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Frequently Asked Questions
As defined in Florida Statute 429.65(2)(a) (https://www.flhouse.gov/Statutes/2025/0429.65/) An Adult family-care home is a full-time, family-type living arrangement, in a private home, under which a person who owns or rents the home provides room, board, and personal care, on a 24-hour basis, for no more than five disabled adults or frail elders who are not relatives. The licensee is also required to live in the home with the residents at all times.
Note: An Adult Family Care Home is NOT associated with Assisted Living Facilities.
Please review the differences between AFCH and ALF here.(https://www.afchtraining.com/_files/ugd/82fcf7_2c465a9802254d5787ab93dec10d5be2.pdf)
Yes. Florida AFCH Training is one of the most experienced AFCH Consultants in the industry providing guidance and resources. Although it is not required, we encourage you to have a consultation prior to attending class to determine if owning an Adult Family Care Home is a good fit for you.
Click Here To Schedule A Consultation(https://www.afchtraining.com/consult)
Florida AFCH Training provides a comprehensive certification training that includes:
• 12-Hour AFCH Certification
• AFCH Student Training Manual
• 50+ AFCH Documents
• AFCH Provider Roadmap
• Post-Training Consultation
• Placement Agency Contacts
• AHCA Application Assistance
• Virtual Inspection Reviews
Click To View Our Upcoming Courses (https://www.afchtraining.com/courses)
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Florida AFCH Training provides comprehensive post-certification support designed to help new Adult Family Care Home providers successfully complete the Florida licensing process and operate with confidence.
After certification, students receive expert consultation and virtual walkthroughs to guide them through AHCA licensing requirements, inspections, and compliance expectations. The program also provides AFCH-specific documents, templates, and operational resources, along with a structured AFCH Licensing Road Map that outlines each step required to open and manage an Adult Family Care Home in Florida.
In addition, Florida AFCH Training offers ongoing continuing education opportunities, including the required annual training hours for AFCH providers, covering topics such as care for frail elders, adults with disabilities, and effective AFCH management.
This support model is designed to help providers not only obtain licensure, but also maintain compliance and operate a high-quality Adult Family Care Home in Florida.
It is important to keep in mind that the term "group home" is a generic term used for multiple types of Florida care homes. In the state of Florida, there are distinct differences between a group home regulated by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and an adult family care home regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
Differences vary by the type of funding, the living arrangement, state regulations and more.
We recommend that you read our blog - The Difference between Florida Adult Family Care Homes and Group Homes (https://www.afchtraining.com/post/the-difference-between-adult-family-care-homes-and-group-homes)to gain more insight.
Up to five (5) disabled adults including frail elders are able to live in the AFCH. These individuals may include, but are not limited to:
• Persons with physical/mental disabilities
• Veterans
• 18+ young adults who are aging out of foster care
• Seniors & Senior Couples
• HIV/AIDS
• Homeless
• Pregnant women
• APD Clients
• And many more!
No, you are not required to do zoning before coming to class.
Although we recommend that you come to class first in order to gain the knowledge you need to go through the zoning process properly.
If you are concerned that you may be in an area that is heavily populated with other licensed homes, we do encourage prospective students to allow us to confirm their zoning, prior to registering for the Florida Adult Family Care Home certification class.
Florida AFCH Training offers Zoning Research services - visit our services page for more info.
> Learn More (https://www.afchtraining.com/product-page/zoning-services)
To become licensed:
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Live in the home where care is provided.
• Pass a Level 2 background screening.
• Complete an AFCH 12-Hour Core Training class approved by AHCA.
• Pass a required health screening and TB test
• Complete CPR and First Aid Training
• Submit an application to AHCA, along with fees and required documentation
• Pass an initial inspection by AHCA, the local fire marshal and health department
To learn more about the full spectrum of requirements, register for our 1 Hour Bootcamp - From Interest To Insight: A First Look at AFCH Licensing (https://www.afchtraining.com/event)
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Eligible residents:
• Must be adults (18+) with care needs that don’t require 24/7 nursing
• Must be medically stable
• Must not require restraints, skilled nursing care, or have serious behavioral issues
• A physician’s statement (AHCA 3110) is required to verify eligibility
• The provider must ensure they can meet the resident’s care needs
Typical startup costs:
• AFCH 12-Hour Training Training: $500–$800
• Application & Licensing: $200–$300
• Fingerprinting/Background: $80–$100 per person
• Home Modifications (if needed): Varies
• Fire Safety & Health Inspections: Varies for each county
• Business License & Insurance: Not required, varies for each county
Total Estimated Startup: $2,000–$6,000, depending on home readiness.
