FALA was founded when three regional associations, Suncoast Adult Care Association (St. Petersburg/Clearwater), Florida Residential Care Association (Orlando), The Adult Care Association of Florida (Broward County) and many independent facility owners statewide, decided to join forces to create one “voice” for Adult Congregate Living Facilities (ACLFs) in Florida. This dynamic groups’ focus was on legislative action, government relations and making changes that would enhance the ACLF industry. FALA lobbied successfully through subsequent years to increase funding for ALFs, find new sources of funding (Medicaid Waiver) and to change the then unpopular name of ACLFs to the preferred name that we use today, Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs). In 1997,
At the 2004 Annual Conference, FALA’s membership once again made history when they voted to amend our Bylaws to allow membership for Adult Family Care Homes (AFCH).
Today, FALA is the largest state association representing assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.