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At FARR, we recognize four distinct levels of support for recovery residences as described in Florida Statute §397.311. Each level provides a unique structure to meet the needs of residents at different stages of recovery. It’s important to note that no level is inherently better than the others—each offers the appropriate support for individuals in recovery.

Four Levels of Certified Recovery Residences

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FARR Certification

FARR certification ensures that every recovery residence offers housing that is:

  • Safe and dignified

  • Alcohol- and drug-free

  • Peer-supportive

  • Responsible to the surrounding community

We follow the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) Standards and Code of Ethics, ensuring accountability to high-quality, recovery-oriented housing. While some levels may be more peer-supportive than others, residents are best served by choosing the level that aligns with their personal recovery needs.

FARR Level I

A Level I certified recovery residence houses individuals in recovery who have completed treatment, with a minimum of 9 months of sobriety. A Level I certified recovery residence is democratically run by the members who reside in the home.
These homes offer a supportive, alcohol- and drug-free environment where peers hold each other accountable.

FARR Level II

A Level II certified recovery residence encompasses the traditional perspectives of sober living homes. There is oversight from a house manager who has experience with living in recovery. Residents are expected to follow rules outlined in a resident handbook provided by the certified recovery residence administrator. Residents must pay dues, if applicable, and work toward achieving realistic and defined milestones within a chosen recovery path.

FARR Level III

A Level III certified recovery residence offers higher supervision by staff with formal training to ensure resident accountability. Such residences are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offer residents peer-support services, which may include, but are not limited to, life skill mentoring, recovery planning, and meal preparation. Clinical services may not be performed at the residence. Such residences are most appropriate for persons who require a more structured environment during early recovery from addiction.e clinical services on-site.

FARR Level IV

A Level IV certified recovery residence is a residence offered, referred to, or provided by, a licensed service provider to its patients who are required to reside at the residence while receiving intensive outpatient and higher levels of outpatient care. Such residences are staffed 24 hours a day and combine outpatient licensable services with recovery residential living. Residents are required to follow a treatment plan and attend group and individual sessions, in addition to developing a recovery plan within the social model of living in a sober lifestyle. No clinical services are provided at the residence and all licensable services are provided offsite.

FARR certification ensures that all recovery residences adhere to NARR’s strict standards and Florida law, providing a safe, ethical, and supportive environment for individuals in recovery.

Understanding Recovery Residences Levels

It's important to clarify that FARR Levels I, II, III, and IV are not the same as licensing categories under Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF). These levels refer specifically to the support structure of recovery residences and do not correspond to DCF licensing for behavioral healthcare providers.

Level of Support
Administration
Residence Type
Structure
Services
Residents
Staff
I
Peer-Run
Typically single family residences
Democratically managed by the residents themselves.
• Drug screening • House meetings • Self-help meetings encouraged
Individuals with at least 9 months of sobriety.
• No paid positions within the residence • Might have an overseeing officer
II
Monitored
Primarily single family residences. Possibly apartments or multi-family homes.
Overseen by a house manager, often a senior resident with lived experience.
• House rules provide structure • Peer-run groups • Drug screening • House meetings
Individuals working toward recovery milestones.
• At least 1 compensated person • House manager • Peer leader
III
Supervised
Varies– all types of residential settings
Staffed 24/7 by trained personnel.
• Life skills development emphasis • Clinical services may be utilized in outside community • House rules and drug screening
Individuals in early recovery who benefit from a structured environment.
• Facility manager, recovery coach, peer specialist • Certified staff or case managers
IV
Service Provider
Varies– all types of residential settings
Integrated with licensed treatment providers; staff available 24/7.
• Clients must attend clinical services and programming off site • Life skills development • House meetings • House rules and drug screening
Individuals enrolled in intensive outpatient programs or higher levels of care.
• Credentialed staff, case manager, behavioral health tech, housing director, facilities manager
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

Level of Support Resources

A Primer on Recovery Residences: FAQs from NARR

Maximizing Social Model Principles in Residential Recovery Settings

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Levels of Support

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