AARP Florida

AARP Florida proudly congratulates Sarasota County on reaching a major milestone: 10 years of dedication as an Age-Friendly Community.

A new AARP survey, released in conjunction with Social Security’s 90th anniversary, confirms that Americans highly value Social Security, and even more so than five years ago. The vast majority of Americans – 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats, and 93% of Independents – consider Social Security vital to the financial security of all Americans, and 67% believe it is even more important for retirees than it was five years ago.

Looking for a fun, informative, and family-friendly outing this summer? Join AARP Florida at the Museum of Discovery and Science for a day of exploration, entertainment, and valuable resources.

Coconut Grove, a historic neighborhood in Miami-Dade County, is home to one of this year’s AARP Community Challenge Grant winners: Friends of the Commodore Trail. This five-and-a-half-mile nature trail has been a popular place for walking, biking, and socializing. However, it’s also much more to the community – this trail connects 13 parks and 12 schools, is a wildlife corridor, and gives neighbors a way to meet each other.

In Florida’s southwest region, the town of Port Charlotte, known for its beaches, outdoor events, and a community of warm people, is now also home to one of the 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant winners! Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH), a local nonprofit, was awarded $16,000 to address the need for affordable housing among older adults in the city.

Tiffany Jeffers is originally from Baltimore, but in Florida, she’s recognized as the unapologetic heartbeat of the Black community in Osceola County. Her organization, the Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC), founded in 2024, has quickly cemented itself into the fabric of Central Florida—and we're proud to share that BECC is one of just 10 recipients of AARP Florida’s 2025 Community Challenge grant. In a short time, the organization has made a powerful impact by connecting, uplifting, and advocating for the local community.

The 8 Domains of Livability framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. While some communities tackle all eight domains at once, others choose to focus on fewer or combined domains.

AARP Florida is kicking off a busy summer season. From celebrating 90 successful years of the Social Security program to continuing state advocacy work following legislative session, we are showing up in your corner as a wise friend and fierce defender.

Encouraging people to reach out to neighbors is one way AARP Florida and other organizations are helping the state’s residents be prepared during hurricane season. Underway since June 1, the season lasts until Nov. 30 and follows a busy 2024 storm season.

One of the core tenants of AARP's Livable Communities initiative is providing everyone, regardless of ability, the opportunity to age safely and securely in their own homes. In Jacksonville, a local nonprofit — The Arc, Jacksonville — believes the same. This organization is making incredible strides in advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences, and they are one of 10 winners of the 2025 Community Challenge grant program in Florida!