Florida HHA Requirements

Florida HHA Fast Facts

Annual Salary

$28,415

Employment

~ 65,000

Training

40 / 75 hours

Key Takeaways

  • More than half work in Home Health Care Services or Individual and Family Services
  • Those working in doctors’ offices can make more than $37,000 per year
  • Need a certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Complete HIV infection course
  • Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) can be employed as a HHA

How to Become a HHA in Florida

As the aging population continues to grow, the demand for home health aides (HHAs) in Florida has increased dramatically in recent years. In order to work as a HHA in Florida, you must be licensed by the Florida Department of Health. In this article, we will discuss how to become a HHA in Florida, including the costs, requirements, and process of obtaining a HHA license.

Florida HHA FAQ

Working for a Medicare or Medicaid home health agency in Florida requires that you obtain 75 hours of training and/or pass an evaluation.

9 out of 10 need hha certification

Yes, a Florida certified nursing assistant (CNA) can be employed by a home health agency as both an in-home care provider and a companion.

Yes, licensed practical nurses (LPN) and registered nurses (RN) can work as a home health aide if they are licensed in another state or Florida.

Many local public vocational technical schools and private career education institutions have courses dedicated to home health aides. To learn more about these programs visit their websites or reach out by phone if you need assistance finding what’s right for you.

A nurse registry is an agency that offers health care related contracts for nurses, home health aides, certified nursing assistants, homemakers, and companions in a patient’s home. Registries refer, but do not hire, home care workers. Once the worker is hired, the relationship usually ends.

To work as a home health aide in a nurse registry, you must first complete 40 hours of training.

No, you would not be an employee. All individuals who enter the home of patients to provide direct care must be independent contractors.

Yes, and they are becoming more popular; be careful and pick one that’s best for you – don’t cut any corners! Learn more about online classes in Florida.

No. Home health aides that are certified or licensed outside of Florida are not permitted to transfer their credentials to Florida. Though you can submit the training documentation from the school where you received training to the employing home care agency or state registry in Florida.

How much does it cost to become a HHA in Florida?

Becoming a HHA in Florida requires completing a state-approved training program, passing a competency exam, and obtaining a HHA license from the Florida Department of Health. The cost of becoming a HHA in Florida can vary based on a number of factors, including the cost of training, application fees, and background checks.

For 2024 the cost of training to become a HHA can be anywhere from $400 to $1,200, depending on the training program. Some programs may also require additional fees for books and supplies!

In addition to training costs, there may also be application fees and background check fees for Florida HHA’s. The application fee for a HHA license in Florida is $55. You will also need to undergo a Level 2 background check, which includes fingerprinting and a criminal history check, which can cost around $80 but has known be be more.

Overall, the cost of becoming a HHA in Florida can range from around $500 to $1,400, depending on the training program and other fees/expenses.

Now, this is important…

Some employers may cover the cost of training and background checks for their employees, so it is worth checking with potential employers to see if they offer any assistance.

How do I get my HHA license in Florida?

To obtain a HHA license in Florida, you must meet the eligibility requirements, complete a state-approved training program, and pass a competency exam.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your HHA license in Florida:

Be a Florida HHA in just weeks!

  • Meet the Florida eligibility requirements: be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a Level 2 background check.
  • Complete a state-approved training program: Complete a state-approved training program that includes at least 40 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical training. These programs are offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and home healthcare agencies.
  • Pass a competency exam: Once you have completed the training program, you must pass a competency exam that includes a written and practical portion.
  • Apply for your HHA license: After passing HHA competency exam, you can apply for your HHA license with the Florida Department of Health. You will need to submit an application and the $55 application fee, along with proof of your training and competency exam results.
  • Renew your HHA license: Your HHA license will need to be renewed every 2 years. To renew your license, you must complete at least 12 hours of in-service training during each renewal period.

Do you need a high school diploma to be a HHA in Florida?

Yes, you need a high school diploma or equivalent to become a HHA in Florida.

Having a high school diploma or equivalent is important because it demonstrates that you have the basic skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality care to patients.

If you don’t have a high school diploma or equivalent, there are a number of options available to you to obtain this credential. You can earn a GED by passing a series of tests that measure your knowledge in areas such as math, reading, and writing. Many adult education programs and community colleges in Florida offer GED preparation courses.

