Independent Living in Florida

Florida Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to facility records in Florida.

Senior living communities in Florida— also known simply as retirement communities — are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, Florida is considered to be slightly more affordable than the national average. The state has a relatively low tax rate and no property tax, and the cost of housing is rated five points lower than the national average. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

• Cost of Living: 99
• Groceries: 104
• Housing: 95
• Utilities: 102
• Transportation: 97

Demographics

As one of the premiere retirement destinations in the country, nearly one third of the state's population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Florida leaned slightly conservative. However Florida is considered one of the key political swing states, and many of its counties with larger cities, like Miami, tend to be more progressive.

2016 Presidential Election

• Voted Democratic: 48%
• Voted Republican: 49%
• Voted third party: 3%

Population

• Median age: 42
• Over the age of 55: 34%
• 2018 population: 21,299,325
• 2020 population: 21,959,303
• Estimated 2025 population: 23,700,108

Miscellaneous

• 35% regularly attend a religious service
• 36% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
• Across the state there are a total of 15,611 congregations
• There are 290 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Florida has a subtropical type of climate with extremely hot and muggy summers. The winters in Florida tend to be mild and the state experiences a high volume of rain during the summer and spring months. Many parts of the state are regularly affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, and the state is largely covered in swampland. Many Floridians capitalize on the beautiful weather by playing golf and going to the beach.

Humidity and Precipitation

• Average humidity level: 75%
• Average monthly precipitation: 5”
• Average maximum monthly precipitation: 12” (June)

Air Quality

• Average air quality rating: 37 (Good)
• Peak air quality rating: 48 in April (Good)

Seasonal Temperatures

• Average temperature: 71°F
• Average summer temperature: 82°F
• Typical summer high: 95°F (July)
• Typical summer low: 66°F (June)
• Average winter temperature: 60°F
• Typical winter high: 79°F (February)
• Typical winter low: 36°F (January)