A nursing home in Florida costs between $8,000 and $12,000 per month — that’s $96,000 to $144,000 per year. Most families are not prepared for this. And Medicare, despite what many people believe, covers very little of it.
This guide breaks down the actual costs, how they vary by region, and your realistic options for paying for long-term care in Florida.
Florida Nursing Home Costs at a Glance
Sources: Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Florida AHCA, Medicaid Planning Assistance. Figures reflect 2025/2026 averages; actual costs vary by facility and location.
Cost by Type of Care
| Type of Care | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private Room) | $10,645 | $127,740 | 24/7 skilled nursing, meals, room, medication management, therapy |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $9,338 | $112,056 | Same as private, shared room |
| Assisted Living Facility | $4,000–$5,500 | $48,000–$66,000 | Help with daily activities, meals, social programs. NOT skilled nursing. |
| Home Health Aide (44 hrs/wk) | $5,148 | $61,776 | Personal care at home. No medical services unless paired with home health. |
| Adult Day Health Care | $1,560–$2,000 | $18,720–$24,000 | Daytime supervision, meals, social activities, some therapy |
Cost by Florida Region
Nursing home costs vary significantly by location. Larger metro areas generally cost more:
| Region | Private Room (Monthly) | Semi-Private (Monthly) | Assisted Living (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay / Hillsborough | $10,500–$12,000 | $9,000–$10,500 | $4,000–$5,500 |
| Lakeland / Polk County | $9,500–$11,000 | $8,500–$9,500 | $3,500–$4,500 |
| St. Petersburg / Pinellas | $10,000–$11,500 | $9,000–$10,000 | $4,000–$5,000 |
| Sarasota / Bradenton | $10,500–$12,500 | $9,500–$11,000 | $4,500–$6,000 |
| Orlando / Central FL | $10,000–$11,500 | $9,000–$10,500 | $4,000–$5,500 |
| South Florida (Miami-Dade) | $11,000–$14,000 | $10,000–$12,000 | $4,500–$7,000 |
How to Pay for a Nursing Home in Florida
There are really only five ways to pay for nursing home care. Here is what each one actually covers:
1. Private Pay (Out of Pocket)
You pay the full cost yourself from savings, investments, or income. This is how most nursing home stays begin.
Covers: Everything — no restrictions on facility or level of care.
Reality: At $10,645/month, a $250,000 retirement account lasts about 23 months. Most families transition to Medicaid after exhausting savings.
2. Medicare (Very Limited)
Medicare is not long-term care insurance. It covers skilled nursing only, and only under strict conditions.
Covers: Up to 100 days of skilled nursing after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay. Days 1–20 are fully covered. Days 21–100 require a daily copay of ~$217 (2026).
Does NOT Cover: Custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, eating), long-term nursing home stays, assisted living, or home care for daily activities. After day 100, Medicare coverage ends completely.
3. Medicaid (Long-Term Care Medicaid / ICP)
Medicaid is the only government program that covers long-term nursing home care in Florida. But you must qualify.
Covers: Nursing home care, home and community-based services (HCBS) through SMMC-LTC, personal care, adult day health, therapy, medical equipment — for as long as you need it.
Requirements: Income under $2,982/month (or use a QIT), assets under $2,000, and nursing-facility level of care needed.
The Catch: You must spend down nearly all your assets to qualify. Without planning, this means losing everything. With planning, you can protect your home, spouse’s assets, and more. See our Medicaid planning guide.
4. Long-Term Care Insurance
If you purchased a policy years ago, it may cover a significant portion of nursing home costs.
Covers: Varies by policy — typically $150–$300/day for 2–5 years. Some policies cover assisted living and home care as well.
Limits: Premiums are expensive ($2,000–$6,000/year), most policies have an elimination period (30–90 days you pay out of pocket first), and benefits eventually run out. If you don’t already have a policy, it may be too late or too expensive to get one.
5. VA Benefits (Veterans)
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides a monthly stipend to help pay for care.
Covers: Up to ~$2,431/month for a veteran (2026), ~$1,565 for a surviving spouse. Can be used for nursing home, assisted living, or home care.
Limits: Must be a wartime veteran with care needs. Asset limits apply. Does not cover the full cost of nursing home care — supplements other payment sources.
What Happens If You Can’t Afford a Nursing Home?
If a parent or spouse has just entered a nursing home and you are facing a bill you cannot pay, you have options:
- Apply for Medicaid immediately. Even if you think you won’t qualify, talk to a Medicaid crisis planning attorney first. There are legal strategies that can accelerate eligibility.
- Establish a Qualified Income Trust if income exceeds $2,982/month. This is required in Florida and can be set up quickly.
- Protect the family home with a Lady Bird deed before applying. This has no waiting period and no penalty.
- Spend down strategically — use excess assets on home improvements, a vehicle, prepaid funeral, and debts rather than letting them go to the nursing home.
- Explore alternatives — SMMC-LTC (home and community-based services), adult day care, and assisted living are all significantly cheaper than nursing home care and may be appropriate depending on the level of care needed.
Nursing Home vs. Alternatives: Cost Comparison
| Option | Monthly Cost | Level of Care | Medicaid Covers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $10,645 | 24/7 skilled nursing | Yes (ICP) |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $9,338 | 24/7 skilled nursing | Yes (ICP) |
| Assisted Living | $4,000–$5,500 | Daily living help, no skilled nursing | Services only (SMMC-LTC), not room & board |
| Home Health Aide (44 hrs/wk) | $5,148 | Personal care at home | Yes (SMMC-LTC) |
| Adult Day Health Care | $1,560–$2,000 | Daytime supervision & activities | Yes (SMMC-LTC) |
| Spouse or Family Caregiver | $0 (unpaid) or contract | Varies | SMMC-LTC consumer-directed option allows payment to family caregivers |
Plan Now — Before the Crisis
The average cost of a 3-year nursing home stay in Florida is over $380,000. Without planning, most families lose nearly everything. With planning, you can protect your home, your spouse’s savings, and qualify for Medicaid coverage while preserving your family’s financial security.
Facing a Nursing Home Bill You Can’t Afford?
Our attorneys help Florida families navigate nursing home costs and Medicaid eligibility every day. Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with an immediate crisis, we can evaluate your situation and explain your options.
Call (813) 501-5071 for a free consultation, or schedule online.
