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Local Permits for Small Family Child Care Homes in Miami Dade County

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

Miami-Dade County (Small Family Child Care Home) — Local Permit Quick Reference

Zoning / CUP	Yes — required in most zones outside those listed; involves public hearing — fee: Contact required
Health permit authority	Florida DCF — Office of Child Care Regulation (state-administered; DCF handles Miami-Dade directly) — fee: Contact required
Fire inspection	Pre-opening: Yes — pre-opening inspection required; annual re-inspection required
Business license	Yes — Certificate of Use required; Local Business Tax Receipt also required — fee: Contact required
Last verified	Effective July 1, 2025 (revised fee schedule; first increase in 17+ years)

Zoning requirements in Miami-Dade County

Florida law preempts local zoning requirements for small family child care homes — operators are not required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade Dept of Regulatory and Economic Resources — Zoning Division.

Health permit requirements in Miami-Dade 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	Florida DCF — Office of Child Care Regulation (state-administered; DCF handles Miami-Dade directly)
Permit required?	Yes — state childcare license from FL DCF required (not a county health dept permit)
Application	Apply here
Annual permit fee	Contact required
Inspection frequency	Annual renewal
Key requirements	35 sq ft indoor/child; 45 sq ft outdoor/child; 40-hr introductory training for staff; background checks; CPR/first aid required

Miami-Dade is one of 62 FL counties where state DCF licenses childcare directly — no separate county health dept permit. (Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Sarasota handle own local licensing.)

Fire safety requirements in Miami-Dade County

Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Miami-Dade County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.

Fire authority	Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (unincorporated areas)
Pre-opening inspection	Yes — pre-opening inspection required
Annual re-inspection	Yes — annual Life Safety Operating Permit + annual re-inspection
Key requirements	Florida Fire Prevention Code compliance required; annual Life Safety Operating Permit; annual Fire Safety Specialist inspection; violations documented on Fire Inspection Report

Herbert S. Saffir Permitting and Inspection Center: 11805 SW 26 St, Miami FL 33175, 786-315-2000. LSOP fees payable online. Incorporated cities have own fire authorities (e.g., City of Miami Fire Prevention Bureau).

Business license requirements in Miami-Dade County

A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Miami-Dade County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.

Licensing authority	Miami-Dade County Dept of Regulatory and Economic Resources (Certificate of Use) + Tax Collector (Local Business Tax Receipt)
Required?	Yes — Certificate of Use required; Local Business Tax Receipt also required
Application	Apply here
Annual fee	Contact required

Two separate requirements: (1) Certificate of Use from county (unincorporated) or municipality; (2) Local Business Tax Receipt from Miami-Dade Tax Collector. Businesses in incorporated cities obtain CU from the city, not the county.

Frequently asked questions: Miami-Dade County childcare compliance

Does Miami-Dade County require a Conditional Use Permit for small family child care homes?

Yes — required in most zones outside those listed; involves public hearing Contact Miami-Dade Dept of Regulatory and Economic Resources — Zoning Division 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 Miami-Dade County?

Yes — state childcare license from FL DCF required (not a county health dept permit) Contact Florida DCF — Office of Child Care Regulation (state-administered; DCF handles Miami-Dade directly) 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 Miami-Dade County?

Yes — pre-opening inspection required — a pre-opening fire inspection is required and is typically a prerequisite for your state childcare license. Contact Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (unincorporated areas) to schedule.

Do I need a business license to operate a Small Family Child Care Home in Miami-Dade County?

Yes — Certificate of Use required; Local Business Tax Receipt also required Contact Miami-Dade County Dept of Regulatory and Economic Resources (Certificate of Use) + Tax Collector (Local Business Tax Receipt) for current requirements and fees.

How does my Florida state childcare license relate to local permits in Miami-Dade County?

Your Florida childcare license is issued by the state and covers program standards including staff ratios, background checks, and facility requirements. Local Miami-Dade 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.

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

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