Area Agencies on Aging in Florida

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Florida (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Elder Helpline: 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) – Statewide aging and disability resource center (24/7)
• Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation (24/7)
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) – Military veteran crisis support

For immediate food assistance:

• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency food programs
• 211 Florida – Dial 2-1-1 for comprehensive emergency resources and assistance

Key Takeaways

• Florida has 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 67 counties across the state
• All services are free or sliding scale for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Call 1-800-96-ELDER to connect with your local AAA – this single number works statewide
• All AAAs operate as Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) providing comprehensive assistance
• No income requirements for information and assistance services
• Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC-LTC) Program replaced traditional waivers
• Florida serves over 4.6 million seniors (22% of the population) – the nation’s second-largest senior population
• Hurricane preparedness and heat emergency services are integrated into all programs

What Are Area Agencies on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional organizations that coordinate and provide essential services for older adults and people with disabilities throughout the Sunshine State. Created under the federal Older Americans Act, these agencies serve as the foundation of Florida’s aging services network.

Your local AAA functions as a comprehensive resource center designed specifically for Florida’s unique needs. They coordinate services across diverse communities from the panhandle’s rural areas to Miami’s urban density, from the Gulf Coast beaches to the Atlantic shoreline, and from the Everglades to Disney World tourism areas. Each AAA works with local nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations to deliver services where you live.

Florida’s 11 AAAs serve the nation’s second-largest senior population, with unique challenges including seasonal population fluctuations (over 1 million “snowbirds”), hurricane preparedness, extreme heat emergencies, and diverse cultural populations including Hispanic/Latino communities, Caribbean immigrants, and retirees from across the nation.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs oversees all AAAs in the state and provides funding through federal, state, and local sources. Each AAA develops area plans addressing unique regional needs, from hurricane evacuation in coastal areas to rural service delivery in north Florida.

Florida’s 11 Area Agencies on Aging: Complete Directory

Note: Director names and some contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling 1-800-96-ELDER.

Core Services Provided by Florida AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every Florida AAA provides comprehensive information and assistance through the Elder Helpline to help you understand your options and connect with appropriate services. Staff members are specially trained to address Florida-specific issues including:

• Hurricane evacuation planning and emergency preparedness
• Heat emergency prevention and cooling center location
• Snowbird seasonal resident service coordination
• Theme park and tourism industry retiree benefits
• Cruise industry employment transitions and benefits
• Agricultural worker support (citrus, sugar, cattle industries)
• Bilingual services in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and other languages
• Medicare fraud prevention and Senior Medicare Patrol services

You don’t need to qualify for any specific programs to receive information and assistance – this service is available to anyone who calls the Elder Helpline.

Nutrition Programs

Florida AAAs operate extensive nutrition programs designed to address the state’s diverse cultural preferences and emergency preparedness needs.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and community halls throughout Florida’s 67 counties. These programs provide social interaction opportunities crucial for combating social isolation, especially during hot summer months when many seniors stay indoors. Meals typically have suggested donations of $3-6, though no one is refused service for inability to contribute. Many sites serve as hurricane shelters and cooling centers during extreme heat.

Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels): For seniors unable to shop or prepare meals, Florida AAAs coordinate extensive home delivery programs that operate year-round, including during hurricane warnings and extreme heat advisories. Volunteers navigate Florida’s diverse geography from dense urban neighborhoods to rural agricultural areas and gated retirement communities. Programs include hurricane emergency meal delivery and wellness checks during extreme weather.

Cultural Meal Programs: Many AAAs offer culturally appropriate meals including Cuban, Caribbean, Haitian, Puerto Rican, and other ethnic food options reflecting Florida’s diverse senior population.

Transportation Services

Transportation across Florida’s vast geography and unique challenges presents issues that AAAs address through innovative programs:

Medical Transportation: Priority service for getting to major medical centers throughout Florida, including specialized trips to Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville medical complexes. Many programs coordinate long-distance trips within Florida and to specialized centers in other states.

Hurricane Evacuation Transportation: Specialized emergency transportation services for seniors during mandatory evacuations, including coordination with emergency management and shelter operations.

Seasonal Transportation: Services adapted for snowbird populations, including coordination with northern states and temporary resident needs.

