Florida Telecommunications Relay

What Florida Telecommunications Relay does

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is a Tallahassee-headquartered 501(c)-style nonprofit incorporated in Florida that has administered the state's Telecommunications Access System Act (TASA) program since 1991 under Florida Statute Chapter 427, Part II. Its function is to provide free specialized telecommunications equipment and relay services to Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or speech impaired, enabling them to make and receive standard telephone calls. The core technology portfolio consists of a curated catalog of assistive hardware distributed at no cost — amplified corded and cordless telephones (e.g., Alto Plus, XLC8, XLC7BT), Bluetooth cell phone amplifiers (XLCgo, SA-40), captioned telephones with relay-assisted real-time text display (Clarity Caption Telephone), TTY devices (425 TTY), speech-generating tablets running AAC apps (TouchChat HD, Proloquo4Text, Proloquo2Go, LAMP Words for Life, etc.), visual/audio ringers and signalers (CR200, TR75, SquareGlow), specialized speech aids (TeliTalk for laryngectomy patients), and in-line amplifiers (Serene UA-50, Teltex variants). FTRI also operates the Florida Relay 711 service, providing 24/7 trained human relay operators for TTY, VCO, HCO, Speech-to-Speech, voice relay, and Spanish relay calls.

The business model is a legislatively mandated, surcharge-funded distribution operation rather than a commercial enterprise. All equipment is loaned (not sold), provided free for as long as needed, with free replacement, and is funded by an 8-cent monthly surcharge on Florida landline telephone service. Wireless equipment (tablets and cell phones) is newly authorized under recent TASA amendments but is restricted to households at or below 250% of federal poverty level, with distribution planned for 2026 via a waitlist. Go-to-market combines a self-serve online application portal (portal.ftri.org), phone/mail/fax intake, in-person support at 13 Regional Distribution Centers operated by partner non-profits, and a referral network of audiologists, hearing aid specialists, physicians, speech-language pathologists, and senior living communities. Cumulative impact reported is 582,000+ residents served, 1.21M+ devices distributed, and 928,000+ service interactions. FTRI does not have a public/partner-facing API, mobile application, or disclosed AI/ML capabilities; captioned telephone services are relay-operator-mediated rather than AI-driven.

Name

Florida Telecommunications Relay

Legal name

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc.

Website

https://ftri.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is a statewide Tallahassee-based nonprofit that administers Florida's TASA program, distributing free specialized telecommunications equipment and 24/7 Relay 711 services to Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or speech impaired, funded by an 8-cent monthly landline surcharge.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Tallahassee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government-mandated surcharge funding: Funded by an 8 cents per month surcharge on landline telephone service in Florida under the Telecommunications Access System Act (TASA), Florida Statute Chapter 427, Part II. This surcharge, paid by landline customers across the state, funds the equipment distribution program, Florida Relay 711 service, and associated support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

FTRI administers the Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program, providing free specialized communication equipment (amplified phones, cell phone amplifiers, captioned phones, TTYs, visual ringers, speech-generating tablets, and signaling devices) on loan to eligible Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or speech impaired. The organization also operates Florida Relay 711, a 24/7 relay operator service enabling telephone communication for these residents. All equipment is loaned at no cost for as long as needed, funded by a state-mandated 8-cent monthly surcharge on Florida landline telephone service under TASA.

Product overview

Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. (FTRI) is a statewide nonprofit that administers the Specialized Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program under Florida's Telecommunications Access System Act (TASA). The organization does not sell a single unified software product; instead it provides a curated portfolio of free specialized communication equipment to eligible Florida residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or speech impaired. The core equipment portfolio includes amplified telephones (corded like the Alto Plus and CSC500, and cordless like the XLC8 and XLC7BT with Bluetooth cellphone pairing), cell phone amplifiers (XLCgo and SA-40), captioned telephones with real-time text display (Clarity Caption Telephone), TTY/text telephones (425 TTY), speech-generating tablet phones with AAC apps (TouchChat HD, Proloquo4Text, Proloquo2Go, etc.), specialized speech aids (TeliTalk), visual/audio ringers (CR200, TR75), signaling devices (SquareGlow), wireless amplifiers (Serene UA-50, Teltex In-Line/Boom Mic/Earbud amplifiers), and upcoming wireless technology (tablets and cell phones loaded with telecom apps). FTRI also provides the Florida Relay 711 service, a 24/7 relay operator service supporting TTY, VCO, HCO, STS, voice relay, and Spanish relay calls. All equipment is provided at no cost to qualifying residents for as long as needed, funded by an 8-cent monthly surcharge on Florida landline telephone service. Wireless equipment distribution (tablets/cellphones) is newly enabled by TASA law changes, currently limited to households at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Florida Relay 711: A relay service that connects individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or speech disabled with standard telephone users through trained relay operators.

