Lakeland Senior AdvisorDoes memory care have its own license in Florida?
Not in practice yet, but it will: s. 429.076, created in 2026, requires a memory care services license once AHCA adopts its rules, which are due by June 1, 2027.
In the meantime, ALFs that advertise special Alzheimer's care must meet s. 429.178.
Are Florida memory care units required to be locked?
Florida requires a physical environment that provides for residents' safety and welfare but does not require every memory care area to be locked; secured doors, alarms and monitoring systems are the usual means.
Ask how exits are secured and how often staff check on residents overnight.
How many awake staff must a Florida memory care unit have?
Under s. 429.178, a facility of 17 or more residents that advertises Alzheimer's care must have at least one staff member awake at all hours, and the coming memory care rules must also require at least one awake staff member at all hours.
That is a minimum for the building, not a ratio; ask about the memory care wing itself.
What dementia training is required of Florida memory care staff?
Staff in facilities that advertise special Alzheimer's care complete the dementia training and continuing education in s. 430.5025, Florida Statutes, and the new license rules must meet or exceed that standard.
Ask what share of today's caregivers have finished it.
Will an unlicensed facility be allowed to advertise memory care?
Not once AHCA's rules take effect: terms such as memory care, dementia care and Alzheimer's care will be reserved for licensees, though other facilities may still describe optional supportive services.
Facilities must keep copies of their advertising for AHCA to review.
Where do we start looking for memory care in Polk County?
With the ALFs whose AHCA profile lists a memory care program, followed by each one's inspection history and a question about its plans for the new license.
Our Polk County memory care roster lists them with beds and citations.
Can a person with dementia live in a standard Florida ALF?
Yes, while he or she meets the facility's admission and continued-residency criteria, including not being a danger to self or others; many people with mild dementia live in standard assisted living.
Facilities that advertise Alzheimer's care must meet s. 429.178.
What does the 'memory care' flag on an AHCA profile mean?
It is program information the facility reports on its AHCA profile, not a license or an inspection finding; once the memory care services license exists, the license itself will appear on the profile.
Our roster treats the flag as a starting list and says so.
Do memory care contracts have to say anything special?
Under s. 429.076, a memory care licensee's contract must spell out the memory care services to be provided, on top of the general ALF contract requirements of s. 429.24.
Ask to read that part of the contract.
