Starting a daycare in Florida requires careful planning and compliance with state regulations. This complete guide walks you through the licensing requirements, application process, and steps needed to open a successful childcare program in Florida.
Whether you're an experienced early childhood educator or opening your first childcare business, understanding Florida's specific requirements will help you navigate the process with confidence.
Do I need a childcare license in Florida?
Yes, you need a childcare license in Florida if you provide care for more than five children unrelated to you for a fee. According to Florida childcare regulations, the Department of Children and Families Office of Child Care Regulation oversees licensing in 62 of Florida's 67 counties. Five counties—Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Sarasota—have local licensing agencies that regulate childcare programs in their jurisdictions.
When you don't need a license
You don't need a childcare license for:
- Public and nonpublic schools and their integral programs
- Summer camps with full-time resident children
- Summer day camps
- Bible schools conducted during vacation periods
- Transient establishments providing childcare services primarily for guests
Types of licensed childcare programs in Florida
The department regulates five childcare programs:
- Child Care Facilities: Provide care for more than five children unrelated to the provider and receives a payment fee
- Licensed Family Day Care Homes: An occupied residence in which childcare is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families and receives a payment fee
- Large Family Child Care Homes: An occupied residence in which childcare is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families and receives a payment fee, and has at least two full-time childcare personnel on the premises
- School-Age Child Care Facilities: Provide care only to school-aged children before or after school
- Child Care Facilities for Mildly Ill Children: Provide care for young children with a short-term illness or symptoms of illness or disability
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the licensing requirements for different childcare programs in Florida?
Each type of childcare program in Florida has specific licensing requirements. Understanding these requirements before you apply will help you prepare your program and ensure compliance.
Child care facility requirements
Childcare facilities must meet these licensing standards:
Age requirements
The operator must be at least 21 years old.
Training and credentialing requirements
- The facility director must have an active director credential
- Childcare personnel must complete the department's 40-hour introductory child care facility training
- Additional required training includes early literacy training, safe sleep/shaken baby syndrome training, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), fire extinguisher training, and annual in-service training
Background screening requirements
All childcare program employees must submit to a background check. Florida childcare regulations require two types of background screening:
- Initial screening: Required before employment begins for all childcare program employees
- Re-screening: Mandatory after five years for all daycare personnel
Learn more about background screening requirements here.
Licensed capacity
- The total number of children in care can't exceed the facility's licensed capacity
- Must have at least 35 square feet of usable indoor floor space for each child
- Must have a minimum of 45 square feet of outdoor play space per child
- A childcare facility with a capacity of one to 15 children requires one toilet and one wash basin, plus an additional toilet and wash basin for every additional 30 children
Staff-to-child ratios
Florida requires specific staff-to-child ratios based on age:
- Infants under one year old: 1:4 (one staff member for every four infants)
- One year olds: 1:6
- Two year olds: 1:11
- Three year olds: 1:15
- Four year olds: 1:20
- Five year olds: 1:25
Childcare licensing fees
Licensed childcare facilities pay a $1 per child licensing fee based on the facility's licensed capacity. The minimum fee is $25 per facility, and the maximum is $100 per facility.
Family day care home requirements
If you're opening a family day care home, you must meet these requirements before registration:
General requirements
- The operator must be at least 18 years old
- The daycare operation must be in the home where the operator resides
- The operator can't work outside the home during business hours of operation
- Must have at least one other adult to substitute in case of emergency
- Must provide a completed health and safety checklist to every family annually
- Must verify local zoning ordinances allow you to operate a daycare business in your home
Training and credentialing requirements
Complete these trainings before registration:
- The department's 30-clock-hour family day care home training
- Training course in early literacy and language development of children ages birth through five years
- Pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures and first aid training
- Additional required training includes safe sleep/shaken baby syndrome training, fire extinguisher training, and annual in-service training
Background screening requirements
Two types of background screening are required to start and operate a home daycare facility:
- Initial screening: Subjects operators, household members, substitutes, volunteers, and other employees to level 2 background screening clearance from the department before obtaining a license
- Re-screening: Subjects operators, household members, substitutes, volunteers, and other employees to mandatory five-year re-screening
Licensed capacity
A family daycare home can care for one of the following groups of children, including children under 13 years old who are related to the operator:
- A maximum of four children from birth to 12 months old
- A maximum of three children from birth to 12 months old, plus other children for a maximum of six children
- A maximum of six preschool children if all are older than 12 months
- A maximum of ten children, if no more than five are preschool age and, of those five, no more than two are under 12 months old
Childcare licensing fees
The licensing fee is $50.
