Why Florida Needs More Adult Family Care Homes
- Florida Adult Family Care Home
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
Florida’s population of older adults and individuals with disabilities is growing faster than ever — and with it, the need for safe, supportive, and affordable housing options. Yet, when it comes to Adult Family Care Homes (AFCHs), the supply simply isn’t keeping up with demand.
Adult Family Care Homes provide a unique, home-like setting where up to five residents can receive personalized care, daily assistance, and the comfort of living in a family environment. They are an essential part of Florida’s home-and-community-based care system, offering a vital alternative to large institutional facilities.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Recent state budget and policy analysis reveals just how great the need has become:
74,341Â Floridians are on the Community Care for the Elderly (CCE)Â waitlist.
21,755Â are waiting for the Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)Â program.
23,372 are on the iBudget waiver waitlist.
42,111 are on the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care – Long-Term Care (SMMC-LTC) waitlist.
That’s well over 160,000 people in Florida who are seeking long-term care support — and many of them could benefit from placement in an Adult Family Care Home.
Why the Shortage Exists
While nursing homes and assisted living facilities have larger capacities, AFCHs remain limited in number due to licensing requirements, lack of awareness, and the challenges of finding individuals willing and prepared to open and operate a home. This means that even though AFCHs are often the most appropriate setting for many residents, spaces are few and far between.
The Opportunity for Future Providers
The need for more Adult Family Care Homes isn’t just a challenge — it’s an opportunity. By becoming a licensed AFCH provider, you can:
Help reduce waitlists for essential care services.
Provide residents with a warm, home-like environment instead of institutional housing.
Build a rewarding business that directly impacts your community’s quality of life.
The Bottom Line
Florida’s demand for home-like long-term care settings is clear, and Adult Family Care Homes are a critical part of the solution. With thousands of residents waiting for placement, now is the time for compassionate individuals to step forward, complete the required training, and open their homes to those in need.
If you’re ready to take the first step, our Adult Family Care Home Training program will guide you through the licensing process, compliance requirements, and best practices to run a successful AFCH in Florida.
Your home could be the answer for someone on that waitlist. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with us to learn more about Florida Adult Family Care Homes and how to get started.