The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has finalized revisions to Rule 59A-8.0095, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), implementing key operational reforms enacted through House Bill 1353 during the 2025 Florida Legislative Session.

Effective May 31, 2026, the rule formally allows a single administrator to oversee multiple commonly owned home health agencies without geographic restrictions — one of the most significant provisions included in HCAF’s landmark home health reform legislation signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2025.

HCAF strongly advocated for the change in response to longstanding workforce and operational challenges facing providers statewide, particularly difficulties recruiting qualified administrators in rural and underserved communities.

The reform is expected to reduce administrative overhead, improve staffing flexibility, strengthen operational efficiency, and better support multi-location providers throughout Florida.

Alternate Administrator Requirements Revised

While geographic restrictions for administrators were eliminated under HB 1353, AHCA revised the alternate administrator requirements to retain geographic limitations for those positions.

Under the revised rule, alternate administrator may serve up to five home health agencies only if:

• The agencies share identical controlling interests
• The agencies are located within the same geographic service area or in immediately contiguous counties

The rule continues requiring agencies to designate an alternate administrator in writing to manage daily operations during the administrator’s absence.

Advocacy in Action — and What Comes Next

This achievement underscores the impact of a unified home care voice in Tallahassee. HCAF’s ability to secure and implement meaningful policy reforms is driven by the engagement of its members and the support of the Home Care Political Action Committee (PAC).

With the 2026 elections approaching and the 2027 Legislative Session on the horizon, HCAF will continue advocating for reforms that reduce administrative burdens, strengthen the workforce pipeline, and support sustainable, high-quality care in the home.

This victory demonstrates what coordinated advocacy can accomplish — but continued progress depends on maintaining a strong presence at the Capitol.

To help support future legislative and regulatory victories, providers are encouraged to contribute to the Home Care PAC.

Click here to contribute today!