How to Start a Home Care Agency in Florida (2026 Guide)
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Florida Licensing at a Glance
- License type: Homemaker & Companion Services (HCS) Registration (non-medical); HHA license for hands-on personal care
- Licensing agency: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
- Application fee: $50 biennial (HCS Registration only; HHA license is separate and higher)
- Estimated timeline: 8-12 weeks
- Estimated startup cost: $50,000 – $100,000 (estimate your own with the startup cost calculator)
- Senior population: 4.8 million (21.3%)
Insurance Requirements
- General liability: Required but specific minimums not in statute
- Surety bond: $500,000 if applicant/controlling interest is non-immigrant alien; otherwise not required
- Workers' comp: Required for HHA (employs caregivers); Registry model makes client the employer
Unique Florida Requirements
- License type depends on services: HHA for hands-on personal care; Nurse Registry for referring contractors; Homemaker & Companion for non-hands-on only
- Level 2 screening via Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse required
- All controlling interests (5%+ ownership, officers, board) must be screened
- HHA state-licensed: 40 hours training OR competency test
- Medicare/Medicaid HHA: 75 hours training (AHCA test does NOT satisfy federal requirement)
- Electronic application required since September 2024
- Advertising must include license number
- Separate licenses required for offices outside main district
Insider Tips
- Nurse Registry license allows 1099 contractor model—client becomes employer, no workers comp for you!
- AHCA processes faster than most states—8-12 weeks if complete
- The Villages, Naples, Sarasota have wealthy retirees paying premium private-pay rates
- Florida has NO state income tax—huge advantage for profitable agencies
- Critical distinction: HHA employs/supervises vs Nurse Registry refers contractors (cannot supervise)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing HHA when Nurse Registry or Homemaker/Companion would be easier to start
- Not understanding the 3 different license types and their scope limitations
- Not budgeting for Level 2 background screening (~$80 per employee)
- Underestimating competition in saturated markets like Miami or Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to start a home care agency in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires a Homemaker & Companion Services (HCS) Registration (non-medical); HHA license for hands-on personal care issued by Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
How much does a home care license cost in Florida?
Application fee: $50 biennial (HCS Registration only; HHA license is separate and higher)
How long does it take to get licensed in Florida?
Estimated timeline: 8-12 weeks
How much does it cost to start a home care agency in Florida?
Typical startup costs range from $50,000 to $100,000.
Not sure you're ready? Take the free home care agency readiness quiz.