Residential Care and School Facilities (Group Care)

The purpose of the Group Care Program is to lower the risk of illness and injuries in a group-type setting by routine inspection.

Children, elderly and ill persons that live in group care facilities are at a higher risk for illness. Inspections ensure good sanitary and safety practices related to the construction, operation and maintenance of group care facilities in order to reduce the risk of transmitting illness to residents, workers, and visitors.

While the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County (DOH-Indian River) does not license these facilities, we are responsible for conducting physical sanitation inspections:

• Private, charter, and public schools
• Adult family care homes
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Crisis stabilization units
• Homes for special services
• Hospice
• Intermediate care facilities
• Residential treatment facilities
• Short-term residential treatment centers
• Transitional living facilities
• Child caring agencies operating in Indian River County

These facilities may also require food service or limited use drinking water permits. If a facility is using an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (OSTDS) for wastewater disposal, contact our office on what information is needed on the system.

If the facility’s estimated flow rate increases or if there is a change of ownership, it may be determined after an inspection that a modification of the OSTDS is required. Commercial kitchens may require an annual operating permit for the OSTDS, in addition to a food service permit.

More information is avilable regarding food service, OSTDS, and grease trap requirements.

New facilities and other facilities with changes in information should complete a Group Care/School Inspection Request Form and submit it with the applicable fees, indicated on form.

Learn more about the Florida Department of Health's group care facilities regulation.

Food Service Plan Review Requirements

Tier I residential facilities, as outlined in Chapter 64E-12, Florida Administrative Code, that have a capacity of 5 or less persons, are not required to submit for a food service plan review. Adult family care homes, regardless of size, are not Tier I facilities.

Tier II residential facilities, as outlined in Chapter 64E-12, F.A.C., that have capacity of 6-10 persons, are required to submit a food service plan review and receive approval before opening of the facility. This process also pertains to renovations of these facilities. These facilities are not issued a separate food service permit.

Tier III residential facilities, as outlined in Chapter 64E-12, F.A.C., that have capacity of 11 or more persons, are required to obtain a separate food service permit andsubmit a food service plan review. Hospice facilities, regardless of size, are considered Tier III facilities.

Resources

• Food Service Plan Review Guide and Form
• Community Based Residential Group Care Facility Rules: Chapter 64E-12, F.A.C.
• Group Care/School Inspection Request
• Sanitation standards for private schools, non-public k-12 schools, and charter schools not located on local school board property, Chapter 6A-2.0040, F.A.C.
• Sanitation standards for public schools, vocational Schools, and charter schools, located in or on local school board property, Chapter 6A-2.0010, FAC