Clearwater vs Pinellas Park
How do home daycare rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Pinellas Park, FL?
Clearwater and Pinellas Park have similar restriction levels.
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 →Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Family day care homes in Pinellas Park must comply with Florida Statute 402.305 and Pinellas County child care licensing through the Pinellas County License Board, which administers local child care licensing on behalf of the state.
View full Pinellas Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Pinellas Park |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | F.S. 402.313 | - |
| Training | 30-hour course required | - |
| Screening | Level 2 background | - |
| Local zoning | CDC Section 3-920 | - |
| Substitute plan | Mandatory | - |
| Statute | - | FS 402.305 licensing standards |
| Local Licensing | - | Pinellas County License Board |
| Background Screening | - | Level 2 required for caregivers |
| Capacity | - | Up to 10 children family home |
| Zoning Treatment | - | Residential use protected |
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.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Can I open a family day care home in my Pinellas Park residence?
Yes, with proper licensing through Pinellas County License Board and compliance with FS 402.305 standards. State law protects family day care homes as residential uses in zoning.
How many children can I care for at home?
Florida family day care homes are typically capped at 10 children including the caregiver's own, with sub-limits by age group. Large family child care homes allow more with two caregivers.
What background check is required?
All caregivers and household members 12 and older must complete Level 2 background screening including fingerprinting through the Florida Department of Children and Families.
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