| Zoning / CUP | Possibly — depends on zoning district — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Florida Dept of Health in Palm Beach County — Child Care Licensing — fee: $150 (capacity ≤25 children); $150 + $4 per child (capacity >25). Prorated fees apply for mid-year licenses. |
| 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 Palm Beach County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Palm Beach 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 | Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning and Building |
| CUP required? | Possibly — depends on zoning district |
| 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 |
Palm Beach County has 39 municipalities. Unincorporated area uses county zoning code.
Health permit requirements in Palm Beach 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 Dept of Health in Palm Beach County — Child Care Licensing |
| Permit required? | Yes — FL DoH in Palm Beach County administers (one of 5 self-administered FL counties) |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | $150 (capacity ≤25 children); $150 + $4 per child (capacity >25). Prorated fees apply for mid-year licenses. |
| 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 |
FL Dept of Health in Palm Beach County (not DCF) administers licensing per FL §402.306.
Fire safety requirements in Palm Beach County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Palm Beach County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Palm Beach County Fire Rescue |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual Life Safety Operating Permit + annual inspection |
| Key requirements | Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 101); annual Life Safety Operating Permit; pre-opening inspection required |
PBCFR serves unincorporated areas; municipalities have own fire depts.
Business license requirements in Palm Beach County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Palm Beach County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | Palm Beach County Tax Collector (Local Business Tax Receipt) |
| Required? | Yes |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | Contact required |
LBTR from county; CU from county or municipality depending on location.
Frequently asked questions: Palm Beach County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Palm Beach 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.