Unheard.
Until Now.
FIDJ speaks for those unable to speak for themselves.
FIDJ: Florida Intermediate Care Facility Abuse, Neglect, and Wrongful Death Lawyers
When you place a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability in an intermediate care facility (ICF/DD), you’re trusting that they will be safe, properly supervised, and treated with dignity. But too often, that trust is betrayed—and the result is devastating.
At FIDJ, we represent victims and their families when something goes horribly wrong.
If your loved one was neglected, injured, or died in a Florida intermediate care facility, we will fight for answers—and for justice.
At FIDJ, we fight inequity and demand justice for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals abused and neglected in Florida intermediate care facilities.
Every family’s story is different, but the red flags of ICF/DD abuse and neglect often look the same...
Choking during meals, especially involving nonverbal residents
Medications stopped or skipped without a doctor’s order
Unsupervised wandering or eloping from the facility
Bedsores in residents with limited mobility
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or signs of poor hygiene
Prolonged exposure to soiled clothing or bedding
Rotting teeth or lack of basic dental care
Sudden changes in behavior, like fear, withdrawal, or agitation
Rapid, unexplained weight loss
Broken bones or bruises with no clear explanation
Use of restraints for staff convenience
If something about your loved one’s situation feels off, it probably is.
Neglect isn’t always obvious—until it’s too late.
Common Conditions of
ICF/DD Residents
and Why it Matters.
Intermediate care facilities serve residents with lifelong developmental or intellectual disabilities. Oftentimes, these disabilities make it difficult, if not impossible, for residents to speak up for themselves, report abuse, or convey their thoughts to a trusted caregiver or family member. Common conditions of ICF/DD residents include:
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Down syndrome
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Intellectual Disability (ID)
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Cerebral Palsy
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Prader-Willi syndrome
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Spina Bifida
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Phelan-McDermid syndrome
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Fragile X syndrome
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
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Severe maladaptive behaviors
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Dual diagnoses (developmental disability & mental illness)
What is Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) Abuse?
Intermediate care facility abuse occurs when staff intentionally cause harm to a resident or engage in conduct that they know, or should know, will cause injury, fear, or emotional distress. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. Because victims of intermediate care facility abuse often cannot advocate for themselves, families must watch for red flags and speak up when their gut says something is wrong.
What is Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) Neglect?
Intermediate care facility neglect is different from abuse. Abuse typically involves intentional actions meant to cause harm, while neglect often stems from inaction, carelessness, or inadequate staffing. Even without malicious intent, neglect still violates an ICF/DD resident’s rights and can cause serious injury or death.
Neglect occurs when an intermediate care facility fails to provide the basic care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain a resident’s health and safety. While some warning signs, like bedsores or malnutrition, can also appear in abuse cases, neglect is generally defined by failure to act rather than purposeful mistreatment. However, when neglect is extreme, repeated, or knowingly ignored, it can rise to the level of abuse under Florida law. Because victims of intermediate care facility neglect often cannot advocate for themselves, families must be vigilant and speak up when something doesn't seem right.
To learn more about the Florida minimum standards for Intermediate Care Facilities, read our article titled, "Florida Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/DD) Standards: Minimum Requirements for Safety, Care, and Oversight."
How a Florida ICF/DD Abuse, Neglect, & Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Intermediate care facility abuse, neglect, and wrongful death cases are not like ordinary personal injury claims. They involve highly regulated healthcare environments, complex medical records, and ICF/DD operators who are often backed by teams of defense lawyers and insurance companies. Without an experienced intermediate care facility abuse, neglect, and wrongful death lawyer, families may be led into accepting low settlements that don’t reflect the harm done or misled by facility claims that the resident’s injuries were “unavoidable” or "self-inflicted". A lawyer who understands intermediate care facility operations knows where to find the most important evidence, how to secure it before it disappears, and how to use it to hold the intermediate care facilities accountable. Intermediate care facility abuse, neglect, and wrongful death lawyers can navigate Florida’s ICF/DD laws, work with medical experts to prove your case, and protect your loved one’s rights every step of the way.
Experience Matters: Why FIDJ is the Right Choice for Your ICF/DD Abuse, Neglect, or Wrongful Death Case
At FIDJ, we don’t take every type of personal injury case. We focus our injury practice on abuse, neglect, and wrongful death claims involving:
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Florida nursing homes (also known as skilled nursing facilities)
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Florida assisted living facilities
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Florida group homes (for adults with disabilities)
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Florida intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled
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Florida adult day care centers
This is where our experience matters. We understand the unique laws that protect Florida’s most vulnerable residents, and we know how to hold facilities accountable when they violate those laws.
