Clearwater vs Dunedin
How do home daycare rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Dunedin, FL?
Dunedin has fewer restrictions than Clearwater.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Family day care homes in Clearwater follow Florida Statute 402.313, which sets registration, training, screening, and inspection rules, while the Community Development Code allows them as accessory home uses.
View full Clearwater rules →Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Florida law declares family day care homes a valid residential use, preventing Dunedin from zoning them out of residential neighborhoods. Pinellas County licenses these homes locally and operators must register or obtain licensure.
View full Dunedin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Dunedin |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | F.S. 402.313 | - |
| Training | 30-hour course required | - |
| Screening | Level 2 background | - |
| Local zoning | CDC Section 3-920 | - |
| Substitute plan | Mandatory | - |
| State authority | - | Florida Statute 402.313 |
| Zoning protection | - | Valid residential use |
| Licensing | - | Pinellas County License Board |
| Background screening | - | Required for operators |
| City rules apply | - | General residential standards |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
How many children can I care for in a Clearwater home day care?
Florida Statute 402.313 caps total children based on age groupings, generally up to 10 children in a registered family day care home. Larger family child care homes have separate licensing requirements.
Do I need to notify Clearwater that I run a home day care?
Yes. Family day care homes must register through Pinellas County and obtain a city Business Tax Receipt, and the home occupation must satisfy CDC Section 3-920 zoning standards.
Dunedin FAQ
Can I run a family day care home in Dunedin?
Yes. Florida law makes family day care homes a valid residential use, and Dunedin cannot prohibit them in residential zoning districts.
Who licenses my daycare?
Pinellas County licenses family day care homes locally because it is one of four Florida counties that handle child care licensing instead of the state DCF.
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