HomeCareAtlas Team · Updated November 2026
Researched from primary state regulatory sources.
How to Start a Home Care Agency in Florida
Starting a home care agency in Florida costs roughly $15,000 - $90,000 and takes 8-12 Weeks. Here's every step, fee, and deadline — sourced directly from Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
Florida has three paths. Pick the one that fits what you will do. HCS registration (s. 400.509, F.S.) is for help that is not hands-on, like cooking, cleaning, errands, and company. It costs $50 every two years. A Nurse Registry (s. 400.506) refers independent contractors to clients. Its license costs $2,000. A Home Health Agency license (s. 400.471) lets you employ aides who give hands-on personal care. It costs $2,005 (a $1,705 license fee plus a $300 assessment). Florida does not require a Certificate of Need for home health.
To start a non-medical home care agency in Florida, you need a Homemaker and Companion Services (HCS) Registration, Nurse Registry License, or Home Health Agency (HHA) License from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The application fee is $50 (hcs registration fee (every 2 years)), the process takes approximately 8-12 weeks, and total startup costs range from $15,000 - $90,000. Florida has three paths: HCS registration ($50 every 2 years, no hands-on care), Nurse Registry ($2,000), and Home Health Agency ($2,005). All three need Level 2 fingerprint screening. No Certificate of Need is required.
- License Required
- Yes — Homemaker and Companion Services (HCS) Registration, Nurse Registry License, or Home Health Agency (HHA) License
- Regulatory Body
- Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
- Application Fee
- $50 (hcs registration fee (every 2 years))
- Timeline
- 8-12 Weeks (our estimate for hcs registration)
- Total Startup Cost
- $15,000 - $90,000
- Key Requirement
- Florida has three paths: HCS registration ($50 every 2 years, no hands-on care), Nurse Registry ($2,000), and Home Health Agency ($2,005). All three need Level 2 fingerprint screening. No Certificate of Need is required.
- Last Verified
- November 2026 against Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) regulations
Our Estimate for HCS Registration
This is our best guess. Check with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
Residents Age 70+
Moderate Opportunity
How Florida compares to neighboring states
| State | License Fee | Timeline | Startup Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida ← | $50 | 8-12 Weeks | $15,000 - $90,000 |
| Georgia | $550 | 2-4 Months | $30,000 - $65,000 |
| Alabama | $0 (no license) | No timeline | $12,000 - $30,000 |
| South Carolina | $1,000 | 60-120 Days | $40,000 - $75,000 |
Florida Licensing Overview
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) oversees all non-medical agencies.Florida has three paths. Pick the one that fits what you will do. HCS registration (s. 400.509, F.S.) is for help that is not hands-on, like cooking, cleaning, errands, and company. It costs $50 every two years. A Nurse Registry (s. 400.506) refers independent contractors to clients. Its license costs $2,000. A Home Health Agency license (s. 400.471) lets you employ aides who give hands-on personal care. It costs $2,005 (a $1,705 license fee plus a $300 assessment). Florida does not require a Certificate of Need for home health.
Level 2 Screening Required
Owners, the administrator, the financial officer, and workers who see clients must pass Level 2 fingerprint screening. It runs through the AHCA Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.
Apply Online or by Mail
You can send a new application online through the AHCA Online Licensing system or on paper. Renewals must be done online.
Choose the Right Path
HCS cannot give hands-on care. A Nurse Registry may not supervise or train the workers it refers. An HHA employs and supervises aides. Pick wrong and you risk fines and delays.
No Certificate of Need
Florida's Certificate of Need law does not cover home health agencies. You do not have to prove community need to apply.
Estimated Startup Costs (2026)
Budget for $15,000 - $90,000 to ensure 3-6 months of runway.
| Category | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| HCS Registration Fee (2 Years) | $50 | $50.75 |
| HHA License Fee + 2-Year Assessment | $2,005 | $2,005 |
| Nurse Registry License Fee (2 Years) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Bond (Not Required to License) | $0 | Only if Medicaid asks for one |
| Liability Insurance (HHA needs $250,000 per claim) | $2,000 | $7,000 |
| Workers' Compensation | $0 | $2,500+ |
| Level 2 Background Screening (est.) | $65/person | $90/person |
| Office Setup | $800 | $4,500 |
| Initial Marketing | $1,500 | $4,500 |
| Working Capital | $8,000 | $25,000 |
We map every cost and file your Florida license for you.
Step-by-Step Florida Licensing Process
1-3 Days
Choose Your License Type
Decide if you will give help that is not hands-on (HCS), refer contractors (Nurse Registry), or employ and supervise aides (HHA).
