Florida’s Year in Review: Progress, Challenges, and What’s Next

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a year of advocacy that shaped lives, strengthened communities, and advanced opportunities for Floridians 50+. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re ready to build on this momentum — driving even greater change and ensuring every voice is heard. Here are some of the key issues we tackled this year and what they mean for the future:

Keeping Energy Costs in Check
One of AARP Florida’s main focuses this year was the Florida Power & Light (FPL) rate case. Regulators approved a settlement that will raise base rates significantly over the next few years—starting with nearly $1 billion in 2026. Together, we’ve delivered more than 34,000 petitions and nearly 6,000 public comments to the Florida Public Service Commission opposing the rate increase. AARP Florida will continue to speak out on behalf of utility consumers, ensuring the voices of everyday Floridians are heard.


New Data Unveiled: Nursing Home Quality Declines After Ownership Changes
Our latest report on nursing home staffing standards reveals troubling trends in Florida nursing homes following a wave of private investor acquisitions. Facilities purchased by private equity groups saw their average federal quality ratings drop from 3.4 to 2.9 stars, while direct care staffing fell by 13%, cutting 33 minutes of care per resident per day. Complex ownership structures make accountability difficult, and more than 60% of Florida’s nursing homes have changed hands in the past five years. AARP Florida is calling for stronger transparency and oversight to protect residents’ well-being.


What Floridians Are Telling Us: Financial Strain and Housing Worries on the Rise
AARP Florida’s Vital Voices survey reveals that Floridians age 45+ are increasingly worried about their financial security, health care access, and housing costs. Nearly all respondents—93%—say Social Security and retirement security are top priorities, and 75% express concern about the future of Social Security benefits. Rising costs for housing, insurance, utilities and prescription drugs are making it harder for older adults to make ends meet, and only 24% feel very confident they could recover financially after a natural disaster. These findings underscore the urgent need for policies that strengthen economic stability and disaster resilience, and they will guide AARP Florida’s advocacy in the 2026 legislative session.


Caregiving: A Growing Challenge
The new Caregiving in the U.S. report revealed a staggering reality: 4.45 million Floridians are now family caregivers. In Florida, caregivers provide essential support, often without pay or training, while facing financial and emotional strain. AARP is committed to advancing policies that offer respite care, workplace flexibility, and financial assistance, so caregivers can continue their vital role without sacrificing their own well-being.

Celebrating Social Security’s 90th Anniversary
In 2025, we marked 90 years of Social Security—a cornerstone of economic security for millions of Americans. This program has lifted generations out of poverty and remains a lifeline for retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors. This year, 15 local proclamations were signed across the state recognizing this monumental occasion. As we celebrate this milestone, AARP will continue defending Social Security against threats and advocating its long-term solvency, so future generations can count on the benefits they’ve earned.

Looking Ahead to 2026
When lawmakers return to Tallahassee, AARP Florida will focus on priorities that matter most to older adults.

Your voice matters. Together, we can make Florida a place where older adults live with dignity, security, and choice. Thank you for standing with us in 2025—and for joining us in the fight ahead.