This Minor Renovation Could Lead to a Big Compliance Issue
If you’ve ever looked around your facility and thought, “That room could be used for something better,” you’re not alone. I’ve been there too — eyeing a quiet storage space or old office and thinking, “We could fit one more resident in here.”
But here’s the deal…
Even small changes to how you use space inside your assisted living facility can trigger compliance issues if you don’t get the right approvals first.
AHCA Cares About How You Use Every Room
There’s a regulation — 59A-36.004 — that a lot of people miss. It basically says:
If you change the way you use a room, especially for resident use or to increase capacity, you’ve got to get AHCA’s approval.
And there are two different types of approval, depending on what you’re doing.
🔄 If You’re Increasing Your Capacity…
Let’s say you want to add a resident room. Maybe you’re thinking of turning your staff lounge or an old breakroom into a bedroom.
If that change increases the number of residents your license covers, you’ll need to go through AHCA’s Central Office.
They’ll want to see:
- That the space meets Florida’s physical plant standards
- Updated fire safety and sanitation inspections
It sounds like a lot — but it’s way easier to handle up front than trying to explain it during a survey later.
🛋️ If You’re Just Converting Space for Resident Use…
Now let’s say you’re not adding capacity — maybe you’re turning a little-used office into a resident lounge or activity room.
In that case, you still need approval — this time from AHCA’s Field Office — if that space wasn’t previously approved for resident use.
They’ll want to know:
- Is the room safe?
- Is it up to code?
- Has it been inspected for fire and sanitation standards?
Even if it’s a great upgrade for your residents, it still has to be cleared officially.
Why This Trips Up So Many Facilities
Honestly, this is one of those rules that feels minor — until it isn’t.
I’ve talked to plenty of owners who made a change thinking, “It’s just one room — AHCA won’t notice.”
But they do. And they’ll ask for:
- Your updated floor plan
- Proof that it was approved
- Inspection records
If you don’t have them, it can lead to citations, delays, or worse — a freeze on new admissions while you sort it out.
What I Recommend
Before you change how you use any room, ask yourself:
- Does this add capacity?
- Will residents be using this space in a new way?
If the answer is yes to either, hit pause and reach out to AHCA — Central Office for capacity changes, Field Office for new resident-use space.
And make sure you’re ready with fire and sanitation compliance documents.
Final Word
Look, we’re all trying to make the most of the space we have. I get it. But don’t let a quick renovation turn into a long-term problem. A little paperwork now can save a whole lot of headaches later.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to help. I’ve walked through this process with plenty of facilities.