When you hire FIDJ, you get focused lawyers that:
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Previously spent decades on the other side, defending care facilities. We know how they operate, where they cut corners, and the litigation strategies with the most impact.
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Have over 66 years of combined litigation and trial experience.
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Handle cases from start to finish, including jury trials, when needed.
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Understand the unique evidence in ICF/DD cases and how to obtain it.
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Pursue maximum compensation to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages when justified.
We’re not a volume personal injury firm trying to cover every practice area from dog bites to car accidents. Instead, we are committed to holding nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, intermediate care facilities, and adult day care centers accountable when they fail to meet their obligations and harm some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
We Don't Get Paid Unless We Recover
At FIDJ, we handle intermediate care facility abuse, neglect, and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney’s fees at all unless we recover compensation for you. We invest the time, resources, and expertise needed to take on ICF/DDs and their insurance companies, and we take on all the financial risk so you don’t have to. If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing.
Evidence
Doesn't Last Forever.
In ICF/DD abuse, neglect, and wrongful death cases, time is critical, not just because of legal deadlines (known as Statutes of Limitation), but because vital evidence can disappear. Facilities may lose or erase surveillance footage, staff with critical first-hand knowledge may leave or become unreachable, and records can be “lost” or altered. Acting quickly helps preserve the proof needed to hold intermediate care facilities accountable.
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ICF/DD
Residents
Have Rights!
Under Florida law, individuals with developmental disabilities living in licensed intermediate care facilities are entitled to meaningful protections that ensure safety, dignity, and self-determination. These rights aren’t optional—they’re enforceable. If your loved one’s rights are being violated, it's time to take action!
Abuse, Neglect, & Exploitation
ICF/DD residents have the right to be free from physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation. No staff member, caregiver, or facility has the right to harm, ignore, or take advantage of someone in their care.
Freedom from Restraints & Seclusion
ICF/DD residents have the right to be free from physical, chemical, or mechanical restraints and seclusion. Restraints and/or seclusion can only be used in an emergency to prevent immediate harm. They may never be used for punishment, control, or staff convenience.
Prompt & Appropriate Medical Care
Intermediate care facilities are required to provide prompt and appropriate medical treatment and care for physical and mental ailments and for the prevention of any illness or disability. Medical treatment shall be consistent with the accepted standard of medical practice in the communication.
Visitation & Communication
ICF/DD residents have the right to stay connected to loved ones and advocates. This includes uncensored mail, confidential phone calls, and in-person visits. Isolation from others is never acceptable without a clear legal or safety justification.
Personal Property
ICF/DD residents can keep their clothing, belongings, and personal funds. Intermediate care facilities must safeguard these items and return them promptly.
Medical Decisions
Every ICF/DD resident has the right to be informed of their medical condition and participate in treatment decisions, including the right to refuse care. Only court-appointed guardians with specific authority may override this right.
Behavioral Interventions
ICF/DD residents may not be subjected to painful or coercive behavioral programs. Any behavior plan must be medically reviewed and follow strict oversight. Florida law prohibits the use of noxious stimuli and mandates safeguards to prevent abuse in treatment.
Freedom from Discrimination
ICF/DD residents cannot be excluded from public programs or services simply because they have a developmental disability. Discrimination in any form is a violation of their legal rights.
Civil Rights & Voting
ICF/DD residents cannot be denied their right to vote or participate in public life due to a disability, unless deemed incapacitated by a court or unless a court has specifically removed that right. ICF/DDs must support, not obstruct, this right.
See Fla. Stat. 393.13(3) and (4)
Learn More About Intermediate Care Facilities
What is an Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled?
In Florida, an Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled is a residential care facility that provides 24-hour medical, habilitative, and health-related services to residents diagnosed with an intellectual disability or related condition that manifests before age 18 and is expected to continue indefinitely, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Prader-Willi syndrome. Phelan-McDermid syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or severe maladaptive behaviors. These facilities must provide or arrange for the provision of the necessary care and services required for each resident to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, in accordance with 42 C.F.R. 483, Subpart I. ICF/DD services include the following:
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Activity services
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Dental services
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Dietary services (including therapeutic diets)
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Nursing services
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Pharmacy services
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Physician services
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Rehabilitative services (including physical, speech, occupational, mental health therapies, and intensive behavioral therapy, as applicable)
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Room/bed and maintenance services
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Routine personal hygiene items
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Social services
Is it an Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabed ("ICF/DD") or an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities ("ICF/IID")?
Generally, Florida regulations use the term Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD). However, the Federal regulations and Florida Medicaid rules use the term Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). In practice, both terms (and acronyms) refer to the same type of facility.
How many Intermediate Care Facilities are located in Florida?
