Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in Florida?
To start a daycare in Florida, you need a license from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), or your county's local licensing agency, if you care for more than five unrelated children for a fee. Finish required training and background screening, apply through DCF's CARES portal and pass a pre-licensing inspection. Child care facility licenses cost $1 per child, from $25 to $100.
In this guide
Florida daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Child care facility | Family child care home | Large family child care home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children at one time | More than five children not related to the operator | Children from at least two unrelated families, up to 4 to 10 depending on ages (including your own children under 13) | Up to 8 children from birth to 24 months, or up to 12 with no more than 4 under 24 months |
| Who licenses | DCF in 63 counties; local licensing agencies in Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Sarasota counties | ||
| Minimum operator age | 21 | 18 | 21 |
| Required introductory course | 40 clock hours | 30 clock hours | 40 clock hours |
| Term | One year, renewed annually | ||
| Fee | $1 per child of licensed capacity, minimum $25, maximum $100 | $25 if registered, $50 if licensed | $60 |
| How to apply | Online through DCF's CARES portal (counties with local agencies use their own forms) | ||
Sources: DCF Child Care Licensure, s. 402.302, s. 402.305, s. 402.313, s. 402.3131 and s. 402.315, Florida Statutes.
Do I need a childcare license in Florida?
Yes, in most cases. In Florida, a child care facility is a child care center or arrangement that cares for more than five children who are not related to the operator and receives a payment, fee or grant for any of them. Source: s. 402.302(2), Florida Statutes. Programs that care for fewer children in a home can still need to be licensed or registered as a family child care home, described below.
DCF licenses child care in 63 of Florida's 67 counties. Four counties (Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Sarasota) designate their own local licensing agencies, which must meet or exceed the state standards. Source: DCF Child Care Licensure and s. 402.306. Confirm which office covers your county before you apply.
Types of licensed child care in Florida
- Child care facility. Cares for more than five children who are not related to the operator and receives a fee. DCF's rules also cover school-age facilities and facilities for mildly ill children.
- Family child care home. An occupied residence where child care is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families for a fee. It is licensed if the county requires a license or the provider chooses one, and otherwise registered annually with DCF. Source: s. 402.313.
- Large family child care home. An occupied residence with children from at least two unrelated families, at least two full-time child care personnel on the premises (one of them the owner or occupant) and a license. Source: s. 402.302(11).
Programs that do not need a license
Florida's child care facility definition does not include public and nonpublic schools and their integral programs, summer camps with children in full-time residence, summer day camps, Bible schools conducted during vacation periods, or transient establishments that provide child care only for their guests. Source: s. 402.302(2).
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in Florida?
Requirements for child care facilities
- Operator age. The operator must be at least 21 years old. Source: s. 402.305(2)(c).
- Director credential. The facility director must hold an active director credential. Source: s. 402.305(2)(f).
- Staff credential. For every 20 children, if the facility operates 8 hours or more per week, one staff member must hold a child development associate (CDA) credential, a child care professional credential or an equivalent. Source: s. 402.305(3).
- Introductory training. All child care personnel must complete an approved 40-clock-hour introductory course, passing a competency exam. They must begin training within 90 days of employment and finish within 12 months of starting, and no later than 15 months after hire. The course has 30 hours of core courses (Part I) and 10 hours of Part II courses. Personnel with a 2-year degree that includes 6 college credit hours in child development, or a CDA, are exempt from parts of the course. DCF provides online coursework at no cost. Source: s. 402.305(2)(d), DCF Child Care Facility Handbook, section 4.2 (December 2025) and DCF Training and Credentialing.
- Ongoing training. After finishing the introductory course, personnel complete 10 clock hours (1 continuing education unit) of in-service training every year, plus a one-time 5-hour early literacy and language development course for children from birth to 5 years. Source: s. 402.305(2)(d)3-4.
- Safety training. At least one staff member with current first aid training and one with in-person pediatric CPR certification must be present whenever children are in care. A facility needs at least three staff members with each when it has up to 25 staff supervising children, and the number rises with more staff. All staff must be trained to use a fire extinguisher within 30 days of hire, and staff in programs that care for infants need safe sleep and shaken baby syndrome training within 30 days of hire. Source: DCF Child Care Facility Handbook, section 4.2 (December 2025) and s. 402.305(7).
- Background screening. All owners, operators, employees and volunteers must pass level 2 screening, which includes fingerprints, criminal history, the sexual predator and offender registries, the child abuse and neglect registry and employment history checks. Family members over age 12 who live in or next to a facility in the operator's home are screened too. Source: s. 402.305(2)(a) and s. 402.302(3) and (15).
- Space. You need at least 35 square feet of usable indoor floor space per child and 45 square feet of outdoor play area per child using the area at one time, with play area provided for half of your licensed capacity. The outdoor requirement does not apply to children under age 1, who use outdoor infant equipment instead. A facility that held a valid license on October 1, 1992 may keep 20 square feet of indoor space per child. Source: s. 402.305(6) and DCF Child Care Facility Handbook, section 3.4 (December 2025).
