Fort Myers Senior AdvisorCan a Florida ALF evict a resident with no notice?
Not ordinarily: Florida requires at least 45 days' written notice of a nonemergency relocation or termination, except for a physician-certified emergency or conduct that harms others.
The notice must include the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program's number, 1-888-831-0404.
Who do I call about abuse in a Lee County facility?
Call 911 if someone is in danger, then the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, which takes reports 24 hours a day.
Licensing problems also go to AHCA at 1-888-419-3456.
What does the long-term care ombudsman do?
The ombudsman program sends trained volunteers to help residents of nursing homes, ALFs and adult family care homes resolve problems, free and confidentially.
Call 1-888-831-0404.
Can a resident choose their own doctor and pharmacy in a Florida ALF?
Yes: s. 429.28 gives ALF residents the right to choose their own physician and pharmacy, though the facility may require packaging compatible with its medication system.
Ask about any extra charges for outside pharmacies.
Can a nursing home discharge my parent while Medicaid is pending?
A nursing home may not discharge a resident for nonpayment while a Medicaid application is pending and being pursued, and residents can appeal a discharge notice to a hearing.
An appeal filed within 10 days generally stops the discharge until the hearing.
Are ALF rate increases limited in Florida?
No cap exists, but the contract must explain how rates may change and the facility must give advance written notice of increases.
Ask what the last three annual increases were.
Who handles complaints about a life plan community contract?
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation's CCRC staff (850-413-3153) handle contract and financial concerns; care problems go to AHCA.
The Department of Financial Services consumer helpline is 1-877-693-5236.
Can a Florida ALF restrict visits?
Florida residents have a right to visitors, and since 2022 Florida law (s. 408.823) has required facilities to keep visitation policies that allow an essential caregiver and in-person visits at the end of life, even during an emergency.
Ask for the facility's written visitation policy before move-in.
What if a Lee County facility retaliates after a complaint?
Retaliation against a resident for filing a complaint is prohibited under s. 429.28, and it should be reported to AHCA at 1-888-419-3456 and to the ombudsman at 1-888-831-0404.
Write down the dates and details of anything that changes after a complaint.
Can I see a Florida ALF's inspection report before moving in?
Yes: AHCA posts inspection histories for licensed facilities, and a facility must make its most recent inspection report available on request.
Our facility pages reproduce the posted visits and citations for every Lee County ALF with 17 or more beds.
