Question 1

What is an Adult Family Care Home?

Accepted Answer

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.
Please review the differences between AFCH and ALF here.

Question 2

Can I speak to an AFCH Consultant before attending the training class?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What does the 12-Hour Adult Family Care Home Training course include?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What support does Florida AFCH Training offer after certification?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What Is The Difference Between A Group Home & An Adult Family Care Home?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What Type of Residents Live In An Adult Family Care Home?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 7

Do I Need To Do Zoning Before I Come To The Adult Family Care Home Class?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

How do I become licensed to operate an Adult Family Care Home in Florida?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What are the resident admission criteria for an Adult Family Care Home in Florida?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

How much does it cost to start an Adult Family Care Home in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Typical startup costs:
AFCH 12-Hour Training Training: $400–$1,000
Application & Licensing: $200–$300
Fingerprinting/Background: $80–$150 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.

Question 11

Can I operate an AFCH from a rental property, apartment or mobile home in Florida?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How many residents can I have in my Adult Family Care Home in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida allows a maximum of 5 residents, not including:
The provider’s own family members
Any live-in staff not receiving care
Each resident must have:
A private or semi-private room
Access to appropriate care, meals, and supervision

Question 13

How do I market my Adult Family Care Home and find residents?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Do I need a business license or LLC to run an AFCH in Florida?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Is continuing education required for Florida Adult Family Care Home license?

Accepted Answer

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 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.

Question 16

What are the best options for AFCH training online in Florida?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I book private AFCH training session in Tampa?

Accepted Answer

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 $400 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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