How to Compare Florida Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
A screening method using license records, inspections, staffing, legal actions, payment, and an in-person visit.
Start here
Use Florida Health Finder for state licensing and legal actions, Medicare Care Compare for nursing-home quality and staffing data, and an in-person visit to verify what the databases cannot show.
What to have in front of you
- The notice, bill, decision, or discharge paperwork connected to the problem
- The person’s full name, date of birth, address, insurance information, and identification
- A short timeline with dates, names, phone calls, and what changed
- Copies of medical, school, financial, or care records that directly support the request
What to say when someone answers
“I am comparing facilities in Brevard. I want current license status, inspections, legal actions, payment options, available beds, staffing, and the complete admission agreement.”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
Build a shortlist by location, license type, payer, secured memory care, and clinical needs.
- 2
Check Florida Health Finder for license status, inspections, complaints or legal actions, and ownership.
- 3
Check Medicare Care Compare for nursing-home staffing, inspections, quality measures, and penalties.
- 4
Visit at different times, smell and observe the units, talk with residents, read the contract, and ask about every extra charge and discharge rule.
What happens next
Facilities may assess the person before offering admission and will explain payment and care-level requirements. Availability can change daily.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
If a facility will not provide a sample contract, fee schedule, inspection history, or clear staffing answers, treat that as a warning and keep looking.
Official sources
Checked August 5, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.