Last verified: September 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm every figure with Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) before you file.
Florida has more seniors per capita than almost any other state, which makes it a strong home care market. It also has the most confusing licensing setup of any state I’ve looked at, because what you’re allowed to do depends on which of three AHCA credentials you hold. This guide explains the options for a non-medical home care agency in 2026, with a source for each rule.
Quick facts: Florida home care licensing
| Option | What it allows | Fee (per 2 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Homemaker & Companion Services registration | Companionship, housekeeping, meals, errands, shopping. No hands-on personal care. | $50.75 |
| Home Health Agency (HHA) license | Personal care (bathing, dressing, eating, transfers) through employed aides and CNAs | $1,705 + $300 assessment |
| Nurse Registry license | Refers independent-contractor nurses, CNAs, aides, companions and homemakers | $2,000 |
All three are regulated by AHCA under Chapter 400, Part III and Chapter 408, Part II of the Florida Statutes, and renew every 2 years.
Which one do you need?
- Companion and homemaker only? The HCS registration is enough. Florida law says companions and homemakers “may not provide hands-on personal care” (s. 400.462).
- Want to help clients bathe, dress or move? You need a Home Health Agency license (or a Nurse Registry). A non-skilled HHA that uses only aides, CNAs, homemakers and companions does not need accreditation or a Director of Nursing.
Many owners start with the registration to get moving, then find that most families eventually need hands-on help. Decide up front which business you’re building.
Step-by-step: getting licensed in Florida
- Form your entity with the Florida Division of Corporations and register any fictitious name. The name and address on your AHCA application must match.
- Level 2 background screening for controlling owners, the administrator and the financial officer, started through the AHCA Clearinghouse and done at a LiveScan provider.
- Apply in the AHCA Online Licensing System and pay within 30 days of creating the application, or it expires.
- Answer AHCA’s questions within 21 days, or the application is withdrawn and the fee is forfeited.
- Inspection: the HCS registration has no initial inspection. A Home Health Agency must pass an inspection before licensure.
Extra requirements for a Home Health Agency license
- A signed business plan and list of services
- Two years of projected financial statements compiled and signed by a CPA
- Proof of funds covering at least 3 months of average projected expenses
- Malpractice and general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per claim each
- Proof you can occupy your office, plus local zoning approval
- An administrator who is a physician, PA or RN, or has at least 1 year of supervisory experience in home health or a licensed facility, plus an alternate administrator
Caregiver requirements in Florida
- Level 2 background screening for HHA, nurse registry and companion/homemaker staff.
- Dementia training: basic information at hire, a free 1-hour Department of Elder Affairs course within 30 days for staff with regular client contact, and 2 more hours within 7 months for staff who provide personal care.
- Home health aides at an HHA: at least 40 hours of training or passing AHCA’s competency test (CNAs also qualify), current CPR, and a one-time HIV/AIDS course within 30 days of hire.
How long does it take?
AHCA must approve or deny within 60 days of receiving a complete application. Home Health Agency applications take longer in practice because of the financial documents and inspection.
Medicaid in Florida
Florida pays for homemaker, companion and personal care services through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care program. Those services are delivered through the managed care plans, so agencies generally work through plan contracts.
Starting in a different state? Compare home care licensing by state.
Want the full playbook?
I built and run a licensed home care agency in California. Florida’s licensing path is its own, but getting clients, hiring caregivers and managing cash flow work the same way. The Home Care Agency Blueprint covers that side in 49 lessons. You can see the syllabus or start with the $29.99 Startup Workbook.
FAQ
How much is a homemaker companion license in Florida?
AHCA currently charges $50.75 for the two-year Homemaker and Companion Services registration.
Can a companion agency help with bathing in Florida?
No. Hands-on personal care requires a Home Health Agency license or a Nurse Registry.
Do I have to show my registration number in ads?
Yes. Florida requires companion and homemaker providers to include their AHCA registration number in advertising (s. 400.509).
Sources
- Florida Statutes s. 400.509, s. 400.462, s. 400.471, s. 408.806, s. 430.5025
- AHCA Homemaker & Companion Services
- AHCA Home Health Agencies and home health aide requirements
- Rule Chapter 59A-8, F.A.C.
- SMMC Long-Term Care program
This article is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with AHCA or a licensing attorney before you apply.
Want help getting licensed in Florida?
We write the policy binder Florida asks for, prepare your homemaker/companion registration application for you to sign, and answer correction letters until the state decides. The full PremiumCare Academy course is included.