AHCA Advertising Rules Every Assisted Living Facility Must Follow
Marketing an assisted living facility in Florida goes beyond attractive images and catchy captions. Every advertisement—whether online or offline—must comply with rules set by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Understanding these requirements helps protect your license, your reputation, and the trust of families searching for care.
What AHCA Considers an Advertisement
AHCA defines advertising very broadly. Any message designed to promote your assisted living facility falls under this category. This includes:
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Websites and landing pages
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Social media posts and paid ads
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Flyers, brochures, and mailers
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Radio, TV, and digital ads
If the content promotes your facility in any way, it must meet AHCA standards.
Core Advertising Rules You Must Follow
Accuracy Is Non-Negotiable
All marketing claims must be truthful and verifiable. Promising services you do not offer—or overstating the level of care—can lead to serious compliance issues.
License Information Must Be Visible
Your assisted living license number must appear clearly in every advertisement. This allows the public to confirm that your facility is properly licensed and operating legally.
Only Advertise Services You Are Approved to Provide
If you reference specialized services such as memory care or Alzheimer’s support, your facility must be authorized and equipped to provide those services. Advertising care levels you are not licensed for is a common and costly mistake.
Religious Affiliation Must Be Disclosed
Facilities connected to religious organizations must clearly state this affiliation in their marketing. Transparency helps families make informed decisions and prevents misunderstandings later.
Why Advertising Compliance Matters
Non-compliant advertising can result in citations, fines, and increased scrutiny from regulators. In some cases, misleading marketing may even impact your license status. Beyond penalties, inaccurate advertising damages credibility with families and referral partners.
Simple Ways to Stay Compliant
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Review all marketing materials on a regular schedule
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Remove outdated service descriptions immediately
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Ensure your license number is included everywhere
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Educate staff and marketing vendors on AHCA rules
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Double-check ads before publishing, especially paid campaigns
Final Thoughts
Effective marketing brings residents through your doors—but compliance keeps your doors open. When your advertising is clear, honest, and aligned with AHCA requirements, you protect your facility while building trust with the families you serve.
If you’re unsure whether your current marketing meets AHCA standards, a proactive review can prevent future problems before they start.