general population—about 1 in 4 adults with epilepsy were current cigarette smokers, compared to 1 in 6 without epilepsy.
-
Multiple studies show smoking can increase seizure frequency. For instance, one study reported that people with epilepsy who smoke were nearly four times more likely to have had a seizure in the past year Verywell Health.
-
Nicotine and other tobacco smoke chemicals may lower seizure threshold and reduce the effectiveness of antiepileptic medications like lamotrigine.
-
However, a few small studies (e.g. in western China) reported inconsistent or even potentially beneficial effects of smoking on seizure control—though these findings are not widely supported by newer systematic reviews.
-
A recent meta‑analysis (2024) found that current smokers had a significantly higher odds of developing epilepsy (OR ≈ 1.46) compared to nonsmokers, reinforcing that smoking is likely a modifiable risk factor in epilepsy BioMed Central.
How to Quit Tobacco
Florida residents can join Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program, which offers:
-
A personalized quit plan and up to 3 one-on-one coaching calls (via phone or online), plus unlimited text/chat support.
-
A free 4‑week supply of nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, or lozenges) if medically appropriate and age‑eligible (18+)
Additional Resources
Including quit tips booklets, setting a quit date, managing triggers and cravings, and relapse support—all free and accessible online Tobacco Free Florida.
Tailored Quitting Paths
Including Phone Quit, Web Quit, or Group Quit (virtual or in-person via Florida AHEC), with success rates around 40% for group programs—versus ~7.5% for unaided quit attempts UF Tobacco Free.
SAFETY
Mindfulness for Epilepsy Program (MEP)
Mindful Mondays are Here! Register Now for the Mindfulness for Epilepsy Program (MEP) with Florida Epilepsy Services. Registered Participants get access to: Monthly 30 Min-Mindful Mondays Demos | Starting July 15thA Mindful Eating Recipe Guide (PDF)(6) On-Demand Mindful Activities (YouTube)
Learn more about the benefits of mindfulness as a tool for stress management during a monthly 30-Min live
Mindfulness Demonstration with Florida Epilepsy Services. Discover how techniques like mindful mediation, eating, deep breathing, movement and more can aid in stress-reduction and improved quality of life for persons living with epilepsy their caregivers, family and friends.Every 3rd Monday of the Month at 12pm | EST.
Our Team
Mailing Address
1044 E. Brandon Blvd. EP-7 Brandon, FL 33511
Phone
(813) 870-3414
(800) 332-1000
(813) 870-3414
(800) 332-1000
1044 E. Brandon Blvd. EP-7
Brandon, FL 33511
© 2025 Florida Epilepsy Services | Website by CCS Marketing