How to Start a Residential Care Home in Florida: The Adult Family Care Home (AFCH) Model

This guide walks you through the essential steps—while highlighting why working with an experienced Florida AFCH training and consulting company is critical to your success.

Starting a residential care home in Florida can be a rewarding way to serve vulnerable adults while building a sustainable care-based business. Many new providers choose the Adult Family Care Home (AFCH) model in Florida because it offers a lower barrier to entry while meeting the growing demand for residential care for up to five adults with disabilities in a family-style residential setting

Step 1: Consult With a Florida Adult Family Care Home Expert

The first and most important step in learning how to start an Adult Family Care Home in Florida is to consult with an expert who specializes in Florida AFCH licensing and compliance. While the AFCH model may appear straightforward, there are many nuances, county-level variations, and regulatory details that can delay or derail your license if handled incorrectly.

Florida AFCH Training and consulting can:

• Evaluate whether the AFCH model is right for your goals

• Explain county-specific zoning and occupancy considerations

• Clarify startup costs, timelines, and compliance requirements

• Create a clear, step-by-step roadmap tailored to your situation

  
  

Starting with expert guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures you are building your home correctly from day one.

Step 2: Complete the Required 12-Hour Adult Family Care Home Core Training

Before applying for an Adult Family Care Home license in Florida, prospective providers are required to complete a 12-hour Adult Family Care Home Core Training certification course approved by the Agency for Healthcare Administration.

This training is essential and covers:

• Florida statutes and administrative rules for AFCHs

• Resident rights and responsibilities

• Care standards and supervision requirements

• Medication management fundamentals

• Emergency preparedness and documentation

  
  

Taking this course early gives you a strong foundation and prepares you for what state agencies will expect. A quality training provider will also explain what steps must be completed before submitting your license application.

Step 3: Meet All Adult Family Care Home Requirements for the Home, Provider, and Relief Staff

Obtaining an Adult Family Care Home license in Florida involves meeting requirements across three key areas, all regulated by AHCA and local authorities:

The Home

• Meets local zoning and occupancy requirements

• Passes fire safety and environmental health inspections

• Has appropriate bedroom sizes, bathrooms, and common areas

• Includes safety features such as grab bars, smoke detectors, and secured hazardous items

The Provider

• Passes background screening (Level 2)

• Completes required training and education

• Demonstrates the ability to provide daily care and supervision

Relief Person(s)

• Meet background screening requirements

• Complete required training

• Are approved to provide care when the primary provider is unavailable

Each of these elements must be completed correctly and in the proper order—requirements can vary by county, making professional guidance especially valuable at this stage.

Step 4: Apply for Your Florida Adult Family Care Home License Through AHCA

Once all prerequisites are met, the next step is to submit your Florida Adult Family Care Home license application to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the state agency responsible for licensing and oversight of AFCHs.

This process includes:

• Submitting documentation and fees

• Scheduling inspections

• Responding to any follow-up requests or corrections

Errors or missing information can delay approval, which is why many providers choose to work with a consultant who reviews applications before submission and helps prepare for inspections.

Step 5: Connect With Placement Agencies to Begin AFCH Resident Placement

After licensure, the focus shifts to Adult Family Care Home resident placement and onboarding individuals who are appropriate for your licensed AFCH setting.

This is typically done by building relationships with:

• Placement agencies

• Case managers

• Support coordinators

• Hospitals and social service organizations

A consultant with industry connections can help you:

• Understand how placement referrals work

• Position your home for the right resident match

• Prepare onboarding processes and documentation

• Connect you with placement agencies and resources

Establishing these relationships early can significantly reduce vacancy time and stabilize your revenue.

Why Working With a Florida Adult Family Care Home Consultant Matters

Starting an Adult Family Care Home in Florida is not a one-size-fits-all process, especially when navigating AHCA regulations, county zoning laws, and inspection standards. Regulations, inspections, and approval timelines can vary based on county, city, property type, and resident population.

Partnering with a Florida Adult Family Care Home Training and Consulting allows you to:

• Navigate complex regulations with confidence

• Stay compliant from startup through licensure

• Receive guidance through every phase of the process

• Avoid delays, denials, and costly rework

If you are serious about opening a residential care home in Florida, the smartest first step is to connect with an AFCH expert who can guide you from concept to licensure—and beyond.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with a Florida Adult Family Care Home training expert and take the first step toward opening your licensed AFCH with clarity and confidence.