Group Care

Children, the elderly and ill persons living at group care facilities comprise a portion of the population that is more susceptible to disease. Your Environmental Health team ensures high standards related to the construction, operation and maintenance of group care facilities. Facilities such as assisted living facilities, residential facilities, adult family care homes, and foster homes are inspected regularly to reduce the risk of disease transmission to residents, workers and visitors.

Due to the variety of facilities regulated under this program, more than one rule provides the requirements based on the type of business involved. Chapter 64E-12 F.A.C. governs residential-type facilities. For school requirements see Chapter 6A-2.0040 F.A.C. that incorporates by reference Section 443, Florida Building Code (FBC), Schools, Colleges and University and State Requirements for Educational Facilities 2012 (SREF). If there is food service at the facility, they will also have to meet the rules provided in Chapter 64E - 11 F.A.C. (Click on the name to see a copy of that rule).

Any facility regulated by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) must obtain an Operating Permit from this agency to begin operation and such permit needs to be renewed annually. Click here for a copy of the county application form for new or renewal permits.

The permitting requirements for a new group care facility are different for each type of business. Due to the wide range of possible requirements, any facility beginning the permitting process should contact our Group Care Program at 904-253-1280 for specific instructions.

Child care facilities are permitted and inspected by the Florida Department of Children and Families. For more information about the requirements for Child Care or to make a complaint, please visit the DCF website, or call 850-488-4900.

For more information, call 904-253-1280 or visit the Florida Department of Health web site at www.flhealth.gov and select your facility type from the list.