Stay with us.
We believe when families are together, they cope better.
Ronald McDonald House South Florida provides a supportive place to stay for families with children receiving medical treatment through one of our partner hospitals or medical facilities in South Florida.
How to Get Started
A quick look at the steps to request a stay.
1.
You and your hospital social worker review the eligibility guidelines.
4.
A staff member will reach out with next steps, including any forms or screenings that need to be completed.
5.
Once your stay is confirmed, we’ll share check-in details and help you prepare for arrival. Please connect with ourteam before coming to the House.
1.
Review Eligibility Together
You and your hospital social worker review the eligibility guidelines.
2.
Social Worker Submits Request
Your hospital social worker submits a request on your behalf.
3.
We Review the Request
Our team reviews the request and checks room availability.
4.
We’ll Reach Out
A staff member will reach out with next steps, including any forms or screenings that need to be completed.
5.
Wait for Your Confirmation
Once your stay is confirmed, we’ll share check-in details and help you prepare for arrival. Please connect with ourteam before coming to the House.
Request a Stay for a Family
Only hospital social workers may submit stay requests on behalf of families. Self-referrals are not accepted.
Please review our eligibility guidelines before submitting a stay request on behalf of a family
New Family Stay Request
For Hospital Social Workers: Please use the New Family Stay Request for families who have never stayed with us or whose most recent stay was more than 30 days ago.
Returning Family Stay Request
For Hospital Social Workers: Please use the Returning Family Stay Request for families who have stayed with us within the past 30 days.
Stay Extension Request
For Hospital Social Workers: Please use the Stay Extension Request for families currently staying at Ronald McDonald House South Florida who need additional lodging beyond their approved stay.
New Family Stay Request
For Hospital Social Workers: Please use the New Family Stay Request for families who have never stayed with us or whose most recent stay was more than 30 days ago.
Returning Family Stay Request
For Hospital Social Workers: Please use the Returning Family Stay Request for families who have stayed with us within the past 30 days.
Stay Extension Request
For Hospital Social Workers: Please use the Stay Extension Request for families currently staying at Ronald McDonald House South Florida who need additional lodging beyond their approved stay.
Submitting a Stay Request does not guarantee a room.
Rooms are based on availability. A Ronald McDonald House staff member must confirm the family’s stay and check-in date before arrival.
During Your Stay
An at-a-glance look at the spaces, services, and support available to families.
Guest Rooms
Guest rooms include one full-size bed and can accommodate up to three guests, including the patient and siblings.
Kitchen & Meals
24/7 family kitchens with cooking essentials and food storage. Community meals offered when available through our Volunteer Program.
Laundry
Laundry rooms with washers and dryers are available 24/7 for guest use.
Staying Connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the shared computer area.
Activities
Weekly grocery trips and welcoming family activities are offered through our Volunteer Program, when available.
Family Spaces
Shared spaces include a family room, outdoor patio, dining and living areas, computer room, and children’s play/toy room
Guest Rooms
Guest rooms include one full-size bed and can accommodate up to three guests, including the patient and siblings.
Kitchen & Meals
24/7 family kitchens with cooking essentials and food storage. Community meals offered when available through our Volunteer Program.
Laundry
Laundry rooms with washers and dryers are available 24/7 for guest use.
Staying Connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the shared computer area.
Activities
Weekly grocery trips and welcoming family activities are offered through our Volunteer Program, when available.
Family Spaces
Shared spaces include a family room, outdoor patio, dining and living areas, computer room, and children’s play/toy room
Guest Rooms
Guest rooms include one full-size bed and can accommodate up to three guests, including the patient and siblings.
Kitchen & Meals
24/7 family kitchens with cooking essentials and food storage. Community meals offered when available through our Volunteer Program.
Laundry
Laundry rooms with washers and dryers are available 24/7 for guest use.
Staying Connected
Complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the shared computer area.
Activities
Weekly grocery trips and welcoming family activities are offered through our Volunteer Program, when available.
Family Spaces
Shared spaces include a family room, outdoor patio, dining and living areas, computer room, and children’s play/toy room
Stay Information & Resources
Everything you need to know before, during, and throughout your stay.
Who is Eligible to Stay
Ronald McDonald House South Florida supports families whose child, up to age 21, is receiving active medical care through one of our partner hospitals or medical facilities in South Florida.
Families may be eligible when the patient is receiving active medical care, including:
- Inpatient medical treatment
- Scheduled or recurring outpatient visits that require an overnight stay
- Fetal healthcare or neonatal intensive care
Families are generally eligible when:
- The family lives 20 miles or more from Ronald McDonald House South Florida.
- A hospital social worker submits a stay request on the family’s behalf.
- The family has a permanent address to return to after treatment or discharge.
- Overnight guests are family members or caregivers actively involved in the patient’s care.