- Licensed capacity. DCF sets your capacity using the most restrictive of indoor space, outdoor space, sewer or septic capacity and the number of toilets and wash basins. A facility licensed for 1 to 15 children needs one toilet and one sink, plus one more of each for every additional 30 children. Source: DCF Child Care Facility Handbook, sections 3.4 and 3.7 (December 2025).
- Zoning and fire safety. Applicants are responsible for local zoning approval. A current, approved fire inspection must be on file before you are licensed and every year after. Source: DCF facility guide (PDF).
Requirements for family child care homes
- Operator. You must be at least 18, live in the home, not work outside the home during your hours of operation and have a written plan for another competent adult (18 or older) to substitute for you in an emergency. Source: DCF family day care home guide (PDF) and s. 402.313(1)(a).
- Capacity. A home may care for one of these groups, which must include your household children under 13: up to four children from birth to 12 months; up to three children from birth to 12 months plus other children for a total of six; up to six preschool children if all are older than 12 months; or up to 10 children if no more than five are preschool age and, of those five, no more than two are under 12 months. Source: s. 402.302(8).
- Introductory training. Operators must complete an approved 30-clock-hour introductory course, passing a competency exam, before caring for children. Source: s. 402.313(4).
- Ongoing training. Operators complete 10 clock hours of training every year and a one-time 5-hour early literacy course. Operators and substitutes also need pediatric CPR and first aid certification, safe sleep training if you care for infants, and fire extinguisher training. Source: s. 402.313(5)-(6) and DCF guide (PDF).
- Health and safety checklist. Each year you must complete a health and safety self-evaluation checklist, sign it and give it to parents. Source: s. 402.313(7).
- Background screening. Operators, household members over age 12 and substitutes must be screened. Household members aged 12 to 18 are screened for delinquency records and are not fingerprinted. Source: s. 402.313(3).
- Zoning and landlord approval. Check local zoning, homeowners association rules and any occupational license rules. Providers must have written approval from local government, the HOA and the landlord if applicable, or a signed attestation acknowledging their responsibility. Source: DCF family day care home guide (PDF).
Requirements for large family child care homes
- Experience first. You must first operate as a licensed family child care home for two years, with an operator who has held a CDA credential or its equivalent for one year. DCF's guide adds that the two licensed years must fall within five years of your application. Source: s. 402.3131(1) and DCF large family child care home guide (PDF).
- Operator and staffing. The operator must be at least 21, live in the home and not work outside the home during hours of operation. The home needs at least two full-time child care personnel on the premises, one of them the owner or occupant. Source: s. 402.302(11) and DCF guide (PDF).
- Fire marshal approval. A state or local fire marshal must approve the home before it is licensed. Source: s. 402.3131(8).
- Introductory training. Operators must complete an approved 40-clock-hour introductory course in group child care, passing a competency exam. Source: s. 402.3131(3).
- Ongoing training. Operators complete 10 clock hours of in-service training every year plus a one-time 5-hour early literacy course. Source: s. 402.3131(4)-(5).
- Capacity. You may care for up to eight children from birth to 24 months, or up to 12 children with no more than four under 24 months, including your household children under 13. Source: s. 402.302(11).
- Space. DCF's guide requires at least 35 square feet of usable indoor floor space per child (not counting bedrooms unless used as activity rooms) and at least 270 square feet of usable outdoor play space in total. The outdoor requirement does not apply to homes that provide infant care only. Source: DCF guide (PDF).
Florida child care facility staff-to-child ratios
Florida sets one staff member for every set number of children by age, and the same ratios appear in state law and in DCF's facility guide. Source: s. 402.305(4) and DCF facility guide (PDF).
| Age of children | Staff | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Birth through 1 year (infants) | 1 | 4 |
| 1 year, under 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 2 years, under 3 | 1 | 11 |
| 3 years, under 4 | 1 | 15 |
| 4 years, under 5 | 1 | 20 |
| 5 years and older | 1 | 25 |
In mixed-age groups where infants are included, one staff member may be responsible for no more than four children of any age group, and where 1-year-olds are included, no more than six. When children 2 and older are in care, the ratio is based on the age group with the largest number of children in the group. Source: DCF facility guide (PDF) and s. 402.305(4)(a)7. See also brightwheel's guide to childcare ratios.
How do I apply for a childcare license in Florida?
Florida uses an online application for new providers. If your county has its own licensing agency, apply through that agency's forms instead. Source: DCF Child Care Licensure.
- Contact your local licensing office. DCF advises speaking with your child care licensing office for guidance before you apply. Source: DCF facility guide (PDF).