Reality Check: Transportation in Florida faces unique challenges. Hurricane evacuations can overwhelm normal transportation systems, extreme heat affects vehicle operations and senior safety, tourist traffic can significantly delay medical appointments, and some areas require long-distance travel to reach medical specialists.

Legal Assistance

Florida AAAs provide free legal help for seniors 60+ in civil matters, with special emphasis on issues common in the Sunshine State:

• Hurricane insurance claims and disaster recovery assistance
• Homestead exemption and property tax issues
• Tourism industry employment and pension benefits
• Snowbird residency and multi-state legal issues
• Immigration and citizenship assistance for diverse populations
• Medicare fraud prevention and identity theft protection
• Mobile home and manufactured housing regulations
• Social Security and veterans benefits appeals
• Estate planning for out-of-state property and families

Legal assistance is provided by staff attorneys or volunteer lawyers familiar with Florida law and the state’s unique retirement and tourism-focused economy.

Medicare and Insurance Counseling

Trained SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselors help seniors understand Medicare options while addressing Florida-specific insurance challenges:

• Hurricane and natural disaster healthcare coverage
• Snowbird multi-state Medicare coordination
• Medicare fraud prevention in high-scam areas
• Tourism and service industry retiree health benefits
• Coordination with Florida’s major health systems
• Prescription drug coverage for chronic conditions common in hot climates
• Long-term care insurance and hurricane preparedness

This counseling is completely unbiased – counselors don’t sell insurance and have no financial interest in your decisions.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For seniors with complex needs, Florida AAAs provide case management services adapted to the state’s unique geography and population. Case managers work with you to:

• Assess needs considering Florida’s climate and hurricane risks
• Connect with specialists throughout Florida’s extensive healthcare system
• Coordinate with family members across multiple states and countries
• Navigate Florida’s complex managed care systems
• Plan for hurricane evacuations and emergency preparedness
• Coordinate with seasonal residence schedules and snowbird needs

Family Caregiver Support

Florida AAAs operate comprehensive Family Caregiver Support Programs recognizing the challenges of caregiving in a high-heat, hurricane-prone environment:

Information and Education: Training on caregiving in extreme heat, hurricane preparedness for caregivers, managing seasonal caregiving schedules, and coordinating care for snowbird families with out-of-state relatives.

Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups available throughout the state, including virtual options for isolated caregivers and culturally specific support for Hispanic, Caribbean, and other ethnic communities.

Respite Care: Temporary care services including in-home companions, adult day programs, and emergency respite during hurricanes or extreme heat emergencies when regular caregivers cannot provide care.

Emergency Caregiver Support: Backup caregiving during hurricanes, heat emergencies, or other disasters when family members cannot reach care recipients or when evacuations are necessary.

Florida Medicaid Waiver Programs Through AAAs

Florida offers comprehensive Medicaid programs designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities receive care at home instead of institutional settings, with special considerations for the state’s climate and emergency preparedness needs.

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC-LTC) Program

Florida’s SMMC-LTC Program replaced all traditional HCBS waivers in 2014 with a comprehensive managed care approach that serves people who would otherwise need nursing home care.

Services Include:

• Personal care assistance with hurricane preparedness training
• Homemaker services including emergency home preparation
• Home-delivered meals with emergency food storage planning
• Adult day health programs with heat emergency protocols
• Respite care including emergency evacuation assistance
• Emergency response systems with hurricane backup power
• Home modifications for accessibility and hurricane protection
• Assisted living services in hurricane-prepared facilities

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be eligible for Florida Medicaid
• Must need nursing facility level of care
• Must choose community-based services over institutional care
• Financial limits: $2,000 in countable assets, income under varies by program

Florida Advantage: The managed care approach provides coordinated services through a single organization, eliminating traditional waiver waiting lists and ensuring faster access to services.

Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) Program

Florida’s CCE Program provides in-home and community services to help seniors remain independent.

How It Works:

• Services provided through managed care organizations
• Care managers coordinate medical and social services
• Emergency protocols include hurricane and heat emergency planning
• Statewide coordination ensures consistent service delivery
• Integration with emergency management systems

Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) Program

Provides in-home care services for seniors not eligible for Medicaid but needing assistance.