Large family child care home requirements
Large family child care homes must meet these requirements to be licensed:
Basic requirements
- Operator must first have been licensed as a family day care home for two consecutive years within five years of the date of application for a license to operate
- Operator must have a valid staff credential for one year before licensure
- Operator must be at least 21 years old and reside in the home
- Operator can't work outside the home during business hours of operation
- Operator must have at least one full-time employee, 18 years of age or older, during all hours of operation
- Current approved fire inspection required
Training and credentialing requirements
Complete these trainings before licensure:
- The department's 30-clock-hour large family child care home training
- Training course in early literacy and language development of children ages birth through five years
- Pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures and first aid training
- Operator must have an active staff credential verification confirmation and maintain an active staff credential
- Additional required training includes safe sleep/shaken baby syndrome training, fire extinguisher training, and annual in-service training
Background screening requirements
Two types of background screening are required to start and operate a large family child care home:
- Initial screening: Subjects operators, household members, substitutes, volunteers, and other employees to level 2 background screening clearance from the department before obtaining a license
- Re-screening: Subjects operators, household members, substitutes, volunteers, and other employees to mandatory five-year re-screening
Licensed capacity and ratio requirements
A large family child care home can care for one of the following groups of children, including children under 13 years old who are related to the operator:
- A maximum of eight children from birth to two years old
- A maximum of 12 children, with no more than four children under two years old
- Must have at least 35 square feet of usable indoor floor space per child
- Must have a minimum of 270 square feet of outdoor play space per child (doesn't apply to large family child care homes that only provide infant care)
Childcare licensing fees
The licensing fee is $60.
How do I apply for a childcare license in Florida?
The application process for a childcare license in Florida follows three main steps:
Step 1: Complete and submit the license application
Complete and submit the appropriate application form for your childcare program type.
The department will inform you within 30 days if your application is incomplete or if any additional information is required.
Step 2: Prepare for a pre-licensing inspection
After you submit your application, the department will inspect your facility before issuing a license to determine compliance with state health and safety standards.
The department will guide you on meeting the requirements if you don't comply with regulations. You'll be eligible for a second facility inspection once you're compliant.
Step 3: Wait for approval
Your license will be approved within 90 days after your application is processed.
Getting your childcare license is just the beginning. Launching your program takes planning, tools, and reliable support. That's why brightwheel offers a dedicated New Program Experience designed to guide you every step of the way. With our all-in-one platform, you can simplify enrollment, set up billing plans, and stay on track for a smooth, successful opening.
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How do I stay compliant with my Florida daycare license?
All childcare licenses in Florida are valid for one year, so you must renew them annually to comply with Florida daycare regulations. The department will send you a renewal reminder at least 30 days before your current license expires. You must complete and submit the license renewal form by the 45th day after receiving the renewal notice.
Ongoing compliance requirements
To maintain your license, you'll need to:
- Keep all staff credentials and training certifications current
- Complete required annual in-service training
- Maintain proper staff-to-child ratios at all times
- Submit to background re-screening every five years
- Pass annual health and safety inspections
- Update your facility if capacity or operational changes occur
What funding resources are available for childcare businesses in Florida?
As you go through the licensing process, you may discover grants or other funding resources that can help fund your childcare business. A grant is financial support given by a government agency or private foundation that doesn't need to be repaid. This makes grants an attractive funding option if you're looking to expand or enhance the quality and accessibility of your program.
Grants provide funding you can use for various purposes, such as improving facilities, purchasing new equipment or materials, or offering professional development opportunities for staff. Available resources vary by state, so it's important to research and understand the grants for childcare providers in Florida to make informed decisions about which ones to apply for.
Frequently asked questions about starting a daycare in Florida
How long does it take to get a childcare license in Florida?
The licensing process typically takes 90 days after you submit your complete application. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you complete required training, pass background screening, and prepare your facility for inspection.
Can I start accepting children before I receive my license?
No, you can't legally provide childcare services for more than five unrelated children for a fee until you receive your license from the Florida Department of Children and Families or your local licensing agency.
What happens if I don't pass the pre-licensing inspection?
If you don't pass the initial inspection, the department will provide guidance on meeting the requirements. Once you address the issues, you can schedule a second inspection to demonstrate compliance.
Do I need insurance to operate a daycare in Florida?
While Florida doesn't mandate specific insurance coverage for childcare programs, most providers carry general liability insurance to protect their business. Check with your local licensing agency for any additional insurance requirements.
Can I operate a daycare from a rental property?
Yes, you can operate a family day care home or large family child care home from a rental property if you have written permission from the property owner and verify that local zoning ordinances allow childcare operations at that location.
What's the difference between registration and licensing?
In Florida, family day care homes complete a registration process, while child care facilities, large family child care homes, and school-age child care facilities go through a licensing process. Both require meeting specific state requirements and ongoing compliance.
Launch a daycare business in Florida
Starting a daycare business in Florida offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children while managing your own business. Success requires careful planning and adherence to state daycare regulations, which include securing the necessary licenses and certifications, employing qualified staff, and ensuring compliance with facility and safety standards. With thorough preparation, you can successfully navigate Florida's licensing requirements and focus on advancing your business.
As you progress to evaluating childcare management software for your new venture, remember that brightwheel is available to help. Designed for new childcare programs, our software offers features that streamline operations, improve communication, and support your program's growth from the start. Whether you've just secured your license in Florida or you're preparing to welcome your first group of children, you can start organizing your operations with brightwheel before opening. Explore how brightwheel can support your new program.
