The 12-Hour Rule That Can Erase Your ALF Certification
What Florida Administrators Must Know About 59A-36.011
If you’re an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) administrator or manager in Florida, there’s one rule that quietly carries huge consequences: Fail to complete your required continuing education, and the state will treat you like you’re brand new—regardless of how long you’ve been in the industry.
Here’s what you need to know about 59A-36.011, F.A.C., and how to protect your license, your time, and your peace of mind.
✅ What the Rule Says
Under 59A-36.011(3)(c):
Administrators and managers must complete 12 hours of continuing education in topics related to assisted living every two years.
This CEU requirement is tied directly to keeping your Core Training status active.
⚠️ What Happens If You Miss the 12-Hour Requirement?
Let’s say you completed the Core Training and passed the Competency Test, but failed to complete your 12 hours of CEUs within two years.
Here’s what happens next:
- You are now considered a “new” administrator or manager.
- You must retake the ALF Core Training.
- You must retake and pass the Core Competency Test.
That means paying again, studying again, and risking not passing again — all for missing a few hours of CEUs.
💵 The Competency Test Isn’t Free
Per 59A-36.011(3)(e):
- The competency test fee is capped at $200
- It must be paid to the entity administering the test
- If you fail, you pay again for every retake
📁 Keep Your Documentation On-Site
Your CEUs don’t need to be submitted to the state — but they must be kept in your staff file. If AHCA or a regulatory reviewer asks, you need to show:
- Proof of completion (certificates)
- Training dates and topics
- The name of the provider
Keep it clean, current, and ready for review.
🧠 What Counts Toward CEUs?
CEUs must relate to assisted living operations or resident care. Common topics include:
- Compliance and regulation updates
- Medication management
- Emergency preparedness
- Resident rights and dignity
- Operational best practices
Make sure your hours come from approved CEU providers or recognized continuing education sources.
✅ Take Control Now
Don’t wait for an audit or a renewal deadline to discover you’re out of compliance. At ALF BOSS, we offer targeted, affordable CEU training designed specifically for Florida ALF administrators and managers.
Visit alfboss.com to view current CEU courses and stay on track — because your time, license, and career are worth protecting.