2-3 Weeks
Form Your Business Entity
Register your LLC or corporation. Get an EIN. Open a business bank account. HCS names cannot use words like "home health," "nursing," or "personal care."
2-4 Weeks
Complete Level 2 Screening
Owners, the administrator, the financial officer, and staff get fingerprinted. Results go to the AHCA Clearinghouse. Do this early. It is a common cause of delay.
1-2 Weeks
Prepare Your Documents
Gather ownership details and staff information. HHA applicants also need proof of $250,000 malpractice and liability insurance. They also need 2-year financial projections signed by a CPA.
1-3 Days
Submit Your Application
File online through the AHCA Online Licensing system, or mail the paper form. Pay the fee.
30-90 Days
Respond to AHCA Review
AHCA has 30 days to tell you what is missing. You then have 21 days to send it, or your application is withdrawn. AHCA decides within 60 days of a complete file.
Varies
Pass the Initial Survey (HHA and Nurse Registry)
AHCA surveys new HHAs and Nurse Registries before it issues the license. For skilled care, an accrediting group does the HHA survey instead. HCS registrants do not get a pre-opening visit.
We can do all of them for you in Florida.
New 2026 Legal Mandates
Online Renewals
New applications can go online or on paper. Renewals must be filed online (Rule 59A-35.060, F.A.C.).
Level 2 Background Screening (s. 408.809, F.S.)
Owners, the administrator, the financial officer, and workers who see clients must pass Level 2 fingerprint screening through the AHCA Clearinghouse. Rescreening is every 5 years. This applies to HCS, Nurse Registry, and HHA.
No Certificate of Need
Florida's Certificate of Need law (s. 408.036) does not list home health agencies or non-medical home care.
License Number in Ads
Every HCS, Nurse Registry, and HHA must show its registration or license number in its ads (s. 400.464(4), s. 400.506(4), s. 400.509(5)). At least $100 for a first offense. $500 after that.
Accreditation for Skilled Care
An HHA that gives skilled care must be accredited. You must send proof within 120 days after AHCA gets your application (s. 400.471(2)(g)). HHAs that give only non-skilled care are exempt.
Home Health Aide Training (Rule 59A-8.0095)
A licensed HHA must have proof that each aide finished at least 40 hours of training or passed the AHCA competency test. Aides who help with medications need 2 hours of medication training. It can be part of the 40 hours.
Our Florida licensing team tracks the law so you do not have to.
Caregiver Mandates
Important Warning
Florida's rules differ by model. An HHA employs and supervises aides. A Nurse Registry refers independent contractors. It may not monitor, supervise, manage, or train them. Do not run a registry like an agency.
- Level 2 Screening: All direct care workers must pass Level 2 fingerprint screening before they see clients.
- HHA Aide Training: 40 Hours or Competency Test: A licensed HHA must keep proof that each aide finished 40 hours of training or passed the AHCA Home Health Aide Competency Test. An RN with at least 2 years of nursing must run the training.
- Yearly Training and CPR: HHA aides and CNAs need in-service training each year. They must also keep a current CPR card.
- Medicare-Certified HHA Standard: 75 Hours: If your HHA will bill Medicare, federal rules set a 75-hour aide training program. Aides also need 12 hours of in-service training each year (42 CFR 484.80).
- Dementia Training for Everyone (s. 430.5025): All three paths must train staff on dementia. Each worker takes a free 1-hour state course within 30 days. Caregivers add 2 more hours within 7 months.
- HCS Workers: No Hands-On Care: Homemakers and companions may not give hands-on personal care. If a client needs help bathing or dressing, you need an HHA license or a Nurse Registry.
Regional Billing Snapshots
*Regional rates vary by specialized care needs (Dementia, Parkinson's) and local competition.*
We launch Florida home care agencies start to finish.
Regional Market Opportunities
Florida has one of the biggest senior groups in the country. About 5.3 million people here are 65 or older (Census 2025 estimate). The rates below are our estimates of private-pay prices, not official numbers.
South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach)
High demand and lots of competition. Many families speak Spanish or Haitian Creole.
Key: Staff who speak Spanish or Haitian Creole can help you reach more families.
Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa)
A fast-growing area with many retirees.
Key: A good choice if you want to grow without Miami-level competition.
Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota)
Many well-off retirees who pay on their own.
Key: Winter visitors raise demand for part of the year. Plan your staff for it.
Northeast Florida (Jacksonville)
Lower costs to get started and a growing senior group.
Key: A good fit if you want to keep costs low while you build referral ties.
Cost of care in Florida
What agencies charge clients vs. what caregivers earn in Florida. The difference is the agency's gross margin per billable hour — before overhead like insurance, admin, marketing, and compliance costs.
