The bill amends sections of Florida Statutes related to recovery residences, specifically focusing on the licensure process and background screening requirements. It mandates that the Department of Children and Families must require a level 2 background screening for certain individuals involved with licensed service providers when there is a transfer of 5 percent or greater of the controlling interest. Additionally, the bill allows existing licensed service providers to add new levels of care without needing to admit individuals during the probationary period, provided they have no outstanding violations and have not faced actions against their existing license in the past year.

Furthermore, the bill removes a provision that prohibited certified recovery residences from denying individuals access to housing based solely on their prescription of federally approved medication for substance use disorders, effective January 1, 2025. The changes aim to streamline the licensing process for recovery residences while ensuring that individuals seeking treatment have access to necessary services. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 923 Filed: 397.410, 397.415
H 923 c1: 397.487