How to Become a Caregiver in Florida

If you want to become a caregiver in Florida, it helps to know that “caregiver” can mean a few different roles. Your best path depends on where you want to work and the kind of support you want to provide. Florida’s large older adult population helps explain why demand for caregivers is strong.

Why caregiving demand is high in Florida

Florida has one of the highest shares of adults ages 65 and older in the country. In Florida, 21.8% of residents are 65+. That often means more people need help with daily activities like bathing, meals, mobility, and staying safe at home. (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Florida)

Caregiving roles are also growing nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for home health aides and personal care aides and describes a wide range of settings where people work, including clients’ homes and group residential settings. These trends can influence hiring in Florida because much of the work is community-based. (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook)

Basic Requirements to Become a Caregiver in Florida

Requirements vary by employer and setting, but these steps are common, especially in regulated healthcare environments.

• Age requirement (often 18 or older). Some Florida pathways, such as certified nursing assistant (CNA), reference being at least 18 as part of eligibility routes.

• Education expectations vary. Many caregiving roles have accessible entry points, and the typical entry-level education for home health and personal care aides is often listed as high school or equivalent. Some employers may not require it, while others do.

• Background check and fingerprinting may be required. In Florida, many healthcare roles and facilities use Level 2 background screening through the state’s system, which commonly involves fingerprinting. 

• Certain offenses can be disqualifying. Florida law outlines disqualifying offenses and screening requirements for specific settings covered by statute, which can affect eligibility for some caregiving jobs. 

• Health screening is common in healthcare workplaces. Many employers screen for tuberculosis (TB) at hire. CDC recommends baseline TB screening and testing for U.S. healthcare personnel.

• Transportation can matter. Many caregiving jobs involve traveling to clients’ homes or community settings. Having reliable transportation can be helpful, and some employers may expect it.

Essential Skills and Qualities

Caregiving is hands-on and relationship-centered. These qualities show up repeatedly in job descriptions and career guidance.

• Compassion and emotional steadiness. Caregiving often involves supporting people during hard days, including illness, pain, and loss of independence. 

• Communication skills. You may coordinate with families, nurses, and supervisors, and you may need to document basic observations.

• Reliability and trustworthiness. Caregivers are often in people’s homes and around sensitive health information, so integrity and professionalism matter.

• Physical stamina and safe body mechanics. Some roles involve lifting, transfers, long hours on your feet, and repetitive tasks. Training can help you protect yourself and your clients. 

Certification and Training Options

In Florida, you can enter caregiving through several routes. The best fit depends on your goals, how quickly you want to start, and what setting you want.

Home Health Aide (HHA) Training

Home health aides often support people with personal care and basic health-related tasks that may be supervised by clinical staff, depending on the setting. The BLS describes home health aides as providing routine healthcare support such as checking vital signs or helping with prescribed exercises, alongside daily living support.

In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) outlines how home health aide expectations can vary based on the type of agency and services provided. AHCA’s overview can help you understand what training or competency verification may be expected by certain employers. 

What training may cover: safe personal care, infection control, basic nutrition support, observing and reporting changes, and safety in the home. These topics align with the role description and core duties described in occupational guidance.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program

A CNA credential can expand the settings where you can work, including nursing facilities and other clinical environments. Florida’s Board of Nursing explains eligibility and the steps to become a CNA. 

Florida uses a competency examination process that includes a written (or oral) test and a skills test. Prometric publishes Florida’s candidate information bulletin, which describes the exam structure and administrative steps. (Prometric Florida CNA Candidate Information Bulletin)

Florida also requires background screening for CNA licensure, and your eligibility may depend on the results. 

Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Path

Some caregiving roles focus mainly on nonmedical support. The BLS describes personal care aides as helping with daily living and household tasks, and notes these roles are generally limited to nonmedical services. 

Because job titles and duties can vary, you should ask each employer what training they provide and what tasks they expect you to perform. In some settings, you may receive on-the-job training, while other settings may prefer formal training. 

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Caregiver

Step 1: Choose Your Career Path

Start by choosing a setting. This one decision makes the rest of your plan clearer.

• Home-based caregiving: Often includes personal care and daily living support in a client’s home. 

• Facility-based caregiving: Often includes work in nursing facilities or similar environments where CNA credentials may be preferred.

• Nonmedical support roles: Often focus on companionship, errands, meals, and household tasks. 

