Sarasota County, FL Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Chapter 62, Article V of the County Code sets the physical-facility rules for licensed Child Care Facilities in unincorporated Sarasota County. Under Sec. 62-133(a), the building or shelter must meet county zoning, building, plumbing, electrical, fire prevention and life-safety requirements, and no construction, extension or alteration of a facility may begin until the Health Department gives written plan approval. Electrical outlets in children's rooms must sit 48 inches above the floor or carry an approved safety device, and kitchen areas must be separated to keep children out during meal preparation.

Rooms holding children over one year old must stay between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and rooms with children under one year old must stay between 72 and 82 degrees; unvented or open-flame fuel heaters are banned outright. Indoor play space must run at least 35 square feet per child for facilities licensed after October 1, 1992 (Sec. 62-133(b)). Personnel rules under Sec. ch. 435. The Operator must be at least 21 and on-site at all times; other staff must be at least 16, and no one under 18 may run a group alone.

Sec. 62-139 makes operating a Child Care Facility without a Department-issued license unlawful and lets the Board of County Commissioners seek a circuit court injunction against a facility whose violations threaten a child's safety or whose licensee has repeatedly violated the article's standards. Licenses expire every December 31, are non-transferable between owners or locations, and the Department re-inspects the premises and records before each renewal.