Florida regulates senior care through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and knowing the rules helps Jacksonville families ask better questions and spot red flags. This hub summarizes how assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and Medicaid long-term care work in Florida, and where to verify any facility's license.
Every fact below applies statewide — the same regulator, Medicaid program, and public license database cover Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, and Baker counties.
Who licenses assisted living in Florida
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are licensed by AHCA's Bureau of Health Facility Regulation under Florida Statutes Chapter 429, Part I and Rule 59A-36, Florida Administrative Code. You can look up any facility's license, inspection history, and deficiency findings on Florida Health Finder (floridahealthfinder.gov). We only refer families to communities with an active license and no open disciplinary action.
Memory care: endorsements, not a separate license
Florida has no standalone memory-care license. A community offering dementia care holds a base ALF license plus an Extended Congregate Care (ECC), Limited Nursing Services (LNS), or Limited Mental Health (LMH) endorsement, and must meet ADRD dementia staff-training standards (s. 429.178 / s. 430.5025). AHCA is adopting new statewide "Memory Care Services" minimum standards expected to take effect around October 1, 2026. Always confirm the specific secured unit is covered by the facility's endorsements.
Nursing homes
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are licensed by AHCA under FS Chapter 400, Part II, and provide 24/7 licensed medical care and post-hospital rehabilitation. Their inspection records are also on Florida Health Finder.
Medicaid long-term care: SMMC LTC
Florida's long-term care Medicaid runs through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program. It can cover personal care and support services — including in a participating assisted living facility — for seniors who meet a nursing-facility level of care and Florida's income and asset limits, though it generally does not cover room and board. It's delivered through managed care plans including Sunshine Health, Humana, Simply Healthcare, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Aetna Better Health, Florida Community Care, and Molina. Screening starts with the CARES program and the ACCESS Florida application.
Free help: ElderSource (Area Agency on Aging)
ElderSource is the Area Agency on Aging and Aging & Disability Resource Center for Northeast Florida, serving Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, and Baker counties. Its Elder Helpline (1-888-242-4464, locally (904) 391-6699) offers free counseling on long-term care options, benefits screening, and caregiver support.
Veterans
Northeast Florida veterans are served by the Jacksonville VA Outpatient Clinic, part of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. Wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance pension toward care costs; the VA Caregiver Support Line is 1-855-260-3274.
Reporting concerns
The Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Department of Elder Affairs) advocates for residents of long-term care facilities. To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 (1-800-96-ABUSE).
Related: Cost of assisted living in Jacksonville · Assisted living FAQ · Facility directory
Not sure where to begin? Talk it over with a free Jacksonville Senior Advisor advisor — no fee, no pressure either way. Send a message or email [email protected].
