About Big Heart Group Homes
A Family-Oriented Group Home in Tampa, FloridaFor over 10 years, Big Heart Group Homes has provided APD-licensed residential habilitation for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Tampa Bay — with compassion, dignity, and a commitment to independence.
Our Story
10 Years of Changing Lives,
One Person at a Time
Big Heart Group Homes was founded by Robert Merced, whose path to residential care began in 2001 when he served as Facility Director at Sisters of Mercy — a retirement home for the Sisters of Mercy religious community. That three-year role gave him a deep foundation in compassionate, structured residential care. After years of intentional preparation — studying Florida's APD system, completing required certifications, and obtaining state licensure — Robert opened Big Heart Group Homes in Tampa in 2016. He completed his final certifications while caring for his mother in her last days, a personal chapter that only deepened his commitment to this work.
What started as a single home in Tampa, Hillsborough County has grown into four APD-licensed locations across Hillsborough and Pasco Counties — each fully insured, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and committed to the same mission: treat every resident with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our residential habilitation and companion services are delivered by trained, background-screened staff at every location.
At Big Heart Group Homes, we don’t just provide services — we create a warm, family-oriented environment where every resident belongs, grows, and thrives. From life skills training and medication management to community outings and 1:1 companion care, every service is built around the individual.
Explore Our Services
Our Mission
Our Promise to Every Resident
“Big Heart Group Homes will always advocate for you — whether you are a resident, a family member, or a legal guardian. Every person in our care will be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. That is our promise, and it has guided everything we do for over 20 years.”— Robert Merced, Founder & Owner
Licensed & Trained
Our Staff Training & Background Screening Standards
All Big Heart Group Homes staff complete rigorous state-mandated training and pass Level 2 background screening through the Florida Background Screening Clearinghouse before working with any resident.
Required Training Certifications
- APD Core Competencies (both components)
- Introduction to Developmental Disabilities & Health and Safety
- HIPAA Basics & Patient Privacy and Security
- Medicaid Waiver Services Agreement & Attachments
- Reactive Strategies & Incident Reporting
- Zero Tolerance Policy
- First Aid, CPR & AED / Basic Life Support
- Medication Administration
- Personal Outcomes — Person-Centered Approach
- Medicaid Waiver Documentation Requirements
- Documentation Error Prevention
- Choices & Rights
- AIDS/HIV and Bloodborne Pathogens
Background Screening Requirements
- Florida APD Level 2 background screening
- Florida Background Screening Clearinghouse enrollment
- Local background check (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
- Required fingerprinting
- FBI nationwide background check
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Florida Background Screening Notice: Per Florida House Bill 531 (2025), positions requiring a Level 2 background screening must include a link to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. info.flclearinghouse.com
Serving Tampa Bay
Four APD-Licensed Locations Across Tampa Bay
Years Experience
Over two decades of providing quality residential habilitation in Tampa and Pasco County, Florida.
APD-Licensed Locations
Two homes in Tampa (Hillsborough County) and two in Spring Hill (Pasco County).
Support Ratio
Every resident receives dedicated 1-to-1 companion care and individualized daily support.
Always Staffed
At least one qualified staff member on-site every hour of every day, 365 days a year.
Find Us
Our Locations
Every Big Heart Group Home location is fully licensed by APD and the state of Florida, fully insured, and staffed around the clock. We serve the greater Tampa Bay area including Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.
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Location 1 — Tampa6001 Eldorado Dr, Tampa, FL 33615
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Location 2 — Tampa6003 Eldorado Dr, Tampa, FL 33615
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Location 3 — Spring Hill18855 Dvorak Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34610
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Big Heart Acres Farm18240 Oaklawn Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Ready to Learn More About Big Heart Group Homes?
Contact us to schedule a tour of any of our four locations in Tampa and Spring Hill, Florida. We would love to show you what makes Big Heart the right choice for your loved one.