Products and services

• XLC8 Cordless Amplified Telephone A cordless amplified telephone with up to 50 dB digital amplification and 4 tone settings, pairing with up to two Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones to handle both landline and cellphone calls through a single cordless handset. Aimed at Florida residents with hearing loss.
• Alto Plus Amplified Telephone A corded amplified telephone providing up to 53 dB amplification, with TIA-4953 certification for mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss, ergonomic volume and tone control, talking keypad, hearing aid compatibility, and battery backup. Targeted at Florida residents with hearing loss.
• XLCgo Cell Phone Amplifier A portable Bluetooth cell phone amplifier providing up to 50 dB amplification for Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, with tone control, boost button, volume wheel, USB-C charging, hearing aid compatibility, and T-coil mode. Designed for Florida residents who need amplification on mobile calls.
• Clarity Caption Telephone (XLC8GLT Deluxe) A cordless amplified telephone bundled with a dedicated Android captioning tablet that displays real-time written captions of the caller's spoken words alongside amplified sound. Provides both audio amplification and live text transcription at no monthly cost. For Florida residents who need captioned phone calls.
• SA-40 Cell Phone Amplifier A Bluetooth-paired cell phone amplifier offering up to 40 dB amplification with volume and tone controls, T-coil and hearing aid compatibility, and a car visor clip for hands-free amplified conversations on mobile calls. For Florida residents who need mobile amplification.
• Clarity Desktop Duo Amplified Telephone with Expansion Handset A combo corded base telephone and cordless expansion handset with up to 40 dB amplification, amplified digital answering machine, loud speakerphone, and large high-contrast CID display, designed for Florida residents with mild to moderate hearing loss.
• XLC7BT Cordless Amplified Telephone A cordless amplified telephone with up to 50 dB digital amplification and 4 tone settings, pairing with up to two Bluetooth-enabled cellphones or a cellphone and a Bluetooth headset, featuring talking Caller ID and dual power battery backup. For Florida residents needing amplified landline and mobile calls through one handset.
• CSC600 UltraClear Amplifying Speakerphone A table/wall convertible speakerphone with up to 50 dB amplification, full-range tone control, talking keypad, talking Caller ID, amplified answering machine, eco-friendly design, and two amplified jacks for assistive listening devices. For Florida residents with hearing loss.
• CSC500 Amplified Telephone A corded amplified telephone with 40 dB receiver amplification, 85 dB adjustable ring volume, tone control, and eight photo speed dial buttons, powered by the phone line. For Florida residents with hearing loss.
• HD-40S Speech Amplified Telephone A specialized amplified telephone providing up to 40 dB outgoing voice amplification and 18 dB incoming amplification, designed for Florida residents with speech loss and mild to moderate hearing loss, featuring a photo frame memory dial.
• 425 TTY A text telephone device with a computer-style keyboard, built-in printer, visual ringer, keyboard dialing, auto-answer, and E-turbo, enabling typed and read phone conversations via the 711 Relay service. For Florida residents who are deaf or have speech impairments.
• CR200 Audio and Visual Ringer A ring signaler offering up to 95 dB with various tone levels and a bright strobe flash, providing audible and visual alerts for incoming calls on analog telephone lines. For Florida residents who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• TR75 Visual Ringer A two-unit visual alerting system that flashes standard lamps on and off to signal incoming phone calls for deaf individuals, consisting of one main unit and one remote unit for use in another room. For Florida residents who are deaf.
• Speech Generating Tablet Phone A telecommunications tablet for the speech-disabled community using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps to communicate directly through a landline telephone. Available AAC apps include TouchChat HD with Word Power, Proloquo4Text, Proloquo2Go, LAMP Words for Life, Grid for iPad, CoughDrop, Avaz AAC, and Speech Assistant. Requires Speech Language Pathologist involvement.
• TeliTalk A specialized telephone with a built-in electrolarynx allowing individuals with a laryngectomy to speak on the phone, featuring caller ID, speakerphone, memory dial, and Bluetooth connectivity. For Florida residents who have had a laryngectomy.
• Wireless Technology (Tablets and Cell Phones) Free tablets and cell phones loaded with telecommunications apps, newly available due to changes in TASA law. Currently restricted to households at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, with distribution planned for 2026. For Florida residents who meet income eligibility.
• SquareGlow Phone/VP Signaler A wireless phone/VP signaling system that flashes 7 adjustable color LED lights to alert users of incoming landline phone calls or Sorenson VP calls, with a wireless range of up to 200m (600 feet). For Florida residents using Sorenson video phones or landline telephones.
• Serene UA-50 Amplifier An in-line amplifier compatible with modular phone systems that amplifies both handset and headset sounds up to 45 dB, featuring selectable digital tone enhancement and automatic gain control for clearer conversations. For Florida residents with hearing loss.
• Teltex In-Line Amplifier with Headset An in-line headset amplifier providing amplified audio for individuals who need better sound quality during phone calls, using a simple plug-and-play setup. For Florida residents who use headsets with phones.
• Teltex Earbud Amplifier A compact earbud-style amplifier designed to amplify sound for phone calls, providing a portable solution for individuals with hearing difficulties. For Florida residents needing portable amplification.
• Teltex Boom Mic Headset Amplifier A portable hardwired in-line amplifier with a built-in microphone, providing up to 15+ hours per day of amplified audio with mechanical volume control and High/Low gain switch, compatible with most devices with a 3.5mm audio port. For Florida residents who use boom-mic headsets.
• Florida Relay 711 Service 24/7 relay service with trained operators assisting calls for deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or speech disabled individuals. Services include Speech-to-Speech, TTY, VCO, HCO, voice relay, and Spanish translation. Reached by dialing 711. For Florida residents who need assisted telephone communication.

