Office of the General Counsel
Information For
Contact Information:
Department of Elder Affairs
Office of the General Counsel
4040 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Telephone: 850-414-2114
E-mail: generalcounsel@elderaffairs.org
The Office of the General Counsel provides legal advice and strategic guidance to Executive Leadership and the Department’s bureaus, divisions, and offices. Responsibilities include interpreting applicable state and federal laws and rules; overseeing rulemaking and the Department’s annual regulatory plan; and advising on contracting and procurement; providing counsel on personnel matters, public records, and the Florida Sunshine Law.
The Office also represents the Department in litigation and administrative proceedings in state and federal forums.
The Office includes the Background Screening Unit, Florida Elder and Senior Legal Services, the Agency Clerk, the Public Records Coordinator, and the Chief Ethics Officer.
Important Links
- Agency Clerk
- Public Records Requests
- Legal Services
- Florida Senior Legal Helpline
- Additional Legal Resources
- Operation Senior Shield – Learn about frauds and scams targeting seniors
- Background Screening Unit
- Annual Regulatory Plans
- Department Rules
- Department Statutes
- Report on Minor Violations
- Statement of Agency Organization and Operations
- Public Notices
Other Important Links
Rules and Rulemaking
, published March 31, 2026, Vol. 52/62Rules
Department of Elder Affairs Rules are located in the following chapters of the Florida Administrative Code. Visit Florida Administrative Code & Florida Administrative Register for more information about rules and rulemaking.
| Chapter No. | Chapter No. |
| 58A | Federal Aging Programs |
| 58B | Division of Volunteer and Community Services |
| 58C | Community Care for the Elderly |
| 58D | Alzheimer's Disease Initiative |
| 58E | Emergency Home Energy Assistance |
| 58H | Home Care for the Elderly |
| 58L | Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program |
| 58M | Office of Public and Professional Guardians |
| 58N | Division of Statewide Community Based Services |
| 58S | BACKGROUND SCREENING |
| 58T | Training Requiring Provider and Curriculum Approvals |
Rulemaking
Current rulemaking notices and materials are published pursuant to Chapter 120, F.S. Rulemaking notices are also published in the Florida Administrative Register and may be accessed at https://www.flrules.org/bigdoc/default.asp.
Current Rulemaking
58M-2
- Notice of Rule Development (58M-2), published March 31, 2026, Vol. 52/62
- Notice of Proposed Rule (58M-2), published August 31, 2026, Vol. 52/169 Text of Proposed Rule