Florida-Specific Features:

• State-funded program for seniors above Medicaid income limits
• Emergency services during hurricanes and heat emergencies
• Coordination with family members in other states
• Cultural competency for diverse Florida senior populations

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI)

Florida’s ADI provides specialized services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

State-Specific Services:

• Memory Disorder Clinics throughout Florida
• Respite services for family caregivers
• Emergency planning for individuals with dementia
• Safe Return programs for wandering prevention
• Caregiver training adapted to Florida’s climate challenges

Special Population Services

Snowbird and Seasonal Residents

Florida’s massive seasonal population creates unique service needs for temporary residents:

Seasonal-Specific Services:

• Temporary service coordination for snowbirds from northern states
• Medicare coordination across state lines
• Emergency contact and family notification systems
• Short-term housing and emergency assistance
• Health record coordination between Florida and home state providers
• Hurricane evacuation assistance for temporary residents

Hispanic/Latino Seniors

Florida’s large Hispanic/Latino population (over 26% statewide) receives specialized cultural services:

Cultural Adaptations:

• Bilingual staff and materials in Spanish
• Traditional Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Mexican meal options
• Family-centered care coordination respecting cultural values
• Immigration and citizenship assistance
• Cultural celebration programming and traditional healing integration
• Hurricane preparedness education in Spanish and appropriate cultural contexts

Caribbean and Haitian Seniors

Significant populations in South Florida receive culturally appropriate services:

Community-Specific Services:

• Haitian Creole interpretation and materials
• Traditional Caribbean food programs
• Immigration legal assistance and family reunification support
• Cultural and spiritual care coordination
• Hurricane preparedness for Caribbean communities familiar with tropical storms
• Connection to Caribbean cultural organizations and churches

Tourism and Service Industry Retirees

Florida’s massive tourism industry creates unique retiree populations:

Industry-Specific Services:

• Disney, Universal, and theme park retiree benefit coordination
• Cruise industry pension and health benefit assistance
• Hotel and restaurant industry workers’ compensation support
• Seasonal employment benefit coordination
• Union benefit preservation and advocacy
• Service industry health and safety issue support

Agricultural Community Seniors

Florida’s agricultural economy creates specialized service needs:

Agricultural-Specific Services:

• Citrus industry worker health and benefit support
• Sugar cane and vegetable farming community services
• Cattle ranching community support and safety services
• Migrant farmworker family support and coordination
• Agricultural injury and occupational health assistance
• Farm succession planning and estate coordination

Military Retirees and Veterans

Florida has over 1.5 million veterans, many attracted by the state’s military-friendly environment:

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Transportation to VA facilities in Bay Pines, Gainesville, Lake City, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach
• Military retiree benefit coordination with extensive Florida military communities
• Veterans service coordination with 67 county veteran service offices
• Military funeral honors coordination throughout the state
• PTSD support groups adapted for diverse military communities

Key Resources:

• Florida Department of Veterans Affairs: 727-319-7440
• Bay Pines VA Healthcare System: 727-398-6661
• North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System: 352-376-1611
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Native American Seniors

Florida is home to the Seminole Tribe and Miccosukee Indian Tribe:

Seminole Tribe of Florida:

• Tribal elder services through multiple reservations
• Traditional healing and cultural preservation programs
• Gaming industry benefit coordination
• Contact: 863-902-1009

Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida:

• Elder support services and cultural programming
• Traditional Everglades cultural activities
• Contact: 305-223-8380

Urban Native Communities:

• Inter-tribal organizations in major Florida cities
• Native American cultural programming and elder services

LGBTQ+ Seniors

Florida’s LGBTQ+ senior population, particularly in areas like Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Petersburg:

LGBTQ+-Specific Services:

• LGBTQ+-friendly provider networks and referrals
• Cultural competency training for service providers
• Same-sex couple legal planning and healthcare decision-making
• LGBTQ+ senior housing and community coordination
• HIV/AIDS aging services and specialized healthcare coordination

How to Access Services

Step 1: Call the Statewide Number

Dial 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) from anywhere in Florida. This toll-free number connects you to the appropriate local AAA based on your county of residence. The line operates 24/7 with trained staff available Monday-Friday during business hours.

