AARP Florida signals legislative priorities to protect seniors

From keeping seniors safe in emergencies to protecting them from scammers, AARP Florida released its 2026 Legislative Priorities.

“AARP’s mission in the legislative process is clear: provide data-driven insights, champion innovative policy solutions, and ensure the voices of older Floridians are heard,” said AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson. “We’re committed to working hand-in-hand with lawmakers to make Florida a place where people of all ages can thrive.”

As the Regular Session convenes Tuesday, the AARP said its agenda fits into four key areas — affordable housing, “health security” to improve Home and Community-Based Services and enhance nursing home quality, expand consumer protections to protect seniors from fraud and abuse, as well as providing more accessible retirement saving opportunities, the organization said in a press release.

AARP Florida said it wants to improve staffing and training and stronger oversight in nursing homes. 

Florida’s 2.7 million family caregivers need more support — including respite care — as they care for aging family members, AARP Florida said.

Seniors also need more telehealth and digital tools, but that needs to come with training and infrastructure to help people access them, AARP Florida said.

The AARP Florida also wants to expand access to Home and Community-Based Services by increasing state investment through Medicaid and other funding streams,” the organization said, adding it wants to “prioritize services that allow older adults to age in place with dignity and independence.”

Strengthening consumer protections, the AARP Florida wants better “interagency and interorganizational coordination, data sharing and reporting to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation,” the press release said.

To keep seniors safe from scams, AARP Florida is also asking lawmakers for stronger law enforcement and increased education to warn seniors about exploitative schemes targeting the elderly.

When it comes to housing, the AARP Florida backs zoning reforms, inclusive development and eviction protections to help seniors find affordable housing, the organization said. In addition, AARP Florida is urging lawmakers to ensure seniors and people with disabilities aren’t overlooked in emergency planning so they can access shelters and post-emergency assistance.

Johnson said volunteer advocates will help lobby lawmakers as AARP Florida seeks to support Floridians ages 50 and up.

“Our volunteers will once again join us at the Capitol during this Legislative Session. Their passion and real-life experiences help lawmakers understand how legislation impacts older adults,” Johnson said. “Over the years, their advocacy has championed meaningful changes for Floridians.”