Patient safety in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) has received increasing attention, and the Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goals now include specific requirements for ASCs. This study summarizes the types and severity of adverse events occurring in ASCs in Florida, gathered using that state's mandatory reporting system. The majority of deaths and hospital transfers occurred in patients undergoing cosmetic procedures, incidents that are generally considered never events. A previous AHRQ WebM&M commentary and perspective discuss the issues pertaining to improving safety in outpatient surgery, which remains a largely unregulated area.