Florida · 18 cities · Updated 2026
Assisted Living in Florida
Florida has the highest concentration of residents aged 65+ of any large state at 20.9% — over 4.6 million seniors statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville anchor a massive supply of assisted living and memory care communities. Florida is an income-cap Medicaid state: applicants with income above $2,901/month must establish a Miller Trust to access Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) services. Long-term care is delivered through managed care plans that contract with the state.
- 20.9% of population aged 65+ — highest rate of any large U.S. state
- SMMC LTC delivers Medicaid long-term care via managed care plans
- Income-cap Medicaid state — Miller Trust required if income > $2,901/mo
- Competitive pricing in most metros; Miami/Palm Beach run 10–20% above average
- Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license for higher-acuity assisted living
Assisted Living by City in Florida
Miami
From $4,600/mo · 170 communities
Tampa
From $4,200/mo · 105 communities
Orlando
From $4,000/mo · 98 communities
Jacksonville
From $3,800/mo · 72 communities
St. Petersburg
From $4,100/mo · 62 communities
Fort Lauderdale
From $4,500/mo · 58 communities
Miami Beach
From $4,800/mo · 35 communities
Hialeah
From $4,200/mo · 32 communities
Coral Springs
From $4,400/mo · 28 communities
Pembroke Pines
From $4,300/mo · 30 communities
Cape Coral
From $3,900/mo · 42 communities
Port St. Lucie
From $3,800/mo · 35 communities
Lakeland
From $3,700/mo · 32 communities
Sarasota
From $4,500/mo · 48 communities
Naples
From $5,200/mo · 40 communities
Gainesville
From $3,900/mo · 28 communities
Tallahassee
From $3,800/mo · 26 communities
Pensacola
From $3,700/mo · 24 communities
Paying for Assisted Living in Florida
Most families pay privately. Medicaid waivers, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance can reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
- Income limit (individual)
- $2,829/mo
- Asset limit (individual)
- $2,000
Powers of attorney, Medicaid trusts, and advance directives protect your family before a care crisis.
VA Aid & Attendance can offset up to $2,431/month of care costs for wartime veterans and surviving spouses.
VA Benefits CalculatorOur free 5-question care assessment gives a personalized recommendation in under 2 minutes.
Take Free Care AssessmentFlorida Assisted Living FAQs
Is Florida affordable for assisted living?▾
Florida averages $4,000/month for assisted living in 2026 — below the national median of $4,774. Tampa and Orlando average $3,800–$4,400; Jacksonville runs $3,500–$4,200. South Florida is significantly higher — Miami-Dade averages $4,800–$5,800 and Palm Beach averages $5,000–$6,200. Memory care typically runs $5,000–$6,500/month statewide.
What is Florida SMMC LTC?▾
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) is Florida's Medicaid system for long-term services and supports. Eligible enrollees are assigned to a managed care plan that coordinates and pays for nursing home or home and community-based services. To access SMMC LTC for assisted living, residents must be on the Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) and financially eligible. Apply through ACCESS Florida (dcf.state.fl.us).
Does Florida require a Miller Trust for Medicaid?▾
Yes. Florida is an income-cap state. Medicaid applicants whose gross monthly income exceeds $2,901 must establish a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust) before applying. All income above the cap is deposited into the trust; the trust then distributes it properly so the net figure is below the cap. An elder law attorney should draft the Miller Trust — self-prepared trusts are often rejected by DCF.
How do I find assisted living in Florida?▾
Browse our city guides below or use the free care matcher with your parent's zip code. We cover 18 major metros in Florida with costs, FAQs, and local matching.
What is the average assisted living cost in Florida?▾
Florida averages approximately $4,000/month for assisted living and $5,200/month for memory care. Urban metros typically cost more than rural areas.
Sources & methodology
Cost estimates, demographics, and safety data are compiled from government sources. Verify current figures with official portals before making care decisions.