Medicaid Spend-Down in Florida

Florida is an income-cap state for nursing home Medicaid, with asset rules that follow the federal baseline. It also has an active 60-month look-back period, which matters for any family considering asset transfers before applying.

Income limit

The 2026 income limit for a single Nursing Home Medicaid applicant in Florida is $2,982/month; for married applicants with both spouses applying, it's a combined $5,964/month. Because Florida doesn't offer a medically-needy spend-down for excess income, applicants over the cap typically need a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust). Nursing home residents keep a $160/month personal needs allowance from their income.

Asset limit

The asset limit for a single applicant is $2,000 in countable assets. For married applicants where both spouses are applying, the combined limit is $3,000.

Community Spouse Resource Allowance

When only one spouse applies, the applicant's asset limit stays at $2,000, while the non-applicant community spouse can typically retain up to $162,660 (2026) under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance.

What to do if your parent is over the limit

Florida's 60-month look-back period makes timing especially important — see spend-down vs. the look-back period before moving any assets. For assets over $2,000, asset spend-down is the standard path, and our countable vs. exempt assets guide covers what actually counts. Our spend-down calculator can give a rough starting estimate using Florida's current asset limit; confirm specifics with a Florida elder law attorney before acting.