$30
Avg. hourly rate charged to clients
$19.30
Avg. caregiver hourly wage
$10.70
Gross margin per hour
36%
Gross margin %
What this means for agency owners
In Florida, agencies keep roughly $10.70 per billable hour after paying the caregiver. That's a 36% gross margin.
This is a typical margin for the industry. You will need to manage overhead carefully, but profitability is achievable with good operations.
Sources: Avg. hourly rate from CareYaya and CareScout 2025 surveys (averaged). Caregiver wage from Care.com. Gross margin is before overhead costs like insurance, admin, marketing, and compliance.
Florida Medicaid Programs
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC)
Florida Medicaid pays for in-home long-term care through managed care plans. To serve these clients, you sign a contract with each plan. Ask each plan which license types it will take.
Private-Pay First
Many founders start with HCS or a Nurse Registry for private-pay clients. Some move to an HHA license later to give hands-on care with their own staff.
Becoming a Provider
Essential 2026 Tech Stack for Owners
Tiles outlined in teal are areas HomeCareAtlas covers in our platform.
Florida Licensing FAQ
How much does a home care license cost in Florida?
It depends on the path. HCS registration is $50 every two years by law. AHCA bills $50.75. A Nurse Registry license is $2,000. An HHA license is $2,005. That is a $1,705 license fee plus a $300 two-year assessment.
How long does licensing take in Florida?
AHCA must decide within 60 days of a complete application. We think most HCS registrations take 8 to 12 weeks in all. HHAs and Nurse Registries take longer because of the survey. Skilled-care HHAs also need accreditation.
What is the difference between HCS, Nurse Registry, and HHA?
HCS covers cooking, cleaning, errands, and company. No hands-on care. A Nurse Registry refers independent contractors and cannot supervise them. An HHA employs and supervises aides who give hands-on care.
Does Florida require a Certificate of Need for home care?
No. Florida's Certificate of Need law does not cover home health agencies or non-medical home care.
Is a surety bond always required in Florida?
No. The license laws do not require a bond for most owners. Florida Medicaid may ask for one when you enroll. The amount is tied to how much you bill (s. 409.907). HHA owners who are nonimmigrant aliens must post a $500,000 bond (s. 408.8065).
Is Florida a good market for home care agencies?
Yes. Florida has one of the largest senior groups in the country. Private-pay demand is strong where many retirees live.
Starting in a Nearby State?
Licensing requirements vary a lot between states. Compare your options:
Georgia
$550 fee · 2-4 Months
Alabama
No state license required · N/A
South Carolina
$1,000 fee · 60-120 Days
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Home care agencies in Florida
Want to see the competition up close? Look at who is already open, city by city.
- Home care agencies in Miami
- Home care agencies in Tampa
- Home care agencies in Orlando
- Home care agencies in Miami Lakes
- Home care agencies in Boca Raton
Looking for care for a family member? Find agencies near you
Ready to get started?
We broke the Florida licensing process into simple steps. Walk through each one with free guides, checklists, and links to official forms.
Start the Step-by-Step Guide →Considering other states?
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Where our numbers come from
We check each fact against Florida's own rules. Tap a source to read it yourself.
- License needed?Yess. 400.509(1), F.S.· Oct 2026
- Who oversees itFlorida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)AHCA, HCS Registration FAQ· Oct 2026
- License nameHomemaker and Companion Services (HCS) RegistrationAHCA, HCS Registration FAQ· Oct 2026
- The rulesRule 59A-8.025, F.A.C.; s. 400.509, F.S. (Homemaker & Companion Services registration)Rule 59A-8.025, F.A.C.· Oct 2026
- First license fee$50s. 400.509(3), F.S.· Oct 2026
- License lasts2 yearsAHCA, HCS Registration FAQ· Oct 2026
- BondNones. 400.509, F.S.; ch. 408 Part II, F.S.· Oct 2026
- Owner/manager trainingNo state minimums. 400.509, F.S.· Oct 2026
- Caregiver training3 hourss. 430.5025(4)(b)-(c), F.S.· Oct 2026
- Background checksLevel 2 fingerprint screening (FDLE + FBI) through the AHCA Clearinghouse, renewed every 5 yearss. 400.512, F.S.; s. 408.809, F.S.· Oct 2026
- How long it takes8-12 WeeksBest guess — not confirmed yet
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or business advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's licensing agency before making business decisions. HomeCareAtlas is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this information.
Researched and reviewed by
John Helmy, Founder of HomeCareAtlasBuilding tools and resources to help home care agency owners navigate licensing, compliance, and growth.