Different ways to get your Florida home health aide certification

florida hha training options
Nurse RegistryHome Health Agency
EmploymentNo “employees” other than administrator and office staffHHA’s are “employees” as required by FL law
HiringHired by, and work for, the clientHire by the Agency
Quality AssuranceNo required programsQuality Assurance Program required by Florida
TrainingNo training or education provided.Agency provides training and continuing education
Background ChecksNone required; very wide latitudeThorough background checks
PaymentPaid as an independent contractor by the clientPaid by the Agency; including payroll taxes and unemployment
InsuranceNone; responsibility of HHA and clientFull insurance coverage including Workers Compensation
SupervisionNone, other than clientSupervised by a RN; member of a home care team
Services to PatientsSameSame

Working at a Florida Home Health Agency

To work for a home health agency administering Medicare or Medicaid, a home health aide must have no less than 75 hours of training or successfully complete a competency examination offered by the home health agency.

The home health aide needs to successfully complete 40 hours of training and also pass a competency test performed by a health agency working to obtain licensure to offer services in a licensed environment. Additional training may be required by such agencies.

Some home health agencies may employ certified nursing assistants as home health aides.

Graduates of an accredited school of nursing and other individuals who are waiting for their state board test to work as a nurse in Florida may be employed as home health aids if they have a license or be a registered nurse or have a license and become a registered nurse in Florida.

A home healthcare agency might also require different certifications or licenses, beyond the minimum for home health aides.

Working at a Florida Nurse Registry

As a home health aide at a Florida nurse registry, a home care aide will need to provide documentation proving the completion of at least 40 hours of home health aide training.

hha nurse icon

Training can be from any of these:

  • public vocational technical school
  • private career education school licensed by the Florida Department of Education 
  • home health agency, if the home health aide was formerly employed by that home health agency. 

Home health aide certification in Florida

Home health aide certificate in Florida is quite easy.

Some local public and private career schools provide home-health aide class instruction, either at your local vocational technical school or a private career school. To find a course in your area, check with your local public or private career schools to find a class. Nonpublic educational institutions in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Education and Commission for Independent Education serving public postsecondary schools.

Here you can find information on the Florida Department of Education’s website regarding the listing of adult education public schools: Florida Division of Career and Adult Education

Home health aide certification ONLINE in Florida

reward icon

Are you interested in being in a position to make a substantial impact on the lives of others as a home health aide? Complete an online HHA course and become certified as a Florida home health aide automatically, without commencing high school or a GED course. Most certificate courses do not require a high school diploma or a GED to join.

See these great resources we think are the best: Florida HHA Online Courses

Additional HHA Training?

All health aides (and caregivers in general) in Florida who are employed by home health care agencies and nursing registries must successfully complete an HIV/AIDS course that provides them with training regarding preventing transmission of HIV. They are also required to take and maintain CPR certificates.


Search for FREE HHA Training in Florida

Best kept secret? Free HHA training is available in Florida! The demand is great for home health aides and agencies are offering free training classes; below is an example – be working and making money as a HHA in just weeks!

Start now as HHA in Florida

Florida HHA Training Requirements

There are different training requirements depending on who you work for – a Home Health Agency or a Nurse Registry.

You’ll need at least one of the following:

  • 40 hour HHA certificate (work at nurse registry)
  • 75 hour HHA certificate (work for home health agency)
  • diploma (Florida HHA online?) in home health aide

Florida HHA Training Resources

The Home Health Aide Competency Test Florida

shuffle image black hha

Home health aides are required to fulfill the competency requirements after training. In other words: you need to pass a HHA test.

Your training program will administer the exam.

Please see more here: Home Health Aide Competency Test.

Profile of a Florida HHA

florida hha profile

Florida HHA Resources

P.S. And don’t rule out Florida HHA online training; some are very good.

Here’s the federal code Florida adheres to Section 484.80; and their own administrative code (Chapter 59).

Florida Home Health Aide Training – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FREE

Florida
Complete HHA Guide

Download, for FREE of course, this all new guide on how to become a home health aide in Florida. Tips and resources you can view or print for later use – all yours.

florida hha guide