Start a Non-Medical Homemaker and Companion Services Agency in Florida
For years, Wise Caregiving has helped new agency owners organize the professional documentation commonly required to launch and operate a non-medical home care business. Many entrepreneurs already have the passion to help others -they simply need the administrative structure to get started.
Wise Caregiving provides foundational administrative template bundles designed to help new agency owners save significant time preparing their startup documentation. These resources include professionally organized MS Word templates that customers can edit and customize for their own agency, services, and state requirements.
Rather than starting with blank documents, many entrepreneurs choose to begin with structured templates that provide a strong administrative framework for building their home care business.
While every state has its own regulatory requirements, Wise Caregiving templates are designed to serve as a professional starting point that can be adapted as needed for individual business operations and local compliance guidelines.
Companion and Homemaker Services (Florida)
Florida law separates non-skilled services into two main categories:
1. Companion Services
Companion services focus on social support and supervision, and may include:
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Conversation and companionship
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Supervision for safety
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Accompanying clients to appointments
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Playing games or engaging in activities
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Light tasks directly related to the client’s comfort
These services do not include hands-on personal care.
2. Homemaker Services
Homemaker services focus on household assistance to help a client remain safely at home.
Typical tasks include:
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Light housekeeping
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Laundry
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Changing bed linens
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Meal preparation
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Grocery shopping and errands
Homemaker services also do not involve hands-on personal care.
When Personal Care Is Added
If an agency provides hands-on assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as:
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Bathing
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Dressing
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Toileting
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Mobility or transferring
then the services are considered personal care, usually provided by Home Health Aides (HHAs) or CNAs, and still fall under the Home Health Agency licensing structure.
Florida Agency Responsible for Home Care Licensing
Homemaker and Companion Services Agencies in Florida are regulated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
This state agency oversees licensing and compliance for many types of healthcare providers operating in Florida.
Official AHCA website:
https://ahca.myflorida.com
Florida Administrative Code for Homemaker and Companion Services
Homemaker and Companion Services Agencies in Florida operate under the following regulations:
Florida Statutes Chapter 400 – Part III
and
Florida Administrative Code Rule 59A-8
These laws outline the requirements for:
• agency licensing
• staff qualifications
• background screening
• operational policies
• client protections
Understanding these regulations helps ensure your homemaker and companion services agency operates legally in Florida.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
Before applying for licensure, you must first establish your legal business entity.
Many home care entrepreneurs choose to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) because it provides personal liability protection and flexible taxation.
Common business structures include:
• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Corporation
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
You can register your business through the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/
Step 2: Register Your Business in Florida
After choosing your business structure, you must formally register your business with the state.
This typically involves filing one of the following documents:
• Articles of Organization (LLC)
• Articles of Incorporation (Corporation)
You can also verify whether your desired business name is available through the Sunbiz database.
Business name search:
https://search.sunbiz.org
Step 3: Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Most home care businesses must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.
An EIN is required to:
• file taxes
• open a business bank account
• hire employees
Apply for an EIN here:
Step 4: Apply for a Homemaker and Companion Services Agency License
o legally operate a Homemaker and Companion Services Agency in Florida, you must apply for licensure through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
The licensing process requires submitting an application along with documentation demonstrating that your agency meets state requirements.
Application portal:
Common Licensing Requirements
Florida may require the following documentation during the licensing process:
• agency application forms
• policy and procedure manuals
• proof of liability insurance
• background screening for owners and staff
• staff qualifications and training records
• emergency preparedness plans
Step 5: Develop Policies and Procedures
Every homemaker and companion services agency must maintain written policies and procedures describing how the agency operates.
These documents typically include:
• admission and discharge policies
• caregiver qualifications and supervision
• infection control procedures
• abuse reporting procedures
• complaint resolution processes
These policies help ensure safe, consistent care for clients.
Step 6: Hire and Train Caregivers
Home care agencies must recruit qualified staff and provide appropriate training.
Typical requirements may include:
• staff must be at least 18 years old
• background screening
• reference verification
• completion of training programs
Training requirements may vary depending on the services your agency provides.
Step 7: Obtain Business Insurance
Insurance helps protect your agency from financial risk.
Common policies include:
• General Liability Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance
• Professional Liability Insurance
Many states require proof of insurance before issuing a license.
Step 8: Establish Your Marketing
Once your agency is licensed and operational, you can begin marketing your services to clients in your community.
Common marketing strategies include:
• creating a professional website
• building relationships with healthcare providers
• networking with senior communities
• advertising locally and online
These efforts help build awareness and generate new client referrals.
Step 9: Office Requirements for a Homemaker & Companion Services Agency in Florida
Florida regulations do not require a commercial office location for a Homemaker & Companion Services Agency.
Many agencies begin as home-based businesses, especially during the early stages of operation.
However, the agency must maintain an official business address where:
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agency records are kept
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licensing documents are stored
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regulators can contact the agency if necessary
The agency must also ensure that administrative operations such as scheduling, documentation, and recordkeeping can be properly maintained.
Are Virtual Offices Allowed?
A virtual office or mailing address may be used for business correspondence, but it generally cannot replace the requirement for maintaining agency records and operational control.
In other words:
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A virtual address may be acceptable for mailing purposes
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But the agency must still maintain secure access to business records and files
During licensing or inspections, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) may request access to records.
Home-Based Office Considerations
If you plan to operate the administrative office from your home, you should verify:
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local city or county zoning rules
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whether a local business tax receipt (occupational license) is required
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secure storage for client and employee records
Many Florida home care agencies operate their administrative offices from a home location while caregivers provide services in clients’ homes.
Resources for Starting a Home Care Business in Florida
Many new agency owners underestimate the amount of documentation required to operate a professional home care business. Policies, procedures, intake forms, care plans, caregiver agreements, and operational documentation are essential components of a well-run agency. While some entrepreneurs attempt to create these materials themselves, doing so can take weeks or even months of research and formatting.
Using structured templates allows you to start with professionally written documents that you can customize for your agency.
Our startup documentation bundle include:
• Policy and procedure manuals
• Client intake forms
• Service plan templates
• Caregiver agreements
• Operational documentation used by professional agencies
Instead of starting from a blank page, you can begin with documents designed specifically for the home care industry.
Ready to start your home care agency?
Explore the Wise Caregiving startup resources designed to help entrepreneurs organize their documentation and begin building their agency with confidence.
👉 View Home Care Startup Templates
OBTAIN ALL THE APPLICABLE HOMEMAKER AND COMPANION FORMS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO START YOUR AGENCY IN THE SHOP BELOW.
Starting a home care agency is not just about launching a business. It is about creating a service that allows seniors and adults to remain safe, comfortable, and respected in their own homes.
Many agency owners begin with a simple goal: to help people. With the right preparation and administrative foundation, that goal can grow into a meaningful and successful business.