Step 2: Initial Screening

Florida AAA staff will ask basic questions about:

• Your county of residence and specific community
• Type of assistance you’re seeking
• Current living situation and family support
• Hurricane evacuation needs and emergency preparedness
• Language preferences (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, other)
• Seasonal residency status (year-round vs. snowbird)
• Transportation needs and mobility requirements
• Insurance coverage including Medicare and Medicaid status

This initial conversation typically takes 10-20 minutes and helps staff understand how to best assist you within Florida’s diverse service environment.

Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, you may need a detailed assessment that considers Florida-specific factors:

• Over the phone for information and referral services
• In person at AAA offices (all have accessible parking and hurricane shelter capabilities)
• In your home with staff trained in Florida’s diverse communities
• Via video conference for technology-comfortable seniors

Assessments evaluate your:

• Physical abilities considering heat sensitivity and hurricane mobility needs
• Emergency preparedness for hurricanes and extreme heat
• Transportation capabilities across Florida’s vast distances
• Social support including seasonal family connections
• Financial resources and benefit coordination
• Cultural preferences and language needs

Step 4: Service Planning

Based on your assessment, Florida AAA staff will:

• Explain available services with consideration for your specific community and cultural background
• Help apply for relevant benefits including Florida state programs
• Develop service plans including hurricane evacuation protocols
• Make referrals throughout Florida’s extensive service network
• Schedule ongoing services with weather emergency backup plans

Step 5: Follow-Up

Florida AAAs provide ongoing support through:

• Regular check-ins with case managers familiar with your community
• Seasonal service adjustments for hurricane season and extreme heat periods
• Annual reassessments for managed care programs
• Emergency response coordination during natural disasters
• Advocacy when service problems arise

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance through the Elder Helpline
• Benefits counseling including SHINE Medicare counseling
• Legal consultations and document preparation
• Case management and care coordination
• Family caregiver support and emergency assistance
• Hurricane evacuation assistance

Sliding Scale Services

These services operate on sliding fee scales or suggested donations:

• Congregate meals ($3-6 suggested donation)
• Transportation ($3-10 suggested donation depending on distance)
• Home-delivered meals ($4-7 suggested donation per meal)

Income-Based Services

Some services use income eligibility requirements:

• SMMC-LTC Program (Medicaid eligibility required)
• Community Care for the Elderly (varies by county)
• Home Care for the Elderly (state-funded, income limits above Medicaid)
• Adult day programs with extended services

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered by:

• Florida Medicaid through managed care organizations
• Medicare for medically necessary services
• State of Florida employee health benefits
• Tourism and service industry retiree benefits
• Veterans benefits through extensive Florida VA system

Financial Reality: Florida’s lack of state income tax benefits seniors, but this means:

• Services rely more heavily on federal funding and local support
• Some programs have varying availability by county based on local funding
• Tourist areas may have higher service costs but more resources
• Rural areas may have limited services but lower overall costs

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards

All Florida AAAs must meet federal and state standards including:

• Hurricane preparedness and emergency response protocols
• Heat emergency response and cooling center coordination
• Cultural competency training for diverse Florida populations
• Service delivery standards adapted to urban, suburban, rural, and coastal environments
• Quality assurance monitoring through managed care oversight

Oversight and Monitoring

Florida AAAs are monitored by:

• The Florida Department of Elder Affairs
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent auditors with Florida-specific expertise
• Consumer advisory councils representing all regions
• Local governing boards with community representation
• Managed care organization quality oversight

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about services in Florida:

1. Contact your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved quickly with direct communication
2. Call your local AAA – Each AAA has complaint procedures adapted to Florida service delivery
3. Contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs – 850-414-2000 for state-level review
4. Call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Available through your local AAA for nursing home and assisted living concerns

Your Rights

As a service recipient in Florida, you have the right to:

• Receive services regardless of your immigration status or seasonal residency
• Have cultural and language preferences respected
• Receive emergency services during hurricanes and natural disasters
• Participate in decisions about your care and service delivery
• File complaints without fear of service reduction or retaliation
• Receive services that meet professional standards adapted to Florida conditions

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do Florida’s AAAs help during hurricane season and what emergency services are available?

Florida AAAs maintain comprehensive hurricane preparedness programs including evacuation transportation for seniors, emergency shelter coordination with special needs considerations, emergency meal and medication delivery, backup power assistance for medical equipment, and post-hurricane recovery services including insurance claim assistance. All AAAs participate in county emergency management and maintain relationships with emergency shelters, the Red Cross, and other disaster response organizations.

