FL S1290

Requires all recovery residences in Florida to obtain and maintain mandatory certification through the Department of Children and Families, replacing the previous voluntary certification system; residences operating as of July 1, 2026 must apply by January 1, 2027

Revises the four-tier classification system (Levels I-IV) for recovery residences based on support intensity, with Level I requiring minimum 9 months sobriety, Level II providing traditional sober living oversight, Level III offering 24/7 staffing with structured programming, and Level IV combining residential living with intensive outpatient care

Prohibits recovery residences from denying admission solely because an individual is prescribed federally approved medication for substance use disorder treatment, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act, while allowing 100-percent abstinence-based programs to restrict admission under specific circumstances

Establishes that recovery residence administrators must hold valid certification and defines active management responsibilities including compliance oversight, staff supervision, crisis management, and recovery support programming

Removes exemptions that previously allowed licensed service providers under contract with managing entities to make referrals to uncertified recovery residences, strengthening referral requirements across the system