How to Start a Home Health Agency in Florida

Experts agree the U.S. senior population is steadily increasing, which is putting immense pressure on the healthcare industry. To ensure high-quality care for seniors, compassionate entrepreneurs can look into the advantages of starting their own home health agency.

Unsure how to start a home health agency in Florida? Our comprehensive guide can walk you through the steps – and give insight on how to make the process easier.

Requirements to Start a Home Care Agency in Florida

Every state has its own rules for starting a home care agency. However, in Florida specifically, you’ll want to adhere to the following:

• Apply for a license: To own a home health agency in Florida, you’ll need to obtain a license from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). As part of this process, you must pass a background check.
• Register your business: Determine the best type of business structure for your agency – sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation – and register with the Florida Department of State.
• Learn, and follow, regulations: All state and federal regulations are established by multiple organizations including the AHCA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Your agency must comply with all of these rules and mandates to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

How to Start Home Health Agency in Florida in 5 Steps

Even after meeting all of the state requirements, there are still many more steps to getting your home care agency launched. The following gives you an idea of what to expect:

1. Research the market: Conduct market research to understand the demographics in your area. Get a sense of the competition, services already available, and where there may be gaps in care. Identify your target audience and their specific needs to tailor your services effectively.
2. Draft a business plan: Create a business plan that details your home health agency’s mission, vision, and goals. Include information about the services you’ll provide, your preferred target market, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
3. Secure funding: A solid business plan will help greatly as you meet with potential investors. Explore various financing options including your personal savings, SBA or bank loans, grants, crowdfunding, and investments from friends and family.
4. Set up shop: Determine the location of your home health agency, hire and train dedicated caregivers, and purchase all equipment needed for administration purposes and providing high-quality care.
5. Market your agency: Execute the marketing strategy as dictated in your business plan, incorporating multiple marketing tactics. Build a website, engage in social media, and attend community events to help get the word out about your business. Develop relationships with healthcare providers to generate referrals.

Get Started with Always Best Care

If starting your own home care agency seems overwhelming, there is the option of becoming a franchisee with a reputable brand. Always Best Care is a leading in-home senior care provider, offering multiple types of care – meeting the unique needs of all our clients.

With over 250 locations nationwide and plenty of room to continue expanding – especially in Florida – we’re committed to delivering compassionate care to more seniors across the country. Plus, we offer an affordable franchise opportunity, with investment costs starting at just under $90,000.*

To learn more about starting a senior health care agency with Always Best Care, request information today, and a member of our team will be in touch.