| Zoning / CUP | Yes — Conditional Use Permit may be required depending on zone — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Broward County Consumer Affairs — Child Care Licensing (self-administered) — fee: $107.74 (small center, 5-50 capacity); $190.61 (medium, 51-150); $248.60 (large, 151+); $41.44 (family home). Gold Seal discounts available. |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Yes — fee: Contact required |
| Last verified | 2025-2026 |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Broward County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Broward County and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or special use permit is required before opening. Zoning approval is typically required alongside your state licensing application.
| Zoning authority | Broward County Planning and Development Management |
| CUP required? | Yes — Conditional Use Permit may be required depending on zone |
| CUP application | Apply or inquire here |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | Partial — FL §125.0109 preempts local zoning for family childcare homes (≤10 children); centers must comply with local zoning |
Broward has 31 incorporated municipalities; unincorporated area uses county zoning. Incorporated cities have own planning depts.
Health permit requirements in Broward County
In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.
| Health / licensing authority | Broward County Consumer Affairs — Child Care Licensing (self-administered) |
| Permit required? | Yes — Broward self-administers childcare licensing (one of 5 FL counties) |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | $107.74 (small center, 5-50 capacity); $190.61 (medium, 51-150); $248.60 (large, 151+); $41.44 (family home). Gold Seal discounts available. |
| Inspection frequency | Annual renewal + inspections |
| Key requirements | 35 sq ft indoor/child; 45 sq ft outdoor/child; 40-hr introductory training; background checks; CPR/first aid; annual renewal |
Broward County (not DCF) administers childcare licensing per FL §402.306. Contact: 954-357-5123.
Fire safety requirements in Broward County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Broward County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Broward County Fire Rescue |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual Life Safety Operating Permit |
| Key requirements | Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 101); annual Life Safety Operating Permit; pre-opening inspection required |
Broward County Fire Rescue for unincorporated; municipalities have own fire depts.
Business license requirements in Broward County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Broward County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | Broward County Tax Collector (Local Business Tax Receipt) + municipality CU |
| Required? | Yes |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Contact required |
LBTR from county; Certificate of Use from Broward County or municipality depending on location.
Frequently asked questions: Broward County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Broward County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Florida manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.