Home / Sober homes
Sober homes in Palm Beach County
A good recovery residence can help a lot. Here is how to check one before you move in.
Last checked November 2026
ASK THE HOUSE MANAGER
- Are you FARR certified?
- Who owns this house?
- Am I tied to a treatment program?
What a recovery residence is
A sober home, or recovery residence, is shared housing for people in recovery. It is not treatment. People usually pay rent, follow house rules and stay sober, and many go to outpatient care or work during the day.
How to check one
Florida’s certification is voluntary, and it runs through the Florida Association of Recovery Residences, or FARR. You can search FARR’s list, and Florida DCF also publishes information on certified homes and administrators.
- Visit it, and meet the house manager.
- Ask how drug testing works, and who pays for it.
- Ask what happens if someone relapses.
- Read the lease or agreement before you pay.
- Be wary of free rent tied to attending a specific program.
Sources
- Florida Association of Recovery Residences
- Florida DCF, Recovery Residences
- Florida Statutes, 817.505 Patient brokering
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do sober homes need a license in Florida?
They are not licensed like treatment programs. Certification is voluntary, but Florida limits referrals by licensed providers to homes that aren’t certified.
How long do people stay?
It varies. Ask the house about its minimum stay and how you leave.
Does insurance pay for a sober home?
Usually not. Rent is typically your cost.
Is free rent a good deal?
Be careful. Free rent in return for attending a certain program is a warning sign of patient brokering.