What to Do When a Florida Assisted Living Facility Tries to Discharge Someone
Get the reason and deadline in writing, read the admission contract, and call the Ombudsman before agreeing to a move.
Start here
Ask the assisted living facility for a written notice stating the reason, proposed move date, contract provision, and appeal or grievance options. Call Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-888-831-0404 immediately. Assisted-living rules differ from nursing-home transfer protections, so do not assume the process is identical.
What to have in front of you
- Written discharge, termination, or nonrenewal notice
- Admission contract, fee schedule, house rules, and service plan
- Payment history and disputed bills
- Recent assessments, incident reports, and medical records
- Potential safe placements and the resident’s preferred outcome
What to say when someone answers
“The facility says the resident must leave. I need the reason, deadline, contract and legal basis in writing, and I am requesting a care or grievance meeting with the resident’s Ombudsman or representative included.”
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
Do not sign a voluntary-discharge or move agreement before understanding it.
- 2
Read the contract sections on discharge, payment, level of care, notice, and refunds.
- 3
Call the Ombudsman and ask whether an AHCA complaint or legal referral is appropriate.
- 4
Build a safe backup-placement plan while challenging an improper or unsafe discharge.
What happens next
The facility may hold a meeting, withdraw or modify the decision, or continue under the contract and licensing rules. The Ombudsman can advocate with the resident’s permission but does not issue court orders.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
If the facility threatens immediate removal, abandonment, retaliation, or an unsafe transfer, contact the Ombudsman and AHCA the same day and seek Florida legal help. Call 911 for immediate danger.
Official sources
- Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman — file a complaint
- Florida AHCA — health care facility complaints
- Florida Statute 429.28 — assisted-living resident rights
- Florida Statute 429.24 — assisted-living contracts
Checked August 9, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.