Independent Living Communities in Florida

Independent living communities in Florida are great places for older adults still able to carry out their normal routine but who enjoy the added benefit of receiving care as needed. This senior care type makes it easy to live on your own terms in communities devoted to social enrichment, support, and overall well-being. Each location will have its own unique amenities and residents, giving you plenty of options when looking for the right fit for you. Whether it's a studio apartment, a small cottage or something in between, independent living is quickly becoming one of the most popular long-term care options for seniors.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In FLORIDA

Find Senior Caring Options by County

Cost Comparison of Florida Independent Living

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Boca Raton $3,225 $3,400 $3,313
Bradenton $1,400 $4,300 $2,500
Fort Myers $2,290 $3,145 $2,718
Jacksonville $1,450 $3,983 $2,513
Lakeland $1,799 $2,100 $1,916

Florida has 247 independent living communities with an average cost of $2,545 per month.

Comparing costs is a great place to start when looking for an independent senior living option. One of the key benefits to this care type is the range of amenities found in different communities. Florida independent living includes housekeeping services, transportation, fitness centers, and meal plans with your monthly payments. More amenities depending on your unique community may come at an additional cost, but that can be a good thing depending on your lifestyle! Here are a few costs found throughout Florida. 

Recreation & Attractions in Florida

Florida has many attractions for residents to enjoy such as Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Everglades, Kennedy Space Center, Bok Tower Gardens and much more.  The Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay is a well-loved amusement park with fun exhibits like a bird garden, a stairway to the stars, and more. The Everglades is a tropical wetland where residents can take a trip down a slow river to see the different types of plant and animal life. Bok Tower Gardens is a landmark that has a beautiful garden and a bird sanctuary. Florida has all kinds of different theme parks and entertainment parks such as Universal and the Magic Kingdom, but there is also Disney Springs where residents can go shopping, dine or find quality entertainment.

Florida's Climate, Geography & Culture

The weather in Florida is mostly sunny, usually humid and the average temperature is 68 degrees, with a high temperature of 80 degrees, and a low temperature of 56 degrees. During May through October, it usually rains a lot with hurricane season beginning in June through November. Florida typically receives 59 inches of rainfall each year. Between October to April, Florida goes through its dry season causing brush fires and water restrictions to occur. The average winter temperatures are in the 60s and the summer temperatures are in the 90s. The spring and fall temperatures are between the 70s and 80s. The nice, warm weather in Florida welcomes seniors to retire at independent living facilities offered throughout the state, which is why there are so many independent communities available. 

Florida is a well known favorite spot for retirees, yet the state is so much more. Even though Florida has many large cities, for the most part, residents are relaxed and really enjoy a slow pace living in the warm Sun's glow. In Miami, there are large Latino and Cuban populations that influence the area's food, music, and vibrant energy. Orlando, Jacksonville, and St. Petersburg provide a wide range of entertainment options through the arts and famous golf courses. 

Florida Independent Living Regulations and Laws

Florida was actually one of the first states to introduce full regulations for long-term care. As such, all rules and regulations of Florida’s independent living communities are overseen by the Agency for Health Care Administration. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Residents are able to view these annual reports upon request which detail any past violations and the steps taken to correct them.

Crime & Safety in Florida

Sperling’s Best Places ranked Florida 51 on a scale of 100 (1 being the lowest crime) for violent crime and 50 for property crime; the United States overall ranked 41 for violent crime and 44 for property crime.  The Florida Crime Prevention Association, neighborhood watches, and police forces all focus on preventing crime, finding out ways to deal with crime, and delivering information to Florida’s residents in order to keep them safe. Florida participates in the annual Southern States Crime Prevention Conferences that focuses on ways to prevent crime, safety, and other related topics. 

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Indian River Shores0.03.0
Weston0.75.5
Parkland0.36.4
Windemere0.36.3

Payment Options for Florida Independent Living

Considering that Medicare and Medicaid don't usually cover the costs of independent living, most seniors pay out of pocket through private savings or by liquidating their assets. However, if this is not an option, there are other methods that can help cover the cost of independent living in Florida. 

If you or your spouse are a veteran, you will likely be eligible to receive $1,644 as a single resident or $1,949 as a couple. Surviving spouses of their veteran may also receive up to $1,056 a month. Additionally, collecting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another option if you are blind, have a disability, have children, and don't already make a sustainable income. SSI is only for U.S. citizens older than 65 years of age.

Senior living lines of credit can also be a viable plan for many seniors and their families, allowing $50,000 of unsecured credit to pay for care as needed. The funds are sent directly to one's independent living community and repayment terms are generally very flexible. You'll never have to spend more than is needed, with little or no collateral required. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Florida

Residents of independent living communities in Florida reserve the right to manage their own care and finances, remaining autonomous at all times. Your constitutional rights carry over into your independent living as well, so never feel discouraged to speak up if you believe a violation has been made! If necessary, contact a lawyer well versed in elder law for guidance. 

For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, a good place to start is the Florida Ombudsman for more details. 

FL Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

State and federal HIPAA laws require that all resident records and medical reports of services provided on community grounds are recorded, maintained, and available to residents in a timely manner. These documents are to remain confidential and residents are to be notified in order to authorize their disclosure to any other third-party. You can request your own records and will be required to pay a small fee for the ability to review them with other healthcare personnel or a lawyer.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.