Senior Living Apartments in St Petersburg, FL

Senior apartments do not include certain services such as personal care or meals, and they are not considered long-term care communities, but instead general housing.

For the most part, residents in senior apartments use their own personal funds to pay for the cost of living. However, there are housing assistance programs that can be useful to offset the cost of housing for low-income seniors and veterans. Veterans will also have access to benefits that could help them cover the cost of living in a senior apartment. Those who need in-home medical care can use benefits from Medicaid, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, or other long-term health care insurance programs.

This section will cover private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicaid and Medicare resources.

Because Florida senior apartments do not provide in-home medical care, they are not required to be regularly inspected like senior living facilities such as nursing homes. However, they are still subject to the same laws as any other rental facility in Florida.

All senior apartments must abide by Florida law, including the Fair Housing Act. This law ensures that landlords cannot refuse housing to a person or persons based on race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.^[02] All Florida properties must also follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some of the regulations have crossover with other laws; for example, a landlord cannot refuse housing or raise rent specifically because someone has a support animal. Landlords also must let tenants make reasonable modifications to their housing if those modifications are necessary to the tenant. Other protections afforded by the Fair Housing act include:

• Assigning close parking spaces for people with mobility issues
• Allowing persons with disabilities to mail their rent as opposed to delivering it themselves
• Letting tenants with disabilities break their lease if they need to move for health reasons
• Allowing tenants to move to more suitable units if they were to become available ^[03]

While inspections are not common for senior apartments, tenants are allowed to request them if they feel they are necessary. As of May 26, 2022, any building that is more than three stories tall, within three miles of the beach, or past their milestone must be inspected every 10 years. Tenants can also file complaints, which will then be looked into by the Office of Human Rights.

There are requirements for a place to be considered a senior community. The main requirement is that 80% (or more) of a building must be occupied by individuals 55 or older. No one in the building can be under 45 years old. For more information, click here to read about St. Petersburg renters’ rights.

Florida Department of Health contact information

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for St. Petersburg senior apartments communities

There are currently no regulations for COVID-19 in the state of Florida or in St. Petersburg; however, the city recommends following these Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Senior apartments are designed specifically to offer a more convenient way for seniors to live. You won’t find a dedicated medical staff at a senior apartment, but you will find accessibility options that make senior apartments a great place for retirees.

In St. Petersburg, senior apartment offerings range from studios to one- or two-bedroom options; many are situated close to the water, enabling residents quick access to the beach or the pool and clubhouse amenities.

Amenities for a leisurely lifestyle

Located on St. Petersburg’s waterfront area, the senior apartments in the area provide easy access to St. Petersburg‘s pristine beaches and the downtown area of Gulfport, which includes both businesses and cultural events. Their balconies offer a view of the bay, and many offer cabanas near their pools to truly reinforce the feeling of being at a beach retreat. From internet cafés to sundeck lounges to boat docks, St. Petersburg’s senior apartments offer on-site features to help residents feel at home. These are amenities you can expect from a senior apartment in the surrounding area of St. Petersburg:

• Outdoor features with sundecks, courtyards, and water features
• Fitness centers
• Clubhouse, lounge, and pool

Activities provide social outlets for seniors

Many apartment communities offer planned social activities, and St. Petersburg itself has a wide range of services and programs designed to help seniors stay active and engaged in the community, including senior centers. The area’s warm, sunny climate makes outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, boating, and walking possible on a regular basis.

Range of options to provide safety and low-maintenance living

Many apartment complexes in the St. Petersburg area offer 24-hour emergency maintenance service, giving residents peace of mind. Some also offer guest apartments so residents can have visitors nearby. Common safety features in these communities can make seniors feel more comfortable as they age; many units are often designed with senior-friendly features for accessibility, such as elevators and wide doorways.

Senior apartments in the surrounding St. Petersburg suburbs

Seniors looking beyond the 10-mile radius of downtown St. Petersburg will find even more senior apartment options. Expanding the radius to within 25 miles of St. Petersburg surfaces four A Place for Mom partner facilities; three of these are standalone senior apartments, while one offers a combination of assisted living, independent living, and senior apartments. This care combination is frequently sought-after, as it allows residents to receive the care they need throughout different stages of their lives.

There are 12 independent living partner facilities located within 10 miles of downtown St. Petersburg. Interested seniors may want to determine whether these facilities are a better fit for their needs.

Health care for seniors in St. Petersburg

Transportation for seniors in St. Petersburg

Those who live in St. Petersburg will find it necessary to have their own transportation. While there are areas that are friendly for walking or biking, it is not a city that is entirely connected. While St. Petersburg only has a walk score of 43 (out of 100, meaning you will need a car), it also boasts a bike score of 59, which means there is some bike infrastructure.^[06] The score is calculated by taking in many factors including walking routes, biking routes, and public density. The most walkable areas in St. Petersburg are downtown, Allendale-Five Points, and Crescent Heights.

There are a few options when it comes to public transportation. Seniors needing public transportation can use the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). The PSTA offers discounts for seniors over the age of 65 and has accessible bussing options. There is a Disabled Special Citizen Program that allows people with disabilities to ride at a discount.

Senior activities in St. Petersburg

With plenty of sun all year, you are going to want to be out and about in St. Petersburg, Florida. The good news is that there is plenty to do! If you want to go on a beautiful nighttime walk, why not check out the gorgeous Island Sunset and Skywalk Light Show? Cruises are available for those who prefer the waterway; the area is known for dolphin sightings. After sunset, enjoy a big-budget light show at the Skyway Bridge that is said to rival Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World.

Of course, there is plenty to do out in nature during daytime as well. The Shell Key Preserve offers gorgeous kayak tours, where you’ll be able to see into the clear and shallow waters beneath you. You can even take a dip at Shell Key Shoal Beach before kayaking to the preserve!

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offers a wide range of habitats to experience and is perfect for a night out camping. If you want to get a bit closer to local wildlife and see one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast, check out Sawgrass Lake Park. Bird lovers will be especially thrilled to visit!

When you need to take a break in the shade, St. Petersburg has plenty of museums and other activities for those who are seeking a more artistic experience. The Duncan McClellan Gallery is one of the best museums for glasswork that you’ll find anywhere. Those looking for a more contemporary flare will want to check out the Morean Arts Center. Lovers of Salvador Dalí will be thrilled to spend time in the Dalí Museum, which features artwork that spans his entire lifetime. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful garden and a delicious café.

When you want to make the art yourself, Charlie Parker Pottery offers a space to meet new people, learn new skills, and lean into your artistic side.

Those seeking to expand their social circle can do so at the Sunshine Center, a senior center hosted by St. Petersburg’s Parks & Recreation Department. The Sunshine Center offers multiple inclusive services, including educational classes, wellness programs, recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, and support groups.