What services are available for snowbirds and seasonal residents in Florida?

While ongoing case management requires Florida residency, snowbirds can access information and assistance, emergency services, short-term respite care, Medicare counseling, and hurricane evacuation assistance regardless of residency status. Many AAAs coordinate with northern states for health record sharing and benefit coordination. Emergency services are available to anyone physically present in Florida during hurricanes or medical emergencies.

How do AAAs serve Florida’s large Hispanic/Latino population and what language services are available?

Most Florida AAAs provide bilingual services in Spanish with trained staff and translated materials. Services include culturally appropriate nutrition programs with traditional foods, family-centered care coordination respecting cultural values, immigration assistance and citizenship support, and cultural celebration programming. Many AAAs also provide services in Haitian Creole and other languages based on local community needs.

What assistance is available for tourism and theme park industry retirees?

Florida AAAs provide specialized assistance for Disney, Universal, and other theme park retirees including pension and benefit coordination, union health benefit transitions, service industry workers’ compensation assistance, and coordination with theme park-specific retiree programs. Case managers understand the unique benefit structures of major tourism employers and can help retirees navigate transitions and access appropriate services.

How do AAAs coordinate services for Florida’s massive geographic area and diverse communities?

Florida’s 11 AAAs coordinate through the Department of Elder Affairs and share resources through the statewide Elder Helpline system. This includes standardized assessment processes, shared provider networks, emergency mutual aid agreements, and coordinated transportation for long-distance medical care. The system allows for resource sharing between urban and rural areas and ensures consistent service standards across the state.

What heat emergency and extreme weather services are available for seniors?

Florida AAAs provide heat emergency services including cooling center information and transportation, emergency air conditioning assistance, hydration and nutrition support during extreme heat, health monitoring for heat-sensitive seniors, and coordination with utility companies for priority electrical service restoration. Many senior centers serve as cooling centers, and emergency protocols include wellness checks during heat advisories.

How do AAAs help with Medicare fraud prevention in Florida’s high-scam environment?

Florida AAAs operate robust Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) programs providing education on Medicare fraud prevention, identity theft protection, assistance with fraudulent billing disputes, coordination with law enforcement for fraud reporting, and one-on-one counseling for seniors who have been targeted by scams. Florida has one of the nation’s most comprehensive Medicare fraud prevention programs due to high targeting of seniors.

What services are available in rural Florida counties and agricultural communities?

Rural Florida AAAs provide specialized services including agricultural worker support and farm succession planning, long-distance medical transportation, mobile service delivery to remote areas, coordination with agricultural employers for seasonal worker support, and farm safety assessments. Services are adapted to agricultural schedules and include emergency response for isolated rural areas.

How do AAAs coordinate with Florida’s extensive military and veteran communities?

Florida AAAs work closely with the state’s extensive VA system, coordinate transportation to seven major VA medical centers, provide military retiree benefit assistance, coordinate with base family support services, and offer specialized programming for military communities. Many AAAs have veteran coordinators and participate in Stand Down events and other veteran-specific programming.

What assistance is available for seniors in Florida’s expensive coastal and resort communities?

AAAs in high-cost resort areas provide specialized assistance including affordable housing advocacy and assistance, coordination with resort employee programs, advocacy for local senior services in expensive communities, and assistance accessing services despite high local costs. Some areas have specific programs for seniors priced out of expensive communities and coordination with seasonal worker housing programs.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice due to hurricane damage, state budget changes, federal policy modifications, and emergency situations. While this guide uses the most current available information as of August 2025, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation, particularly regarding hurricane preparedness, Florida residency requirements, and multi-state coordination for seasonal residents.

For the most current information, contact:

• Elder Helpline: 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)
• Florida Department of Elder Affairs: 850-414-2000
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking grant opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, USDA, SSA, CMS), Florida state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Information Currency: • Last Updated: August 2025 • Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice, particularly during hurricane seasons and legislative sessions. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying, and consider Florida’s unique hurricane risks, extreme heat, and seasonal population fluctuations when planning service access.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available financial assistance programs across Florida’s diverse communities from the Panhandle’s rural areas to Miami’s urban neighborhoods, and from the Gulf Coast beaches to the Atlantic shoreline.