Home Daycare: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do home daycare rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Cape Coral and Fort Myers have similar restriction levels.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
Home childcare in Florida is regulated by the state under FS Chapter 402. A family day care home must be licensed if Lee County requires it by ordinance; otherwise it must register annually with the Department of Children and Families. Capacity is capped at about six children.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Family day care homes in Fort Myers are licensed or registered by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) under FS 402.313 and FAC Chapter 65C-20. Capacity under FS 402.302(8) is up to 10 children (with strict age-mix limits — no more than 4 under 12 months, no more than 6 preschool). Lee County requires DCF licensure of family day care homes. The activity is a permitted home business under FS 559.955.
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | FL Dept. of Children & Families | - |
| License or register | Per county ordinance | - |
| Capacity | Up to ~6 children | - |
| Screening | Background + training required | - |
| Statute | FS 402.302 / 402.313 | - |
| State Regulation | - | FS 402.302/.313; FAC 65C-20 |
| Standard FCCH Capacity | - | Up to 10 children (with age-mix limits) |
| Infants Cap | - | Max 4 under 12 months |
| Large FCCH (FS 402.3131) | - | Up to 12 children + qualified employee |
| Lee County | - | Requires DCF licensure (not just registration) |
| Required Training | - | 30 hours + CPR/First Aid + background screening |
| Local Zoning | - | Permitted home business under FS 559.955 |
| DCF Contact | - | Florida DCF Child Care Licensing |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
Do I need a license for a home daycare in Lee County?
A family day care home must be licensed if Lee County requires it by ordinance; otherwise it must register annually with the Florida Department of Children and Families and complete screening and training.
How many children can a home daycare have?
A family day care home is capped by FS 402.302, such as a maximum of six preschool children if all are older than 12 months. Larger numbers require child care facility licensing.
Fort Myers FAQ
How many kids can I watch in a Fort Myers family day care home?
Up to 10 children including your own under age 13, with strict age-mix limits under FS 402.302(8): maximum 4 infants under 12 months; or 3 infants plus other children to a total of 6; or 6 preschoolers if all are over 12 months; or 10 children total if no more than 5 are preschool and no more than 2 are under 12 months. A Large Family Child Care Home license (FS 402.3131) allows up to 12 children if you have a qualified employee.
Do I need a state license to run a home daycare in Fort Myers?
Yes. Lee County requires Florida DCF licensure for family day care homes (rather than the state's basic registration option). You must complete 30 hours of mandatory training, CPR/First Aid certification, background screening, and pass an annual home inspection. Fort Myers cannot prohibit a licensed family day care home in residential zones because FS 559.955 treats it as a protected home-based business — but you must still meet LDC § 118.3.4.C home-business standards.
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