Apopka vs Orlando
How do home daycare rules compare between Apopka, FL and Orlando, FL?
Apopka and Orlando have similar restriction levels.
Apopka, FL
Orange County
Apopka permits family day care homes (5 or fewer children) as accessory home occupations in residential zones, subject to state DCF licensing under FL §402.313 and city home occupation permit requirements.
View full Apopka rules →Orlando, FL
Orange County
Family day care homes in Orlando are regulated by Florida Statute 402.313 and licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). A family day care home may serve up to 10 children including the operators own under-school-age children, with strict ratios by age. Operators must register or, in counties that require it, be licensed by DCF, complete background screening, training, and home inspection. Orlando treats licensed family day care as a permitted home occupation in residential zones provided state requirements are met and parking, signage, and HOA rules are followed.
View full Orlando rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apopka | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| State License | DCF required FL §402.313 | - |
| City Permit | Business tax receipt required | - |
| Family Capacity | 5 or fewer children | - |
| Screening | Level 2 background check | - |
| Training | 30 hours DCF approved | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apopka FAQ
Can I run a home daycare in Apopka without a state license?
No. FL §402.313 requires DCF registration for any family day care home serving children from more than one unrelated family, regardless of size.
Who enforces this in Apopka?
Apopka code enforcement at (407) 703-1600 handles complaints.
Orlando FAQ
Can Orlando require a special use permit for a family day care home?
No. Florida HB 1451 prohibits cities from imposing zoning restrictions on home-based businesses that are stricter than for similar non-business residential uses, so a registered family day care is permitted by right.
How many infants under one year can I care for?
Up to four children under one year if those are the only children, or no more than three under one year when a mix of ages is present, with a total cap of 10 children.
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