Hillsborough County, FL Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Local Licensing Agency license
- Max fine
- $500 per violation, per day
- Enforcer
- Hillsborough County Child Care Licensing Office
- Applies to
- unincorporated county facilities only
Summary
Hillsborough County requires every child care facility to hold a license from the Local Licensing Agency before operating, with fines up to $500 per violation per day for running unlicensed or with a suspended license.
The operation of a Child Care Facility that is not licensed by the Local Licensing Agency is prohibited, unless an exemption set forth in this section shall apply. It shall also be a violation of this article to operate a Child Care Facility under a license that is suspended, revoked, terminated or denied. Specific rules and regulations relating to Child Care Facilities, license fees, disciplinary actions, inspections and hearings are set forth in the Rules and Regulations. (Ord. No. 14-39, § 5, 12-17-2014; Ord. No. 19-5, § 5, 4-12-2019)
Full Breakdown
Under the County's Child Care Facilities Ordinance, operating a Child Care Facility without a Local Licensing Agency license is prohibited, and running one under a suspended, revoked, terminated, or denied license is also a violation. License fees, disciplinary rules, inspections, and hearing procedures are set out separately in the agency's Rules and Regulations, which the ordinance incorporates by reference. This applies to facilities in unincorporated Hillsborough County; family child care homes are covered under a separate article.
Violations & Fines
The Local Licensing Agency may deny, suspend, or revoke a license, or impose an administrative fine of up to $500.00 per violation per day. Cases may also be pursued as code enforcement violations or referred for emergency injunctive relief in circuit court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child care center operate in Hillsborough County without a license?
What is the penalty for an unlicensed child care facility?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsborough County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Hillsborough County to another location·View the Florida building safety overview
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