Frequently Asked Questions
As defined in Florida Statute 429.65(2)(a) 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.
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!
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.
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
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 to gain more insight.
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.
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
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 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
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.
