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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 252 nursing homes in FL using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in FL
Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Florida.
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Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.2/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Florida. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:3.4/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Florida. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Florida. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the FL Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Florida average is: 72.3% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Overview of Palatka Center for Rehabilitation and Healing
Palatka Center for Rehabilitation and Healing is a nursing home in Palatka, FL, offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and specialized care. Promoting a nurturing and supportive environment, the community ensures older adults are well-cared for. With 24-hour nursing care, nutritious meals, and comprehensive therapies, residents receive the utmost attention to help them recover. Through an interdisciplinary approach to care, the community goes above and beyond to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences.
Sporting events, music therapy, and live entertainment ensure residents can stay active and gain meaningful experiences. A state-of-the-art gym, outdoor courtyards, and cozy lounges also help residents focus on their recovery and wellness. Situated near HCA Florida Putnam Hospital in Palatka, the community guarantees quick access to necessities. This nursing home strives to help older adults live to their potential, making it a great choice for senior living in Florida.
Gandy Crossing is a 160-bed nursing home in South Tampa, right off S Manhattan Ave, and it’s currently running at 88.2% occupancy. That number matters more than people think. It means beds are filled, which usually means families are choosing to stay, not just landing there by default.
The neighborhood itself is walkable enough that you could actually run errands on foot if you wanted to (Walk Score’s a 66), and HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital is only about 3.4 miles away, which is genuinely reassuring if something urgent ever comes up. Downtown Tampa’s a quick 5.3 miles out too, so it’s not stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Here’s where it gets specific: nursing care here averages just over 4 hours per resident per day. Nurse aides are doing the bulk of that hands-on work, about 2 hours and 21 minutes daily, while LPNs and RNs round out the rest with medication management, wound care, and monitoring. That breakdown tells you about how care actually gets distributed day to day, not just a vague “we provide quality care” line.
On the softer side, there’s a dining room run with an actual registered dietitian, therapeutic and selective menus, plus case management, counseling, and family support groups. Community outings and organized entertainment fill out the calendar too.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted, so the financial door isn’t shut for most families walking in. Gandy Crossing reads as a facility built for people who need real clinical support layered with actual daily structure, not just a place to park.
Highlands Lake Center, Lakeland, Florida, is dedicated to redefining the wellness journey through personalized post-acute rehabilitation and long-term nursing care. Their mission revolves around tailoring nursing and rehabilitation experiences to individual needs, enhancing the quality of life, and surpassing ordinary expectations with extraordinary outcomes. The community values health, well-being, and a caring nursing home culture, setting a gold standard in exceptional care.
Highlands Lake Center combines clinical care, heartfelt compassion, and homey nursing home amenities to provide a personalized wellness journey. The community offers specialized care programs, including wound care, short-term rehabilitation, pain management, and therapeutic recreation. Highlands Lake Center’s commitment to recovery in comfort ensures a cheerful environment, modern surroundings, and a proprietary atmosphere of happiness, healing, and hope. The spacious and welcoming facility provides private and semi-private rooms with amenities such as cable TV, telephone, internet, and fine dining, creating a trusted destination in wellness focused on residents’ healthcare needs.
A 26-bed CCRC in Clearwater, Regency Oaks operates under Ccrc Regency Oaks Llc with Life Care Services management and Kyle P. Bolden as administrator. The Pinellas County facility at 2751 Regency Oaks Blvd provides a three-tier model spanning nursing home, assisted living, and independent living. The community welcomes Medicare, insurance, VA benefits, and private-pay residents, holding 89% occupancy with typical 38-day stays.
Programming encompasses arts, dance, exercise, music, theater, and social activities, with multilingual staff supporting Creole, English, and Russian speakers.
Staffing ratios stand robust at 2.00-to-1 (36% above state benchmark), with 4 hours 29 minutes nursing care per resident daily, ranked in the top quartile statewide.
State inspections across 13 years resulted in only 14 citations; 58% below Florida norms; yielding an A- inspection grade (91/100). Yet CMS assigned a 2-star overall rating, driven by health inspection performance 68.5% below state average.
A November 5, 2024 standard inspection identified four Class 3 deficiencies centering on elopement protocols, staffing standards, and staff training rigor. The facility carries five critical citations in recent inspections; 525% exceeding the state average, and predominantly citing quality of life and care failures, plus abuse and neglect concerns.
No CMS penalties materialized in three years, and fines over the 13-year period totaled only $500.
Long-stay resident outcomes indicate that functional decline affects 18.2% of residents (47% worse than average), ADL assistance need increases in 22% (110% worse), major injury falls occur in 4.2% (59% worse), and urinary infections strike 3.5% of the census (298% worse).
Financial results show profitability at $4.4 million net income against $44 million revenue, with payroll investment of only 29.9% of revenue; among Florida’s lowest quartiles despite strong staffing metrics.
A 100-bed community, Bartram Lakes Assisted Living in Jacksonville caters to residents who need assistance with daily activities while being as independent as possible. Operated by Brooks Skilled Nursing Facility A Inc under Felix Charles Johnson III’s administration, the home welcomes Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. This gives families many routes to fund care. The community is in a car-dependent neighborhood where almost all errands demand a vehicle, but it offers robust transportation through its shopping excursions, movie theater visits, and seasonal beach outings.
