Compare Independent Living Options in Florida

Independent Living in Florida

Welcome, sunshine seekers and savvy seniors!

Are you ready to turn the page to an exciting new chapter in the Sunshine State?

At Home Sweet Homeshare, we're thrilled to guide you through the world of independent living in Florida - and introduce you to an innovative alternative that might just be your perfect match.

Traditional Independent Living in Florida: The Lay of the Land

Independent living communities in Florida offer active seniors a carefree lifestyle with a dash of resort-style living. Here's what you can typically expect:

  • Private apartments or villas
  • Delicious dining options (because who doesn't love a good key lime pie?)
  • Fitness centers and wellness programs
  • Transportation services
  • Housekeeping and maintenance
  • Social events and outings (salsa dancing, anyone?)

The median monthly cost for independent living in Florida is approximately $2,700. But remember, this often includes many services that would be separate expenses in a traditional home.

Top Independent Living Communities in Florida

Florida boasts a variety of top-rated independent living communities. Here are a few standouts:

  1. American House Wildwood (Wildwood): Known for its helpful staff and great care.
  2. Azalea Park (Lakeland): Offers a warm, welcoming environment with attentive staff.
  3. Seascape At Naples (Naples): Provides a seamless transition between different levels of care.

An Alternative to Independent Living Communities: Home Sweet Homeshare

Now, what if we told you there's a way to enjoy the perks of independent living while staying in your own home and earning extra income?

Enter Home Sweet Homeshare, your ticket to a revolutionary living arrangement that's taking Florida by storm.

Why Choose Home Sweet Homeshare?

  • Stay in Your Florida Paradise: No need to leave the home you love.
  • Boost Your Retirement Income: Earn at least $400 extra per month.
  • Get a Helping Hand: Enjoy 10+ hours of assistance with household chores each week.
  • Foster Meaningful Connections: Welcome a carefully matched young professional into your home and your life.

It's like having your key lime pie and eating it too!

Top 20 Cities for Home Sharing in Florida

Below is a list of the areas most in demand for home sharing and how much homeowners can make per month for sharing their home.

  1. Key Biscayne: $2,853
  2. Naples: $2,735
  3. Longboat Key: $2,376
  4. Siesta Key: $2,169
  5. Jupiter: $1,956
  6. Indian River Shores: $1,795
  7. Bonita Springs: $1,651
  8. Weston: $1,616
  9. Tequesta: $1,532
  10. Bal Harbour: $1,475
  11. Boca Raton: $1,400
  12. Key Largo: $1,361
  13. Clearwater: $1,342
  14. Wellington: $1,258
  15. Indian Rocks Beach: $1,186
  16. Parkland: $1,156
  17. Key West: $1,135
  18. North Miami Beach: $1,117
  19. Pembroke Pines: $1,085
  20. Southwest Ranches: $1,035

Note: Costs are approximate monthly rates for potential home sharing arrangements.

Top 10 Cities for Home Sharing in Florida with Rent Ranges Per Month

  1. Miami: $447 - $2,853
  2. Naples: $493 - $2,735
  3. Boca Raton: $514 - $1,400
  4. Fort Lauderdale: $470 - $629
  5. Sarasota: $401 - $666
  6. Pembroke Pines: $500 - $1,085
  7. Delray Beach: $459 - $891
  8. Boynton Beach: $402 - $995
  9. West Palm Beach: $460 - $773
  10. Hollywood: $410 - $818

Note: These ranges represent the lowest and highest monthly rents for home sharing arrangements on Home Sweet Home Share.

Making the Right Choice: Home Sweet Homeshare or Traditional Independent Living?

Choosing between Home Sweet Homeshare and traditional independent living communities is a big decision. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Location: Do you want to stay in your current home or are you ready for a change of scenery?
  2. Financial Considerations: Compare the costs of traditional communities with the income potential of home sharing.
  3. Level of Independence: How much assistance do you need, and how much do you want?
  4. Social Preferences: Do you thrive in large community settings or prefer more intimate connections?

Your Next Steps to Florida Living Bliss

Whether you're leaning towards a traditional independent living community or intrigued by the Home Sweet Homeshare model, we're here to help you navigate your options. After all, this isn't just about finding a place to live - it's about crafting the retirement lifestyle of your dreams in the Sunshine State.

Ready to explore your Florida living options? Contact us today, and let's embark on this exciting journey together. Your slice of paradise (and maybe that key lime pie) is waiting!

Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities

In Florida, independent living communities aren’t licensed or regulated. This is because independent living communities don’t provide personal care assistance for tasks like bathing and dressing. However, more than half of our partner independent living communities in Florida share a campus with another type of senior living. These shared campuses may combine independent living and assisted living, or they may include independent living, assisted living, and memory care. In these cases, the assisted living or memory care part of the community would be licensed and regulated by the Florida Bureau of Health Facility Regulation’s assisted living unit.

Seniors interested in renting an independent living apartment will sign a lease with the community. It’s similar to the type of contract you might sign when leasing an apartment. In Florida, the Landlord/Tenant Law outlines the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps handle any disputes.

Tenants agree to the following under the Landlord/Tenant Law:[01]

  • Follow building, housing, and health codes to keep the complex clean.
  • Avoid disturbing neighbors.
  • Reasonably use appliances and facilities such as elevators, air conditioning, plumbing, etc.

Landlord requirements under the Landlord/Tenant Law include the following:

  • Keep structural components of the building in good repair.
  • Adhere to any building, housing, and health codes.
  • Make provisions for the extermination of pests.

Like other apartment complexes, independent living communities are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means the community must have certain accessibility features, including the following:[02]

  • Maintain an accessible way to enter and move through the building.
  • Install light switches, outlets, and thermostats in accessible places.
  • Construct reinforcements in bathroom walls so that grab bars can be installed.
  • Ensure that kitchens and bathrooms can be used by a resident in a wheelchair.

While age is usually a factor in housing discrimination, independent living communities can cater to older adults through an exemption in the Fair Housing Act. To meet the exemption requirements, the community should only house seniors over 62, or have someone over 55 in 80% of apartments.

References

  1. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Landlord/tenant law in Florida.
  2. The Florida Senate. Title XLIV Civil Rights, Chapter 760 Discrimination in the treatment of person; minority representation, part 1 Florida Civil Rights Act.