AARP Florida announces its 2026 legislative priorities, putting the needs of Floridians 50-plus at the forefront of the upcoming legislative session. This year’s agenda focuses on four critical areas that impact the quality of life for older adults and their families:
Even as some of you are hearing the last notes of the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” we at AARP Florida are about to embark on “The Busiest Time of the Year”, the Florida legislative session. Advocacy is a core part of AARP’s mission, and at the state level, the legislative session is a rich if frenetic opportunity to advocate on a wide range of issues on behalf of Floridians ages 50 and over.
AARP Florida’s latest nursing home quality report reveals troubling trends as private investment group acquisitions reshape the state’s long-term care sector.
Florida’s nursing home industry is at it again. Florida nursing home owners, operators, and executives are pushing legislation that would eliminate minimum nursing staffing standards in facilities. They want to change the math so they can use non-nursing staff to provide direct nursing care to our most vulnerable older adults.
A study published last month by the Journal of American Medical Association says of the 54,095 nursing home residents in Florida when Irma struck, more than half of residents experienced power loss after the hurricane, which was associated with an increased odds of mortality within days after the storm.
Through his leadership, Florida expanded access to homebound vaccination, championed AARP Age-Friendly projects and created lasting partnerships that will benefit older adults for years to come. We wish him a happy and healthy retirement and look forward continuing our meaningful work with the Department of Elder Affairs.