- Check zoning, fire and water requirements. Confirm your location is approved for child care, arrange a fire inspection and, if your facility uses a well, have it tested. See daycare zoning requirements. Source: DCF facility guide (PDF).
- Finish training and credentials. A license is not issued until you have completed all required training and passed the competency exams. See DCF Training and Credentialing.
- Start background screening. Register with the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, initiate each person's screening there first, then complete electronic fingerprinting. Screening must be done before licensure. Source: DCF facility guide (PDF).
- Apply online and pay your fee. Create an account and apply through DCF's CARES portal using the guides for a child care facility, family day care home or large family child care home. DCF's forms and applications page lists the current forms.
- Pass the pre-licensing inspection. DCF inspects your facility to confirm it meets licensing requirements. If you are out of compliance, staff provide technical assistance and you can request another inspection once you are ready. You are not approved until all noncompliant items are resolved. Source: DCF facility guide (PDF).
- Receive your license. DCF returns incomplete applications within 30 days. A complete application is processed within 90 days. If you are denied, DCF sends a letter explaining the reason and your right to appeal. Source: DCF facility guide (PDF) and family guide (PDF).
Want to compare other states? See brightwheel's childcare licensing requirements by state, plus guides for Florida, childcare centers, small family child care homes and large family child care homes.
How much does a daycare license cost in Florida?
| Program type | License or registration fee |
|---|---|
| Child care facility | $1 per child of licensed capacity, minimum $25 and maximum $100 per facility |
| Family child care home (registered) | $25 |
| Family child care home (licensed) | $50 |
| Large family child care home | $60 |
DCF's guides state that the facility fee applies to both initial applications and annual renewals, and that your local licensing office determines your licensed capacity and gives you the fee amount. Counties with their own licensing agencies may collect their own license fees. Source: s. 402.315 and DCF facility guide (PDF).
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How do I stay compliant with my Florida daycare license?
- Renew every year. Florida child care facility licenses must be renewed annually, and DCF reexamines the facility before renewing. DCF's guide says it notifies you no later than 90 days before expiration and a completed renewal application must be submitted at least 45 days before your license expires. Missing that deadline is a licensing violation. Source: s. 402.308 and DCF facility guide (PDF).
- Keep credentials and training current. Maintain your director credential and staff credentials, complete 10 clock hours of in-service training each year and keep CPR and first aid certification current. Source: s. 402.305(2)-(3).
- Maintain ratios and capacity. Stay within your licensed capacity and the ratios above at all times. Source: s. 402.305(4).
- Keep screening current. Fingerprints are retained in the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse on a five-year renewal basis, and employers must report changes in a person's status within five business days. Source: s. 435.12.
- Report ownership changes. A new owner must reapply and receive a license before taking over a child care facility, and the current owner must notify parents one week before a transfer. Source: s. 402.308(2) and s. 402.305(17).
- Protect children in vehicles. If you transport children, your vehicles must have a DCF-approved alarm that prompts the driver to check for children before exiting, along with annual inspections and child restraints. Source: s. 402.305(10).
Sources: DCF Child Care Laws and Requirements, s. 402.308 and s. 402.305.
Are there grants for childcare providers in Florida?
Yes. Grants do not need to be repaid and can fund facility upgrades, equipment, professional development and program enhancements. Funding changes often, so review the current grants for childcare providers in Florida to find programs that fit your program.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a childcare license in Florida?
DCF processes a complete application within 90 days. Incomplete applications are returned within 30 days with a letter explaining what is missing. The overall timeline also depends on how quickly you finish required training, background screening and your pre-licensing inspection.
Can I start accepting children before I receive my license?
No. You cannot legally provide child care for more than five children who are not related to you, for a fee, until you receive your license from DCF or your local licensing agency. Family child care homes must be licensed or registered, depending on the county, before they operate.
What happens if I don't pass the pre-licensing inspection?
DCF staff provide technical assistance and further direction on meeting the requirements. When you are ready, the inspection process is repeated. You will not be approved for a license until all noncompliant items are resolved.
Can I operate a daycare from a rental property?
A family child care home or large family child care home can operate in a rental if the landlord agrees. DCF requires written approval from the local government, the homeowners association and the landlord, as applicable, or a signed attestation acknowledging your responsibility for compliance, and you must verify that local zoning allows the use.
What's the difference between registration and licensing in Florida?
A family child care home is licensed if its county requires a license or the provider chooses to be licensed, and otherwise it registers annually with DCF. Child care facilities and large family child care homes are always licensed. The fee is $25 for a registered home, $50 for a licensed home and $60 for a large family child care home.
What are the staff-to-child ratios for Florida child care facilities?
Florida facilities must have one staff member for every 4 infants (birth through 1 year), 6 children who are 1 year old, 11 who are 2, 15 who are 3, 20 who are 4 and 25 children who are 5 or older. In mixed-age groups, the ratio is based on the age group with the largest number of children once children 2 and older are in care.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in Florida. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
