SB 464 revises Florida law governing certified recovery residences. It updates the statutory definition of a certified recovery residence, clarifying that a Level IV certified recovery residence is one offered, referred, or provided by a licensed service provider to patients who must reside there while receiving intensive outpatient or higher levels of outpatient care. The bill describes these residences as 24-hour staffed settings that combine outpatient licensable services with recovery-oriented residential living, while specifying that no clinical services are provided onsite and that all licensable services are delivered offsite.
The bill also strengthens oversight of recovery residence certification. It requires a credentialing entity to revoke a certificate of compliance if a certified recovery residence willfully, knowingly, or intentionally provides false or misleading information to the credentialing entity. In addition, it revises the applicability of the law governing referrals to or from recovery residences by exempting licensed service providers under contract with a managing entity from certain referral restrictions. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill amends sections 397.311, 397.487, and 397.4873 of the Florida Statutes, affecting the regulation and certification of recovery residences within the substance use treatment system. It narrows and clarifies the statutory definition of Level IV certified recovery residences, imposes a mandatory revocation consequence for intentional misrepresentation to credentialing entities, and adjusts referral-law applicability for certain licensed service providers. These changes primarily affect recovery residence operators, credentialing entities, licensed service providers, managing entities, and patients receiving outpatient substance use treatment services.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a regulatory and accountability update rather than a controversial policy shift. The overall tone is likely supportive of clearer standards and stronger enforcement for certified recovery residences, especially to protect patients and preserve program integrity. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented opposition or recorded sentiment from debate in the available materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the bill’s mandatory revocation requirement for residences that intentionally provide false or misleading information, which increases enforcement severity and reduces discretion for credentialing entities. Another possible issue is the revised exemption for licensed service providers under contract with a managing entity, which may be viewed as either a necessary clarification for treatment-provider referrals or as a narrowing of referral restrictions. Because no committee discussion or vote history is available, specific supporters or opponents cannot be identified from the record provided.
Health: substance use disorder prevention; competitive grant program to provide grants for recovery community organizations; modify. Amends sec. 273b of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1273b).