If you own an ALF, plan to open one, or have ever considered offering memory care services, this is an industry update you need on your radar.
Florida is moving toward a new regulatory framework for memory care services in assisted living facilities.
And this is exactly why I tell my community:
Getting your license is not the end of learning how to operate an ALF.
The industry keeps moving.
Regulations change.
Opportunities change.
And successful operators have to keep learning.
A New Memory Care Specialty License Is Coming
Florida passed legislation in 2026 creating a new memory care services specialty license for assisted living facilities.
Under the new framework, after AHCA completes the required rulemaking and the applicable implementation timeline begins, an ALF will need the appropriate memory care services license to provide memory care services, serve memory care residents, or advertise itself as providing those services.
AHCA has already begun the rulemaking process and held a workshop on the proposed memory care rule in July.
Why should you care about this now?
Because if memory care is part of your current business model or your future vision, you don't want to wait until implementation is upon you before understanding what may be required.
And if you're still planning your ALF, this is another reminder that choosing your license, population, services, property, staffing model, and business strategy should all work together.
Don't Make This Mistake
One of the biggest mistakes I see aspiring owners make is planning the business around what they want to offer before understanding what they're legally authorized and operationally prepared to provide.
Someone may say:
"I want to open an ALF and specialize in dementia and Alzheimer's residents."
Okay.
But then we need to go deeper.
- What license will you need?
- What will the physical environment require?
- What training will your staff need?
- What policies and procedures will apply?
- What residents can you safely and legally admit?
- What additional operating costs should be built into your numbers?
- And now, what will Florida's developing memory care framework mean for your plans?
This is why education before investment matters.
Don't buy the property first and figure out the regulations later.
Don't start marketing services simply because there's demand for them.
And don't assume that because another facility is doing something, your facility is automatically authorized to do the same thing.
Build the business around the regulations, your resident population, your capabilities, and a sustainable business model.
One More Industry Lesson I Want You to Remember
I also want you to understand the difference between a proposed change and an actual requirement.
This is incredibly important.
For example, legislation was proposed this year that would have changed several ALF requirements involving staffing, adverse incident reporting, medication assistance, and information submitted to AHCA.
But that bill died during the legislative process.
It did not become law.
Why am I telling you this?
Because sometimes you'll hear:
"Florida changed the law."
"AHCA has a new rule."
"You're required to do this now."
And suddenly everybody starts repeating it.
Always verify.
Ask:
Did the bill actually pass?
Was it signed into law?
What is the effective date?
Has AHCA completed rulemaking?
Does it apply to my specific license?
That little bit of due diligence can save you a tremendous amount of confusion.
My Challenge for You This Week
Whether you already own an ALF or you're still dreaming about opening one, start building the habit of becoming an informed operator, not simply a licensed operator.
Follow regulatory developments.
Understand your license.
Review your policies.
Train your team.
Know what inspectors are looking for.
And when something changes, don't panic.
Learn what changed, determine whether it applies to you, and adjust accordingly.
That's how we build stronger facilities.
That's how we protect our residents.
And that's how we build businesses capable of lasting.
The 2027 ALF Caregivers Conference
And conversations like these are exactly why I continue building the ALF Caregivers Conference.
The assisted living industry is bigger than licensing.
It touches compliance, caregiving, healthcare, real estate, financing, legal protection, technology, staffing, placement, operations, investing, business growth, and so much more.
We're bringing professionals from across that ecosystem into one room.
📅 January 29–30, 2027
đź“Ť Palm Beach County Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
If you're serious about this industry, I want you surrounded by people who can expand what you know and who you know.
Seats are filling up fast, and for the next 24 hours only, we're giving you a special opportunity to save $50 on your 2027 ALF Caregivers Conference ticket.
Don’t wait until January to decide you want to be in the room.
Take advantage of this limited-time discount today, secure your seat, and start planning now to join us in West Palm Beach.
Reserve your seat and save $50 now
A Valuable Opportunity From One of Our Trusted Partners
Come Meet Me at These Upcoming Events
I’d love to connect with you at these upcoming events:
- Home Care Symposium 2026
Find details about Home Care Symposium and register here
- The Assisted Living and Caregiver Conference 2027
If you’ll be attending these events, let me know. I’d love to connect in person.
And if you would like me to speak at your event, conference, or organization, reply to this email. I would be honored to explore how I can serve your audience.
Before You Go
I want to make these newsletters even more useful for you.
Reply and tell me what you want me to break down next.
Licensing?
Inspections?
Memory care?
Staffing?
Buying an existing ALF?
Admissions?
Marketing?
Compliance?
Send me your question.
I may turn it into an upcoming ALF Insider edition so our entire community can learn from it.
Your Next Steps?​
#1 Join the ALF Thriving Circle Community — $47/month
Direct access to me, monthly coaching, replays, and a private network to help you stay on track. You’ll gain direct support, resources, and step-by-step guidance from me and a committed group of ALF CEOs. Join the Thriving Circle Community
#2 Get Your ALF CEO Millionaire Planner
This planner is more than a calendar — it’s a full roadmap with licensing steps, checklists, stats, and strategies to keep your ALF goals organized all year long. Order the Planner
#3 Secure Your Seat for the 2027 ALF Caregivers Conference
Two days of connection, resources, and transformation. The last conference completely sold out. Get Your Ticket Now
#4 Book a One-on-One Strategy Session With Me
If you're ready to get licensed the first time — always on first inspection — you can schedule a consultation and let’s build your ALF the right way. Book Your Consultation
With prosperity,
Carline Cadet Francois
CEO, Florida Assisted Living Consulting LLC
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