Yes, but with conditions:
• Rental Home: Must have written permission from the landlord/owner of the home
• Mobile Home: No, mobile homes do not qualify for Adult Family Care Home licensing. All homes must be attached to a permanent foundation in order to be considered.
• Apartments: Must have written permission from the leasing office
• Zoning: Property must be zoned for residential use and allow adult care
Do you live in an HOA? Schedule a consultation (https://www.afchtraining.com/consult)with us to discuss Adult Family Care Homes in HOA neighborhoods.
Marketing tips:
• List on Florida Online Directories and platforms like Care.com or A Place for Mom.
• Build a simple website or Facebook page with pictures and services.
• Network with:
• Case managers
• Hospitals and discharge planners
• Senior centers and elder law attorneys
• Encourage word-of-mouth referrals by maintaining excellent care standards
Need Marketing Consultation? Our care home marketing agency has just what you need!
Schedule A Free 30 Minute Consultation (https://www.afchtraining.com/consult)
No, Florida Statutes and Administrative Codes do not require AFCH providers to obtain a business license or form an LLC in order to be licensed by AHCA. However, during the local zoning and approval process, some counties or municipalities may request a local business license—but this is rare.
That said, many providers choose to establish an LLC and obtain an EIN for the following reasons:
• To enroll with insurance companies, Medicaid, and other third-party payers.
• To open a business bank account separate from personal funds.
• To write off eligible home expenses for tax purposes.
• To provide a layer of personal liability protection.
While liability insurance is not required by AHCA, it is strongly recommended to protect your home-based business.
Florida Adult Family Care Home Continuing Education:
.A.C. Chapter 59A-37.007
• The Provider is required to complete 3 Hours annually of continuing education in topics related to Adult Family Care Home including any legislative updates. (F.A.C .Chapter 59A 37.007)
• The provider must receive proof of completion for any courses taken in continuing education
• Proof of completing continuing education courses for Florida Adult Family Care Home shall be retained in the provider's records
• Continuing education courses for licensed AFCH providers can be taken with Florida Adult Family Care Home Training - Click Here To Schedule (https://www.afchtraining.com/service-page/private-3-hour-afch-ceu-training-1?referral=service_list_widget)Your 3 Hour AFCH Continuing Education which is held virtually on Zoom
If you work in the health or nursing profession, many of the continuing education courses taken for that profession also qualify for Florida Adult Family Care Home continuing education credit.
Florida AFCH Training is widely regarded as one of the best options for Adult Family Care Home (AFCH) training online in Florida, particularly for students who want a live, interactive learning experience rather than a self-paced course.
The program offers live online AFCH core training via Zoom, allowing remote students to attend the same instructor-led sessions as in-person participants. This format enables students to:
• Engage with instructors in real time
• Ask questions and receive immediate clarification
• Learn alongside other prospective Florida AFCH providers
• Gain practical insight that exceeds traditional self-paced online courses
Florida AFCH Training is especially well-suited for individuals seeking AHCA-aligned AFCH education, hands-on guidance, and preparation to successfully operate a licensed Adult Family Care Home in Florida.
Yes, private Adult Family Care Home (AFCH) training sessions can be booked in Tampa through Florida AFCH Training, subject to instructor availability and approval on a case-by-case basis.
Private AFCH training sessions include an additional $250 per person convenience fee and are scheduled on a date that is mutually convenient for the student and instructor once approved.
Individuals interested in booking a private AFCH training session in Tampa should contact the instructor directly by phone at 813-291-0891 or by email at info@afchtraining.com ()to request availability and approval. A free 30 minute consultation is also recommended before attending any session.
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