- Every patient, regardless of age, is accompanied by a caregiver over the age of 21. Patients may not be left alone in the House.
For the safety and well-being of all families:
- All guests age 18 and older must present a valid photo ID at check-in.
- Ronald McDonald House South Florida reserves the right, at its discretion, to decline admission when there are concerns related to the health, safety, or well-being of guests, families, or staff.
All stay requests are reviewed individually and are based on eligibility, medical need, and room availability.
How Do I Request a Stay?
A hospital social worker submits a stay request on behalf of the family. Self referrals are not accepted.
Once we receive the request:
- Ourteam reviews the family’s eligibility.
- Adult guests age 18 and older will receive a link to complete the required background screening.
- We review current room availability.
- A House staff member contacts the family with next steps.
- If a room is not immediately available,the family may be placed on a waiting list.
Submitting a request and completing the background screening do not guarantee a room. Please wait for confirmation from a Ronald McDonald House staff member before arriving.
What Do I Need Before Check-In?
Once your stay is confirmed, our team will provide instructions to help you prepare for arrival.
Before check-in:
- Families complete the Family Stay Registration Form, which includes a health screening questionnaire and other information needed before arrival.
- All guests age 18 and older must present a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in.
Accepted identification may include a driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or U.S. employment authorization document.
Please connect with our team before coming to the House to make sure your stay has been confirmed.
What Should I Expect at Check-In?
Check-in typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
During check-in, our team will:
- Welcome you to the House
- Review House guidelines and shared-space expectations
- Provide a tour
- A $20 key deposit is required at check-in and is fully refundable at check-out when the key is returned.
- Help you get settled into your room
We encourage families to allow enough time to complete the check-in process comfortably.
How Long Can My Family Stay?
Stays are approved for up to 30 consecutive days based on the patient’s active medical treatment plan.
Only hospital social workers may submit stay requests or extension requests. Extension requests are reviewed case by case based on continued active medical treatment, including ongoing weekly appointments, and room availability.
Guests are expected to use their room each night. If your plans change or you need to be away overnight, please let a House staff member know.
Is There a Cost to Stay?
There is no cost to stay at Ronald McDonald House South Florida. Families are never required to pay fortheir stay. Donations are always appreciated and help support the services we provide, but no family is ever denied a stay or services because they are unable to contribute.
House Amenities & Services
Families have access to a variety of shared spaces and resources designed to make their stay more comfortable.
Amenities include:
- 30 bedrooms
- Guest rooms with one full-size bed
- Guest rooms generally accommodate two people, with a maximum of three guests, including patients and siblings, based on room and fire-safety requirements.
- Families are responsible for keeping their rooms tidy and washing linens before checkout.
- Family kitchens available 24/7
- Pantry, refrigerator, and freezer storage
- Community meals when available
- Family rooms with televisions and computers
- Indoor children’s play/ toy room
- Laundry rooms available 24/7
- Outdoor patio and BBQ area
- Grocery transportation assistance once a week
- Family activities, crafts, special visits, and other programs
Family Resources & Support
Access helpful information and resources for families navigating their child’s medical care.
Can Siblings Stay With Us?
Yes. Siblings are welcome when they are supervised by a parent or another adult family member. Ronald McDonald House does not provide childcare.
Where Can I Park?
Parking is not available directly at the House. Guests may use nearby hospital parking facilities. Discounted daily parking may be available through the hospital garage.
How Far Is the House From the Hospital?
Our Miami House is conveniently located near Jackson Memorial Hospital and within driving distance of several partner hospitals and medical facilities throughout South Florida. Travel times vary based on location, traffic, and time of day.
Transportation
Families are encouraged to plan transportation to and from medical appointments. Ronald McDonald House South Florida does not provide transportation to partner hospitals or medical facilities.
What Are the House Safety Guidelines?
Creating a safe and supportive environment for families is an important part of our House community.
- The House is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Families receive secure access to the House.
- Security cameras are located in common areas.
- Additional nighttime security is provided.
- Guests may be asked to wear House identification while on the property.
The Ronald McDonald House campus is smoke-free. Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, chewing tobacco, and similar products are not permitted on the property.
Service animals are welcome in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Emotional support animals are not considered service animals underthe ADA and are not permitted in the House.
Can Family and Friends Visit?
Yes. Visitors are welcome between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
All visitors are asked to check in and out at the front desk.
Additional visitor guidelines may apply to help maintain a comfortable and safe environment for all families.
What If a Room Is Not Available?
Because families’ medical plans and discharge dates can change unexpectedly, room availability may vary from day to day.
If the House is full, ourteam may provide information about other lodging options in the area
Have Questions?
Our House team is here to help.
Phone: (305) 324-5683 ext. 100
Email: referral@ronaldmcdonaldhousesfl.org