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Residential Care and School Facilities

Florida Department of Health in Volusia County Environmental Health

Facility types that we inspect 

The following programs are designed to protect the public from environmental dangers that may cause illness or injury when they are in care of a residential setting outside of their own home. Below is a listing of the types of different Residential Care & School Facilities that we inspect. Following the type of facility is the licensing agency that grants the facility their license to operate and a link to that agency’s website that will give you more information on how to open or operate that type of facility.

Inspections 

Inspections are done at least once a year to ensure the safety of the residents. Some of the key areas that inspectors look at include: clean, sanitary and odor free housing. Inspectors will also evaluate general upkeep and construction, lighting levels, food service, restroom facilities, heating/cool, ventilation, solid waste disposal, vermin control, laundry and water/wastewater.

You can find a copy of the rules and regulations that cover most of our facilities by going to the Florida Department of Health Residential Group Care website.

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County is required to perform a plan review of all proposed or existing facilities. This requires one set of plans to be submitted which includes:

  1. The application completely filled out.
  2. A floor plan of the proposed facility showing bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen and all other features.
  3. A plot plan showing property lines, wells (if applicable) septic tanks (if applicable) and physical location of all structures.

Additional fees and requirements are required for facilities that are to be served by either a septic system or a private well (or both). This must be done first.

If on a septic system: An application for an existing system must be filled out and submitted to the appropriate field office. A pump-out for the septic tank must be submitted and a site plan must be drawn to-scale that shows the property dimensions, locations of structures and other pertinent features.

If on a private well: An annual operating permit (Limited Use-Community is required. The application must be filled out. Sampling is also required, contact the appropriate field office for information on fees and what is required.

Payment should include all necessary paperwork. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Plans for the facility will be reviewed within 10 working days of receipt of the plans and you will be notified in writing of any further requirements.