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Residential general:
*All links not starting with "doh.state.fl.us" open in a new window.
The Department of Health (DOH) does not issue licenses for the operation of group homes for children. However, the DOH does conduct both food and group care/physical plant 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 (DCHD) Environmental Health section for food hygiene, group care, drinking water supplies from a well, pool, and septic requirements/inspections/plan reviews. Additionally, you can find more information at our web pages:
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/group/crf.htm and
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/food/index.html
The 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:
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/fostercare/
Contact the local DCF office for the county where the facility will be located for additional information.
The 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 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. Their website is:
http://apd.myflorida.com/
If the facility serves children, who are not disabled and are 19 years of age or less, contact DCF. Their website is:
http://www.state.fl.us/cf_web/
If the facility serves elderly clients, contact AHCA. Their website is:
http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/MCHQ/Long_Term_Care/Assisted_living/afc.shtml
Their licensing office can be contact by phone at 850-487-2515. To locate facilities regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration, you can check out that Agency's website for facility locations at:
http://www.floridahealthstat.com/
If your question refers to Florida residential treatment facilities, these facilities are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). You may file a complaint by calling (888) 419-3456, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You may also visit AHCA's website for more information about filing a complaint:
http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Contact/call_center.shtml
The Department of Health (DOH) is not the primary licensing agency for residential facilities nor, do I believe, are resources (clients and funding) provided to these facilities or a supply of clients provided from our department. To get information regarding resources or information on opening a residential facility, I would suggest contacting the appropriate licensing agency directly using the links I have provided below.
In general, group homes that serve children will be regulated by the Department of Children and Families. You may find licensing and contact information about them at this web site:
http://www.state.fl.us/cf_web/
Residential facilities that serve persons with disabilities are regulated by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. You may find licensing and contact information for this agency at this web site:
http://apd.myflorida.com/
Certain residential facilities for the elderly may be licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration. You may find licensing and contact information for this agency at this web site:
http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/
County health departments inspect most residential facilities using Chapter 64E-12, Community Based Residential Facilities, Florida Administrative Code. Kitchens in the larger facilities may be inspected using Chapter 64E-11, Food Hygiene, Florida Administrative Code. You may find a copy of this code at this location
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/food/64e-11.pdf (pdf
<1mb, opens in new window). You should contact the county health department for the county in which you intend to locate your group home prior to construction, remodel and/or before opening it:
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdsitelist.htm
Substance abuse programs fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Children and Families. Should you wish to view more information about their role in these establishments, you can find out how to contact them at:
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/mentalhealth/sa/
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