As of April 2026, there were 105 intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled in Florida, totalling 2,794 beds. Of those, 11 facilities are operated by the state under the names Tacachale (Gainesville, Florida) and Sunland Center (Marianna, Florida), accounting for 735 beds.
Who are the largest ICF/DD providers in Florida (by number of beds)?
In Florida, the largest ICF/DD providers by number of beds include both private operators and state-run institutions. Among private providers, Sunrise Community operates the largest share of beds, followed Florida Mentor and Central Florida Communities. State-operated facilities, Tacachale in Gainesville and Sunland Center in Marianna, also represent a significant portion of total capacity. Overall, a relatively small number of providers control a large share of ICF/DD beds in Florida, as further illustrated in the chart below.
Who's Caring For Your Loved One?
If you're searching for a licensed intermediate care facility in Florida — or something doesn’t feel right — use our directory. We've compiled of list of every Florida intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled to help families stay in contact with their loved one, monitor care, and take action when needed. As advocates for individuals with disabilities, we believe transparency is the first step toward accountability.
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At FIDJ, we help victims and their families hold Florida nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, intermediate care facilities, and adult day care centers accountable for abuse, neglect, wrongful death, and elder care facility negligence. Our Florida elder and disabled person abuse attorneys fight inequity and demand justice for victims and their families.
Learn more about cases involving nursing home abuse, assisted living facility abuse, group home, intermediate care facility, and adult day care center abuse. Contact us for a FREE case review.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Florida ICF/DD Cases
I’m not sure if I have a case against a Florida ICF/DD. Can I speak with an attorney at FIDJ?
Absolutely. You should reach out to us if you have any concerns or suspicions regarding Florida intermediate care facility abuse or neglect. Our experienced attorneys are available to evaluate your situation and provide guidance on a path forward.
I cannot afford a lawyer. Can I still hire you to sue a Florida intermediate care facility for abuse, neglect, or wrongful death?
Yes. The experienced injury attorneys at FIDJ work on a contingency fee basis. That means, we only get paid if there is a monetary recovery associated with your case.
I might have signed an arbitration agreement. Can I still sue the ICF/DD for damages?
Yes. It’s common for care providers to include arbitration clauses in their agreements as a way to keep cases out of the public eye and limit potential damages. However, the experienced attorneys at FIDJ can carefully assess the validity and enforceability of your arbitration clause. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to challenge and potentially invalidate the arbitration agreement, allowing your case to proceed to civil court where it can be heard before a jury. In the event an arbitration clause is enforceable, our attorneys can still represent you in the arbitration process.
How long do I have to file a Florida ICF/DD abuse, neglect, or wrongful death lawsuit?
In Florida, ICF/DD injury cases must be brought within two (2) years of the date of injury and/or the date of death. This two (2) year deadline is known as a “statute of limitations”. However, do not delay, as there may be prior injuries that you do not know about. In addition, many care providers have notoriously high staff turnover rates. Therefore, unnecessary delay can make it more difficult to locate potential witnesses. To learn more about the applicable statute of limitations, check out our blog, "The Deadline to File a Florida Nursing Home, Assisted Living Facility, Group Home, or Adult Day Care Center Abuse or Neglect Case."
How long do Florida intermediate care facility lawsuits last?
Each case is unique. While some cases settle before a lawsuit is filed, other cases require a trial. As a rule of thumb, however, you can expect a jury trial within two (2) years of filing your lawsuit. The finality of cases can be extended by the appellate process. If your case is subject to a valid arbitration clause, you can generally expect a quicker resolution.
Are you going to handle my case or refer it to another law firm?
We are not an attorney referral service. If we take your Florida ICF/DD case, we intend to handle your Florida ICF/DD case.
Check out our latest blogs...
We Proudly Represent Clients In and Around These Major Florida Cities
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Hollywood, Lakeland, Ocala, Pensacola, Gainesville, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie, Melbourne, Tallahassee, Kissimmee, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Vero Beach, St. Augustine, Port Charlotte, Panama City
...and these Florida regions
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South Florida, Central Florida, North Florida, the Gulf Coast, Treasure Coast, Space Coast, the Panhandle, the Keys, Suncoast, Nature Coast, Big Bend, Emerald Coast, and First Coast.
What that Means
If you are searching for a "nursing home abuse lawyer near me," an "assisted living facility abuse lawyer near me," a "group home abuse lawyer near me," an "intermediate care facility abuse lawyer near me," or an "adult day care center abuse lawyer near me," FIDJ has you covered.
Do you need an attorney who handles cases near you or your loved one? Our attorneys handle cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect, assisted living facility abuse and neglect, group home abuse and neglect, intermediate care facility abuse and neglect, and adult day care center abuse and neglect in the following Florida counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, Washington.
