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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Residential Care Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the Florida Department of Health Residential Group Care Program
- Starting a group home for boys between the ages of 8 through 13
- Residential group home facilities that accept ssi
- How to file a complaint against a Florida residential treatment center
- Will the state find clients for a facility that fits all state criteria?
- Licensure Information for Senior adult substance abuse residential recovery centers or residential centers
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) does not issue licenses for the operation of group homes for children. However, DOH does conduct both Food Protection and Group Care related inspections in group homes and other residential facilities. Once you begin the licensing process with the licensing agency, you should contact the local Health Department (CHD) Environmental Health section for food hygiene, group care, drinking water supplies from a well, pool, and septic requirements/inspections/plan reviews.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licenses a variety of group homes and foster homes for children. To find information related to the type of facility you plan to operate, visit their regional/district office website.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is not the licensing agency for group homes. A group home is a generic term used for a variety of care homes. These can be for children 19 years or less and licensed under the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) if they serve disabled clients. Depending upon the needs of your child, you can contact the appropriate licensing agency listed below to get a listing of facilities in your area that serve your needs.
If the home serves disabled clients, contact APD.
If the facility serves children, who are not disabled and are 19 years of age or less, contact DCF.
If the facility serves elderly clients, contact Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Their licensing office can be contact by phone at 850-412-4304. To locate facilities regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration, you can check out that Agency's website for facility locations.
Florida residental treatment facilities are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA). You may file a complaint by calling 888-419-3456, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.. For more information about filing a complaint, visit AHCA's website.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is not the primary licensing agency for residential facilities, nor are resources (clients and funding) or a supply of clients provided. For information regarding resources or opening a residential facility, contact the appropriate licensing agency directly using the links below.
If the home serves disabled clients, contact APD.
If the facility serves children, who are not disabled and are 19 years of age or less, contact DCF.
If the facility serves elderly clients, contact Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Their licensing office can be contact by phone at 850-412-4304. To locate facilities regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration, you can check out that Agency's website for facility locations.
County health departments inspect most residential facilities using Chapter 64E-12, Florida Administrative Code, "Community Based Residential Facilities". Kitchens in the larger facilities may be inspected using Chapter 64E-11, Florida Administrative Code, "Food Hygiene". You should contact the local county health department for the county in which you intend to locate your group home prior to construction, remodel and/or before opening it.
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