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Florida

Navigating Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder Facility Licensing in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

You can’t start a compliant and successful mental health or substance use treatment program without first ensuring you are adhering to the state’s licensing requirements. Whether you’re seeking to open an outpatient facility (providing outpatient, intensive outpatient/ IOP, or partial hospitalization/ PHP) or a residential facility (detox/ withdrawal management, high intensity or low intensity residential) navigating Florida’s regulatory landscape can be complex and time-consuming.

At Arrow Consulting, we specialize in guiding providers through every stage of the licensing process – ensuring your facility meets all regulatory standards and is fully prepared to deliver high-quality, legally compliant care.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed in Florida

  1. Decide what service you want to provide and which license you’ll need
    Decide whether your facility will provide mental health services or substance use disorder services. This decision determines the regulations you must follow and guides your application process.
  2. Review the regulations for the service you’ll provide
    Consult the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) and the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) websites to understand the current regulations and requirements. It’s also important to check if there are any additional barriers to getting licensed.
    Florida does not currently require a Certificate of Need (CON) for behavioral health facilities, but you must comply with Florida Statutes Chapter 394 (Mental Health) and Chapter 397 (Substance Abuse Services).
  3. Get your documents and processes in order
    Compile the documents required for your Florida application. You’ll definitely need:
  • Organizational formation documents
  • Staffing plans
  • Facility floor plans/ building documents 
  • Relevant policies and procedures
  1. Once you finalize your application, submit it to the state
  • Mental Health Facilities (Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
  • Substance Use Disorder Facilities (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP): Submit to DCF, SAMH – Substance Abuse Licensing
  • See below for more information on these agencies
  1. Prepare for Inspection
    Florida requires an on-site inspection before granting a license. Inspectors will review your facility, records, staff qualifications, and policies. Make sure your facility is in compliance and your leadership team is prepared.
  2. Make any corrections and start providing services
    You may need to make some revisions to policies or other items as discussed with the state. Once you have completed your plan of correction, you will be issued your license and may commence providing services to your community.

 

Understanding Behavioral Health Facility Licensing Requirements in Florida

 

Licensing for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Facilities

Substance use disorder treatment facilities in Florida are licensed by Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH).

PHP and IOP for SUD:
PHP and IOP programs for substance use disorder treatment must provide structured, intensive services and comply with Florida requirements for:

  • Qualified staffing
  • Therapeutic programming
  • Patient care standards
  • Emergency preparedness

Detox and Residential Treatment:
Detox programs in Florida must be licensed by DCF must meet state standards for:

  • Medically supervised withdrawal management
  • On-site licensed professionals (e.g., physicians and nurses)
  • Patient safety and clinical oversight
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Facility operations and compliance with DCF regulations

 

Licensing for Mental Health Facilities

Mental health facilities in Florida are licensed by the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

PHP and IOP for Mental Health:
Mental health PHP and IOP programs must meet state standards for:

  • Therapeutic services
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Patient safety
  • Quality care

Residential Treatment Facilities in Mental Health:

Facilities providing residential mental health services must be licensed by AHCA and are required to meet state standards for:

  • 24/7 care in a structured environment
  • Therapeutic services
  • Staffing qualifications
  • Patient safety
  • Quality care




Let Arrow Consulting handle the entire process for you – ensuring a smooth, compliant, and efficient licensing experience.