Clearwater vs Tarpon Springs
How do home daycare rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
Clearwater and Tarpon Springs 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 →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Tarpon Springs zoning treats in-home day care as a home occupation requiring Board of Commissioners approval (max 2 persons by board approval) and Pinellas County child care licensing handles state-mandated registration of family day care homes.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | F.S. 402.313 | - |
| Training | 30-hour course required | - |
| Screening | Level 2 background | - |
| Local zoning | CDC Section 3-920 | - |
| Substitute plan | Mandatory | - |
| City limit | - | 2 persons (with approval) |
| Zoning approval | - | Board of Commissioners |
| Licensing authority | - | Pinellas County |
| Operator age | - | 18 or older |
| Background screening | - | Required statewide |
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.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
Can I run a family day care from my Tarpon Springs home?
Yes, but you need Board of Commissioners approval as a home occupation (cap of two persons) and Pinellas County child care licensing for any non-exempt family day care home.
Who licenses family day care homes in Tarpon Springs?
Pinellas County, not the state DCF, regulates family day care home registration and licensing locally; you must register or license your home through the County License Board.
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