The four license types
In Florida, assisted living facilities (ALFs) are licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Besides the standard license, a facility can hold specialty licenses that allow more care [1]:
- Extended congregate care (ECC): more nursing and support services, so residents can stay as their needs grow.
- Limited nursing services (LNS): certain nursing tasks provided by licensed nurses.
- Limited mental health (LMH): for residents who live with a mental health condition.
Every ALF holds the standard license. Specialty licenses are add-ons.
How common they are in South Florida
Of the 1213 assisted living facilities listed as "Licensed" or "In review" in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties on October 30, 2026 [2]:
Why it matters
If Mom's needs grow, a facility without the right license may not be able to keep her. Ask every community: "What changes in Mom's health would mean she'd have to move?" Then ask which licenses they hold. A community with ECC can often support residents longer.
Memory care is getting its own license
A 2026 law creates a separate memory care services license; rules are due by June 1, 2027 [3]. Read our explainer.