Texas just passed a law regulating senior living referral agencies. Here’s what it means for Florida families — and how Your Key to Senior Living Options already puts your best interests first.
A New Standard for Senior Living Referrals — and Why Florida Families Should Care
On June 20, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 1383 into law, immediately establishing new, much-needed standards for agencies that refer seniors to senior living communities. This landmark legislation enhances transparency, ethics, professionalism, and accountability in the senior placement industry, serving as a powerful model for other states to consider, including Florida.
While this law does not yet apply in Florida, it serves as an important guidepost. At Your Key to Senior Living Options, we believe Florida seniors deserve the same protections and we already operate with many of these best practices in place.
Let’s take a closer look at what SB 1383 covers and how we compare.
💡 What Does SB 1383 Do?
SB 1383 amends the Texas Business & Commerce Code by creating Chapter 121, which regulates senior living referral agencies. The law focuses on:
✅ Full Disclosure
Agencies must clearly explain their services, whether communities or clients pay the referral fees, and whether the community list is exhaustive.
How We Compare in Florida:
We always provide full transparency to families and the communities we serve. You’ll know up front how we’re compensated (at no cost to you), and we regularly explain your right to stop working with us at any time, without pressure or obligation.
✅ Personalized Referrals
Texas agencies must prioritize the client’s personal needs and preferences, not just financial incentives.
How We Compare in Florida:
This is our standard. At Your Key to Senior Living Options, we take time to understand your loved one’s lifestyle, care needs, social preferences, and budget. We don’t simply match you to whoever pays a fee — we match you to what fits.
✅ Conflict-of-Interest Bans
Texas now prohibits agencies from referring to communities in which they have ownership or financial interests.
How We Compare in Florida:
While Florida law currently allows these conflicts, we do not engage in any ownership arrangements that would bias our referrals. We believe trust must be earned, not bought.
✅ Referral to Licensed Communities Only
Texas requires agencies to verify licenses and avoid referring to unlicensed or non-exempt facilities.
How We Compare in Florida:
We already do this and more. We regularly visit these communities, building relationships with staff and residents, and gaining an understanding of both the triumphs and challenges of each setting. We will never recommend a community we wouldn’t feel comfortable placing our own family in. Your trust means everything to us, and we take that responsibility seriously.
✅ Higher Professional Standards
Texas agencies are required to carry liability insurance, conduct background checks, train staff in ethics, and formally notify communities of referrals.
How We Compare in Florida:
We already meet — and exceed — these standards:
-
✅ We carry professional liability insurance
-
✅ We operate under a clear code of ethics
-
✅ We notify communities when referring families
-
✅ We perform background checks on all staff and hold ourselves to a high standard of professionalism, compassion, and integrity
We believe every agency in Florida should meet these expectations, whether it’s the law or not. You deserve nothing less.
✅ Clear Payment Terms
Texas limits referral fees on intra-community transfers and sets deadlines for fee collection to prevent abuse.
How We Compare in Florida:
Florida has no equivalent regulation, and unfortunately, some agencies take advantage of vague fee structures. We are committed to ethical billing practices and never charge seniors directly for our help. This is an area the entire Florida industry could improve on, and we’re proud to lead by example.
🌴 Why This Matters in Florida — Even Without the Law
Florida has one of the largest senior populations in the country, yet no statewide regulation currently exists for placement and referral agencies. That leaves families vulnerable to:
-
Biased or incomplete recommendations
-
Hidden conflicts of interest
-
Low training standards
-
Inconsistent disclosure of fees or services
The Texas law raises the bar and shows what’s possible.
At Your Key to Senior Living Options, we don’t wait for legislation to do what’s right. We already hold ourselves to a higher standard, because your family deserves:
-
🧭 Clarity: We explain exactly what we do, how we’re paid, and what your options are.
-
🧠 Expertise: Our advisors are trained and informed on community licensing, care standards, and local options.
-
❤️ Compassion: We treat your loved one like our own — with honesty, empathy, and zero pressure.
🤝 A Call to Action for Florida
We applaud organizations like the National Placement and Referral Alliance (NPRA) and their advocacy in Texas. It’s time for similar efforts here in Florida. If you’re a family navigating senior care — or a policymaker who cares about elder safety, let’s talk.
In the meantime, choose an advisor who operates like SB 1383 is already law. Choose Your Key to Senior Living Options.
📞 Ready to talk to a senior living advisor who puts your needs first?
Schedule a free consultation today — no pressure, no fee, just help.
RELATED CONTENT
THE UNSUNG GUIDES HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE THE JOURNEY OF AGING
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF WAITING TO LONG TO MOVE TO ASSISTED LIVING
MEMORY CARE VS ASSISTED LIVING
And just like you, I’ve been a caregiver.
I share my knowledge and tips to help seniors and families as they navigate the complicated process of senior living options.
- WHY AGING PARENTS MINIMIZE OR LIE ABOUT HOW THEY ARE REALLY DOING - February 21, 2026
- PARKINSON’S DESEASE & THE GUT:WHAT DR. WILL BULSIEWICZ & THE SCIENCE AGREE ON - February 14, 2026
- IS ALZHEIMER’S REVERSIBLE?WHAT A NEW MOUSE STUDY REALLY MEANS FOR FAMILIES - February 7, 2026
MAUREEN CAMPAIOLA
I’m the VP for Operations for Your Key To Senior Living Options, and an entrepreneur, frustrated TikToker, skincare and makeup lover, and coffee fanatic. I live in a multi-generational household with my grown daughter Carrie, son-in-law Paul and grandkids Lucas, Madelyn, and Aubrey. And just like you, I’ve been a caregiver. I share my knowledge and tips to help seniors and families as they navigate the complicated process of senior living options.