Quantifiable outcome

• 582,000+ Florida residents served with improved communication access
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity partner network providing local access to equipment, support, and services for individuals with hearing and speech challenges across Florida.
• Florida Senior Living AssociationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnnual conference exhibitor reaching hundreds of senior living professionals interested in communication accessibility services for residents.
• Florida Hearing SocietycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-time supporter providing referrals through audiologists and hearing specialists. FTRI attends their annual convention to showcase wireless products, analog products, Squareglow signaler, and Clarity Caption Phone.
• Regional Distribution Centers (13 locations)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of non-profit service providers across Florida (Crystal River, Fort Myers, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Leesburg, Miami, New Port Richey x2, Palm Springs, Pensacola, Plantation, Tampa) providing local application assistance and equipment distribution.
• FCCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal regulatory partner overseeing telecommunications accessibility programs that enable relay services.
• Florida Public Service CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState regulatory body overseeing the Telecommunications Access System Act (TASA) surcharge that funds FTRI programs.
• Florida Association of the DeafsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard members involved with this organization representing the deaf community perspective in FTRI governance.
• Hearing Loss Association of America - Florida ChaptersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard members involved with this organization representing individuals with hearing loss in FTRI governance.
• Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youth and Adults (HKNC)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFederal iCanConnect program partner for deafblind individuals. FTRI refers deafblind consumers to HKNC SE office for suitable equipment since state law limits FTRI's ability to serve this population.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CaptionCall (Sorenson): Federally-funded captioned telephone service provider offering free captioned phones to qualifying individuals with hearing loss nationwide. Competes for the same end-users FTRI serves, but operates as a private federally-funded entity rather than a state surcharge-funded program.
• ClearCaptions: Provides captioned telephone services and equipment at no cost to qualifying individuals with hearing loss, funded through the federal Telecommunications Relay Service fund. Overlaps with FTRI's Clarity Caption Telephone offering and serves the same consumer in adjacent ways.
• Ultratec (CapTel): Manufacturer of captioned telephone technology (CapTel) and a federally certified TRS provider. Provides the underlying captioning technology used across the relay industry and is a private-sector competitor in the captioned phone category that parallels FTRI's offerings.
• Sorenson Communications: Major provider of video relay services (VRS), video phones (VP), and interpreting services for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Largest nationwide private competitor in the relay space FTRI operates in; FTRI's SquareGlow signaler is even specifically designed to alert users of Sorenson VP calls.

Direct peers

• Hamilton Relay: Private company that provides relay services and equipment distribution programs for multiple state commissions (ND, MN, and others). Direct operational peer - actually delivers the relay services and administers equipment programs on behalf of state agencies similar to FTRI's role.
• Texas Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP): Texas Health and Human Services Commission program that provides free specialized telecommunications equipment to deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired Texas residents. Direct state-program peer with similar funding mechanism (surcharge on telephone bills) and equipment distribution model.
• California Telecommunications Access Program (CTAP): California's state-administered program that distributes free specialized telecommunications equipment to residents with hearing, speech, and mobility disabilities. Most direct functional analog to FTRI, operating under its own state-mandated surcharge and serving the same use cases (amplified phones, captioned phones, TTYs).
• New York State Relay / TRS Program: New York's state relay service and equipment distribution program administered under the state Public Service Commission. Provides captioning, relay, and specialized equipment to New York residents with hearing/speech disabilities, parallel to FTRI's Florida Relay 711 and equipment distribution.

Others

• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): National nonprofit advocacy organization for people with hearing loss, with Florida chapters represented on FTRI's board. Provides consumer education, advocacy, and referrals that complement FTRI's equipment distribution; not a direct competitor but overlaps in serving the same population.

Regional players

• Tennessee Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program: Tennessee's state-administered program (TEDP) providing free telecommunications equipment to deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired residents. Operates under a state surcharge funding model analogous to FTRI, but restricted to Tennessee residents.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ftri711
• Facebookfacebook.com/FloridaTelecommunicationsRelayINC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/florida-telecommunications-relay-inc.
• Instagraminstagram.com/floridatelecommunicationsrelay
• Xx.com/FTRI_Inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Florida Telecommunications Relay