Cost of Florida Assisted Living Facilities

The average cost of assisted living in Florida is $2,300 per month

The range of costs is from $1,400 to $3,700 per month

This data is based on 37 of the larger facilities within the state and may not represent all facilities within the state. Additional fees may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

Florida Assisted Living Information

Florida defines assisted living homes as Assisted Living Facilities providing housing, meals, and at least one 'personal service' such as assistance with day to day living needs and the self-administered of medication.

Florida Assisted Living Facility Scope of Care

Assisted Living Facilities in Florida may provide assistance with personal care services including medications. Facilities may hold one of three licenses: an extended congregate care license which allows facilities to provide more extensive day to day living assistance and nursing services to residents; a limited nursing services license which allows certain nursing services set forth with state regulations; and a limited mental health license that allows facilities to serve low-income, chronically mentally ill residents. Home health agencies contract with residents to help care for them.

Florida Assisted Living Admission Requirements

In the state of Florida, a resident must be capable of performing day to day living activities with supervision or assistance, not require 24-hour nursing supervision, be free of stage II, III, or IV pressure sores, be able to participate in most social and leisure activities, be ambulatory, and not display violent behavior in order to be admitted into an Assisted Living Facility. A resident must be discharged if he or she is no longer able to meet this criteria, or is bedridden for more than seven days.

Florida Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

Within 60 days prior to a residents' admission, and no later than 30 days after admission, residents must be examined by a physician or advanced registered nurse practitioner who provides the administrator with a medical examination report. Examinations conducted up to 30 days after a resident’s admission must be recorded on the Resident Health Assessment form. For residents examined 60 days prior to admission, any information required not contained in the medical examination report must be obtained by the administrator within 30 days after admission.

Florida Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Unlicensed staff may provide assistance with self administered medications. Staff must have a minimum of four additional hours of training provided by an RN, licensed pharmacist, or Department of Elder Affairs staff in order to assist with medications.

Florida Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Private resident units are required to have a minimum of 80 square feet of floor space and multiple-occupancy resident rooms must have at least 60 square feet per resident. An additional minimum of 35 square feet of living and dining space per resident is required. Resident bedrooms used for multiple occupancy in facilities newly licensed or renovated six months after October 17, 1999, shall have a maximum occupancy of two people. Shared bathrooms are permitted and there must be one toilet and sink per six residents, and one bathing unit per eight residents.

Florida Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

At least one employee certified in first aid must be present at all times, and staffing must be in sufficient number to meet the needs of the residents. Administrators must have a high school diploma or GED, complete a core training program, and pass a competency test. Direct-care staff who have not taken the core training program must complete a minimum of one hour of training within 30 days of employment. Direct care staff, other than nurses, certified nursing assistants, and home health aides, must receive three hours of in-service training within 30 days of being hired. Administrators must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years, and staff in special care units must receive four hours of continuing education per year.

Florida Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

A Medicaid home and community-based services waiver, and the Medicaid Assistive Care Services program under Medicaid will cover services for low-income residents.

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration