Compliance in Focus: Mastering Florida’s Regulatory Landscape

Recently, Attorney Rick Strong with Howell, Buchan and Strong was invited to present before the Home Health Care Association of Florida at their annual conference and trade show, July 21-24, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.  The 2026 annual conference and trade show was themed “Ignite: Spark What’s Next” and Mr. Strong presented about Florida’s regulatory system.

Highlights of the Presentation

If you were not able to attend Mr. Strong’ presentation on home health agency licensure, renewal, and Administrative Complaints, you missed a good one.  However, here are some highlights:

• Home Health Agencies are licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) in Florida under Chapter 400, Florida Statutes.
• AHCA covers initial applications, renewals every two (2) years, change of ownership applications and surveys (or inspections) for initial licensure and renewals. Health care providers working in the home health agency must undergo a comprehensive background screening.
• Applications require the financial ability to operate which is very complicated and Howell Buchan and Strong has its own accountant who has years of experience in this area. The application also requires proof of liability, proof of accreditation, a business plan, proof of legal right to occupy property, zoning approval, CEMP, tax id letter, bank statements and more.
• There are very strict application deadlines an applicant must comply with.
• Home Health Agencies, when applying for a license, often receive an omission letter from AHCA, usually for the financial ability to operate, but the letter can include other omissions as well. This is typically when individuals call us and we can absolutely help.  The attorneys at Howell, Buchan and Strong understand how scary this can be.
• AHCA can issue a license, a Notice of Intent to Deny (application) and/or deem the application incomplete. That requires the applicant to start all over.
• Home Health Agencies undergo surveys, or inspections, for initial licensure and for renewal. Failure requires the submission of a corrective action plan within a specified period of time.
• When administrative complaints are filed against Home Health Agencies, sanctions can result in fines, revocation, and/or denial of initial license or renewal of a license.
• Strong also provided definitions and time frames related to applying for a license.

There was a good turn out and Mr. Strong spoke to many people in the home health field.  In Florida, home health services encompasses many healthcare fields including nursing care, physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy. These agencies employ home health aides to provide services.  Services might also include dietetics and nutrition practice and counseling, and the provision of medical supplies as ordered by a physician.

Considering Opening a Home Health Agency in Florida?

If you are considering opening a home health care agency, attorneys at Howell, Buchan and Strong are here to help.  We have successfully assisted many clients in the home health care field attempting licensures and clients that unfortunately had moratoriums or administrative complaints filed against their licenses. Many times, employees of home health agencies have a criminal background that is found when the background screening is complete.  Our attorney’s can assist those employees by applying for an exemption that would enable them to practice in a health are setting. This is a long, complicated process that we know well.  Let us help guide you through the process.  Call us today for your free 30-minute consultation.