Group Homes
The Florida Department of Health 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 or the Agency for Persons with Disabilities if they serve disabled clients. Depending upon the needs of your child, contact the appropriate licensing agency:
| Florida Agency | Phone | Licensing Information |
|---|---|---|
| Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) | 850-412-4304 | AHCA licenses homes/facilities serving the elderly, disabled, and crisis stabilization mental health facilities. Locate facility information or file a complaint. |
| Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) | 850-487-1111 | Facility serving children, who are not disabled and are 19 years of age or less |
| Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) | 850-488-4257 | APD licenses homes/facilities serving only individuals with disabilities. Provider search. |
Residential Child-Caring Agency
A Residential child-caring agency is a Department of Children and Families licensed residential facility or agency which provides staffed 24-hour care for children in residential facilities. Various types of residential child-caring agencies include, but are not limited to, maternity homes, runaway shelters, emergency shelters that are not in private residences, and wilderness camps. Residential child-caring agencies do not include hospitals, boarding schools, summer or recreation camps, nursing homes, or facilities operated by a governmental agency for the training, treatment, or secure care of delinquent youth, or facilities licensed under sections 393.067 or 394.875, Florida Statutes, or Chapter 397, Florida Statutes.
The Florida Department of Health usually provides an environmental health inspection of the food service area to ensure basic food safety and sanitation standards are followed. Per subsection section 409.175(6)(e), Florida Statutes, and at the request of the Department of Children and Families, DOH will conduct an annual routine inspection at DCF-licensed residential child-caring agencies and apply designated food safety standards, located in Rule 65C-14.010, Florida Administrative Code.
Physical Plant Inspection Rule, Frequency, and Inspections
Form: DH 4029
Frequency: Once annually, only if an inspection request is received by the DCF
Rule 65C-14, F.A.C.