Starting an HCBS Agency in Florida

What You Need to Know About Starting a Specific HCBS Agency in Florida


These videos give an overview of the various Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) available in Florida for providers who want to learn how to start or operate an HCBS agency in the state. Each video explains the purpose of the service, provider requirements, licensing process, and how the program functions in Florida. Use these videos to better understand the responsibilities, standards, and steps involved in becoming or working with approved HCBS providers in Florida. Explore each section to find the service that best matches your goals or area of interest.

Respite Care

Respite Care Services in Florida offer short-term, temporary care for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related needs, allowing their primary caregivers to take a break or attend to other obligations. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are designed to support family stability, prevent caregiver burnout, and promote the well-being of both caregivers and participants.

 
 

Family Training and Support Services

Family Training & Support Services in Florida help families and caregivers gain the skills, knowledge, and emotional support needed to effectively care for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are designed to strengthen the home environment, promote independence, and prevent unnecessary institutionalization.

 
 

Supported Employment

Supported Employment Services in Florida help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment in the community. These services are authorized under Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are designed to promote independence, self-sufficiency, and full participation in the workforce.

 
 

Personal Assistance

Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Services in Florida provide hands-on support with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related needs. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs to help individuals maintain their independence and remain safely in their homes and communities.

 
 

Medical Equipment & Supply 

Medical Equipment and Supply Services in Florida ensure that individuals enrolled in Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs have access to the durable medical equipment (DME) and medical supplies they need for daily living, health management, and community participation. These services promote independence, safety, and improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or injuries.

 
 

Skilled Nursing

Skilled Nursing Services in Florida provide essential clinical care to individuals with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or recovery needs. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, allowing individuals to receive professional nursing care while remaining safely in their homes and communities.

 
 

Habilitation Services

Habilitation Services in Florida help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) acquire, retain, and improve essential skills needed for everyday living, socialization, and integration into their communities. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers and are critical for promoting independence, dignity, and person-centered outcomes.

 
 

Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Services in Florida offer therapy, counseling, psychiatric support, crisis stabilization, and rehabilitative care for individuals with mental health disorders, behavioral challenges, or co-occurring conditions. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid State Plan, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, and specialized behavioral health initiatives, promoting recovery, resilience, and community integration.

 
 

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Florida help individuals with disabilities acquire, use, and maintain devices or equipment that improve their functional capabilities and support greater independence. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are critical for enhancing mobility, communication, self-care, and participation in daily life.

 
 

In-Home Support

In-Home Support Services in Florida offer individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions the personalized assistance they need to live independently in their homes and participate fully in community life. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are designed to support activities of daily living (ADLs), safety, community integration, and skill development.

 
 

Home Accessibility Adaptation Services

Home Accessibility Adaptations in Florida support individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related needs by modifying their homes to improve accessibility, mobility, and safety. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, allowing individuals to live more independently and avoid institutional care.

 
 

Specialized Therapy

Specialized Therapies Services in Florida include occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), speech-language pathology (SLP), and other clinically necessary supports designed to improve or maintain functional capabilities. These services are covered under Florida Medicaid, including the iBudget Waiver for individuals with developmental disabilities, and are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).

 
 

Financial Assistance Services

Financial Assistance Services in Florida help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or long-term care needs access limited financial resources necessary to establish or maintain living arrangements in the community. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are designed to promote stability, prevent institutionalization, and support person-centered living goals.

 
 

Day Training Services

Training Services in Florida are designed to help individuals with disabilities develop, maintain, or improve skills necessary for living and working more independently in their homes and communities. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, promoting self-sufficiency, employment readiness, and personal growth.

 
 

Transition Services

Transition Services in Florida help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other long-term care needs move safely and successfully from institutional settings—such as nursing homes, hospitals, or intermediate care facilities—into homes or community-based living arrangements. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, promoting independence, dignity, and person-centered living.

 
 

Homemaker Services

Homemaker Services in Florida assist individuals enrolled in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs by providing help with household tasks necessary to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy living environment. These services allow individuals to continue living independently in their homes and participating fully in their communities.

 
 

Companion Care

Companion Care Services in Florida provide non-medical assistance, supervision, and socialization to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related needs. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and aim to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and reduce isolation.

 
 

Adult Health Transportation

Transportation Services in Florida provide individuals enrolled in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs with safe, reliable, and accessible transportation to essential destinations. These services are crucial for promoting independence, improving access to health care, employment, and social participation, and supporting person-centered community living.

 
 

Home Health Services

Home Health Services in Florida provide medically necessary skilled nursing, personal care, and therapy services to individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or recovering from illness or injury. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs, supporting individuals to remain in their homes while receiving high-quality, person-centered care.

 
 

Meal & Nutrition Services

Home-Delivered Meals Services in Florida ensure that individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related needs have access to nutritious, prepared meals delivered directly to their homes. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, helping to maintain health, prevent malnutrition, and support independent living.