Substantial is daily nursing care, averaging 4 hours and 22 minutes per resident day. This support level includes registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses working 24/7 to meet residents’ needs. The community’s average stay length of 27 days reflects a blend of short-term respite guests and longer-term residents seeking active care and support. Dining is a highlight, with an on-site Executive Chef preparing three home-cooked meals daily from scratch. Residents can eat in the spacious dining hall or enjoy private dining rooms for special occasions. This lends a personal touch to meals and gatherings. The chef also leads cooking demonstrations and classes, inviting residents to engage in the kitchen when wanted. Built around activities and engagement is the daily rhythm. The community hosts regular entertainment like live musicians and cooking demos, along with organized outings such as shopping trips, movie visits, and beach days. Residents can do hobbies via craft classes, art, and book clubs. On-site amenities span a fishing pond for relaxation, billiards for recreation, a fitness center for exercise, and a full salon and barber shop with massage and nail services. The facility is pet-friendly and offers Wi-Fi throughout, with computer stations present for those wanting to stay connected.
Generally, inspections have been smooth over the past decade, with no deficiencies noted across multiple surveys from 2019 to 2025. The community showed improvement after addressing some earlier concerns surrounding documentation and staffing procedures.
Overview of The Bristol at Tampa Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
Enjoy an improved quality of life in your golden years with The Bristol at Tampa Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, a reliable community in Tampa, FL for short-term and long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. Their excellent care team is well-trained in a wide range of specialties to ensure residents’ every need is met, including daily living assistance, rehabilitative services, and other complex medical management services. Residents also enjoy the comfort and privacy provided by their private and semi-private accommodations with housekeeping services for their convenience.
An array of social activities is also organized regularly to help residents maintain an active and well-connected lifestyle while going through their recovery or maintaining their well-being. Fresh, delicious meals are also served with flexible dining options to ensure residents are always nourished and energized. With conveniences like an on-site salon, telehealth consultations, and transportation services, residents’ lives are made more comfortable and convenient.
Overview of West Melbourne Health and Rehabilitation Center
The West Melbourne Health and Rehabilitation Center is a pillar of care, serving the vibrant city of Melbourne, Brevard County, and the wider eastern Central Florida Region. It offers a distinguished and refreshing alternative to the conventional long-term care and rehabilitation facility. During meal times, residents are offered the choice of savoring their meals in the comfort of their room or within a restaurant-style dining area, ensuring that their dining experience is as enjoyable and varied as their overall stay. At this facility, an unwavering commitment to quality is complemented by the presence of a professional and compassionate staff, setting the stage for a superior experience. Residents are invited to unwind in the outdoor courtyards and partake in diverse daily activities designed to keep them engaged and active. The environment is meticulously designed, with beautifully decorated common areas that evoke a sense of warmth and welcome.
Overview of Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center
Set in Gainesville, Florida, Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center provides a comforting and healing approach to care. They provide an array of equipment, services, and surroundings that enhance the daily lives of seniors, catering to their medical needs, rehabilitation requirements, and the need for companionship. The community also features amenities like a private enclosed courtyard, providing residents a serene space to unwind.
Additionally, their commitment to convenience is reflected in services such as complimentary transportation and a modern rehabilitation gym. Engaging activities, ranging from games to arts and crafts, as well as light exercise classes like chair yoga, ensure that residents stay active and involved. Families can rest assured knowing that Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center provides the best care in nursing homes, a fact echoed by glowing nursing home reviews.
Manatee Springs Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, established in 1985, excels as a pillar of support in Bradenton, Florida. With 120 beds, this healthcare center has earned trust through its exceptional services. Their offerings include temporary respite stays, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term skilled nursing care, all delivered with unparalleled expertise and a compassionate touch. What differentiates it is their immediate access to hospital specialists and emergency care, ensuring not only top-notch care but also peace of mind for families.
Their comprehensive care services extend to memory care for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, along with nutritional management, orthopedic and stroke rehabilitation, and more. But what truly defines Manatee Springs is their remarkable staff, known for their positive approach and dedication. Residents experience a secure, vibrant living environment, where ongoing events and activities create a sense of community, making it not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.
Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs is a nursing home in Altamonte Springs, FL, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community’s supportive and home-like environment also ensures older adults are well-cared for. With 24-hour care, dietitian-approved meals, housekeeping, and laundry services, residents can focus on their healing. Through personalized care plans, residents receive the utmost attention and care for their unique needs.
Social events, religious services, and exercises help enhance residents’ holistic well-being. Residents are also encourage to use top-notch amenities, including the beauty salon, library, and courtyards for relaxation. Located along East Altamonte Drive, near shops and public transportation, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is committed to helping older adults thrive in retirement, making it a good option for senior living in Florida.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Florida
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Florida?
Assisted living in Florida is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does Florida Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Florida Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 252 nursing homes in Florida. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Florida?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Florida, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Florida?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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