Brightwheel › Licensing Requirements › Florida › Broward › Local Permits for Small Family Child Care Homes in Broward County

Local Permits for Small Family Child Care Homes in Broward County

Local zoning, health permit, fire safety, and business license requirements for small family child care homes in Broward County, Florida.

Part of the Broward County and Florida compliance guides. See Florida Small Family Child Care Home Requirements for state licensing standards, or Broward County Local Requirements for all permit types.
Broward County (Small Family Child Care Home) — Local Permit Quick Reference
Zoning / CUPYes — Conditional Use Permit may be required depending on zone — fee: Contact required
Health permit authorityBroward 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 inspectionPre-opening: Yes; annual re-inspection required
Business licenseYes — fee: Contact required
Last verified2025-2026

Zoning requirements in Broward County

Florida law preempts local zoning requirements for small family child care homes — operators are not required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from Broward County for this license type. You must still obtain your state childcare license from the state. Other local permits (health permit, fire inspection, business license) may still apply.

For questions about your specific location, contact Broward County Planning and Development Management.

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 authorityBroward County Consumer Affairs — Child Care Licensing (self-administered)
Permit required?Yes — Broward self-administers childcare licensing (one of 5 FL counties)
ApplicationApply 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 frequencyAnnual renewal + inspections
Key requirements35 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 authorityBroward County Fire Rescue
Pre-opening inspectionYes
Annual re-inspectionYes — annual Life Safety Operating Permit
Key requirementsFlorida 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 authorityBroward County Tax Collector (Local Business Tax Receipt) + municipality CU
Required?Yes
ApplicationApply here
Annual feeContact required

LBTR from county; Certificate of Use from Broward County or municipality depending on location.

Frequently asked questions: Broward County childcare compliance

Does Broward County require a Conditional Use Permit for small family child care homes?
Yes — Conditional Use Permit may be required depending on zone Contact Broward County Planning and Development Management to confirm the requirement for your specific address and zone before signing a lease.
What health permit is required to operate a Small Family Child Care Home in Broward County?
Yes — Broward self-administers childcare licensing (one of 5 FL counties) Contact Broward County Consumer Affairs — Child Care Licensing (self-administered) for current requirements, fees, and to schedule a pre-opening inspection.
What fire inspections are required before opening a Small Family Child Care Home in Broward County?
Yes — a pre-opening fire inspection is required and is typically a prerequisite for your state childcare license. Contact Broward County Fire Rescue to schedule.
Do I need a business license to operate a Small Family Child Care Home in Broward County?
Yes Contact Broward County Tax Collector (Local Business Tax Receipt) + municipality CU for current requirements and fees.
How does my Florida state childcare license relate to local permits in Broward County?
Your Florida childcare license is issued by the state and covers program standards including staff ratios, background checks, and facility requirements. Local Broward County permits — including zoning/CUP, health permits, fire inspections, and business licenses — are separate requirements set by local authorities. Both the state license and applicable local permits are required to legally operate a childcare program.

Stay compliant in Broward County with brightwheel

Brightwheel helps small family child care homes in Florida manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed childcare program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records and billing.

Digital attendance tracking Satisfies CCDBG documentation requirements for subsidy-funded families
Staff & compliance records Keep training hours, background checks, and credentials organized
Billing & subsidy management Track subsidy family billing alongside private pay families
See how brightwheel works for Florida providers

Also in this guide: Broward County Childcare Center Requirements, Broward County Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Broward County Preschool Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Childcare licensing and local permit requirements in Broward County change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the applicable agency before making compliance decisions. Brightwheel is not responsible for errors or omissions.