Despite their importance to the Florida’s overall health care system funding shortfalls have limited their ability to reach the state’s residents without a regular source of health care. Between 1996-2006, when the number of uninsured residents grew by 32 percent, the number of uninsured patients served by community health centers grew by 51 percent. The authors find that health centers represent an especially important and cost-effective foundation for the primary care safety net and requires further investment to meet the needs of increasing uninsured and underserved residents. They recommend that Florida’s health reform efforts focus not only on improving health insurance coverage but also on investing in a strong system of medical homes for all state residents.