If you are unsure which route matches your goals, Aviator can help you compare options, paperwork, and timelines: Learn more about Aviator at aviatorhealth.co/about.

Step 2: Complete Required Training

Your training needs depend on the job.

• For HHA-type roles, review AHCA’s overview and ask employers what training and competency checks they use. 

• For CNA, follow the Board of Nursing steps and use Prometric’s Florida bulletin for exam-related requirements. 

Step 3: Pass Certification Exams (if applicable)

If you pursue CNA certification, you will need to pass the Florida CNA exam process. Prometric’s Florida bulletin describes scheduling, identification requirements, exam rules, and score reporting. 

Some candidates may need additional training depending on their exam outcomes and pathway. Prometric’s guidance explains retesting rules and related requirements. 

Step 4: Complete Background Screening

Many employers and licensing pathways require Level 2 background screening, typically including fingerprints submitted through Florida’s system. AHCA explains the background screening process and how it connects to regulated healthcare settings. 

If you are worried about eligibility, it helps to know that Florida law lists disqualifying offenses for certain roles and settings. That list and the screening rules are found in statute. (Florida Statutes 408.809)

Step 5: Complete Health Screening (often required by employers)

Healthcare employers commonly require a health screening at hire, and TB screening is a frequent part of onboarding. CDC provides guidance for baseline TB screening for healthcare personnel, including what changes if someone has a prior positive test. 

Step 6: Find Employment

Caregivers work in many settings, including private homes, residential care communities, and group homes. The BLS describes common work environments and typical job duties across home health aides and personal care aides.

When you apply, match your resume to the setting:

• For home-based roles, highlight reliability, communication, and comfort traveling to clients. 

• For CNA roles, highlight training, clinical skills practice, and readiness for the competency exam process. 

Where to Get Training in Florida

Start with official guidance and then confirm details with the school or employer.

• CNA pathway: Begin with Florida Board of Nursing CNA requirements and steps.

• CNA exam details: Use Prometric’s Florida bulletin for what to expect on test day.

• HHA overview: Use AHCA’s home health aide guidance to understand employer expectations in Florida. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to become a caregiver in Florida?

Many caregiving roles do not require a college degree. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for these roles as high school or equivalent, and some employers may hire with less depending on the job. Credentials like CNA can expand where you can work. 

How long does it take to become certified?

Timelines depend on the path you choose, the availability of training programs, and how quickly you complete screening. CNA certification includes meeting eligibility requirements and completing the Florida competency exam process described by the Board and Prometric.

Can I become a caregiver with a criminal record?

It depends on the setting and the specific record. Many regulated roles require Level 2 screening, and Florida statutes list disqualifying offenses for certain settings. If you have concerns, review the statute and speak with the employer or licensing body about your situation.

Takeaway

Becoming a caregiver in Florida starts with one clear choice: decide whether you want to work in home care, nonmedical support, or a clinical setting like a facility. From there, you can match your training and screening steps to the job. Florida’s older adult population helps explain why this work is needed, and why many people build stable careers in caregiving. 

If you want to move forward, use AHCA and the Florida Board of Nursing as your anchor sources, then confirm requirements with the employer or training program. 

Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider for personal guidance. Aviator provides advocacy and guidance, but individual circumstances may vary. In emergencies, contact appropriate services immediately.

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Baseline tuberculosis screening and testing for health care personnel. https://www.cdc.gov/tb-healthcare-settings/hcp/screening-testing/baseline-testing.html

2. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (n.d.). Background screening. https://ahca.myflorida.com/health-quality-assurance/bureau-of-central-services/background-screening

3. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (n.d.). Home health aides. https://ahca.myflorida.com/health-quality-assurance/bureau-of-health-facility-regulation/laboratory-and-in-home-services/home-health-agencies/home-health-aides

4. Florida Board of Nursing. (n.d.). Certified nursing assistant (CNA). https://floridasnursing.gov/certified-nursing-assistant/

5. Florida Legislature. (n.d.). Section 408.809, Florida Statutes: Background screening; prohibited offenses. https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0408/Sections/0408.809.html

6. Prometric. (n.d.). Florida nurse aide candidate information bulletin. https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/FL_CNA_CIB.pdf

7. U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). QuickFacts: Florida. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL/PST045224

8. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Home health and personal care aides: Occupational outlook handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm