Coral Gables vs Miami Gardens
How do home daycare rules compare between Coral Gables, FL and Miami Gardens, FL?
Miami Gardens has fewer restrictions than Coral Gables.
Coral Gables, FL
Miami-Dade County
Family day care homes are a permitted use in Coral Gables single-family residential districts under Zoning Code Section 4-101, but operators must obtain a city Business Tax Receipt, comply with Florida DCF licensing requirements, and meet all applicable fire safety and zoning standards. Large family child care homes serving 6-12 children require additional county and state approvals.
View full Coral Gables rules →Miami Gardens, FL
Miami-Dade County
Home daycare operations in Miami Gardens require Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing under Florida Statutes Chapter 402. Family child care homes (up to 10 children including the provider's own) are a permitted use in residential zones. A Business Tax Receipt and DCF license are both required.
View full Miami Gardens rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Coral Gables | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Max Children (Family) | 5 including operator's own | - |
| Training Required | 35 hours (30 + 5 literacy) | - |
| City Permit | Business Tax Receipt required | - |
| State Registration | Florida DCF required | - |
| Large Home License | 6-12 children, separate DCF license | - |
| DCF License | - | Required under FL Ch. 402 |
| Max Children | - | 5 (or 10 with additional requirements) |
| Background Checks | - | Required for all adults in home |
| Local BTR | - | Required from Miami Gardens |
| Zoning | - | Permitted in residential zones |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Coral Gables FAQ
Can I run a home daycare in Coral Gables?
Yes. Family day care is a permitted use in single-family residential districts under Zoning Code Section 4-101. You need a city Business Tax Receipt and Florida DCF registration. You may care for up to 5 children including your own.
Do I need Board of Architects approval for a home daycare?
Not for the daycare use itself, but any exterior modifications such as fencing, play equipment, or signage visible from the street may require Board of Architects review due to Coral Gables' strict aesthetic standards.
What training is required to operate a home daycare in Florida?
Florida DCF requires completion of a 30-hour family day care training course plus a 5-hour early literacy course before registration. Background screening through DCF is also mandatory for all household members over age 12.
Miami Gardens FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in Miami Gardens?
Yes. Family child care homes are permitted in residential zones. You need both a DCF license and a Business Tax Receipt from the city.
How many children can I care for?
A standard family child care home may care for up to 5 children, or up to 10 with additional training and a substitute caregiver.
What training is required?
You must complete DCF-approved training covering child development, health, safety, and nutrition. Background screenings are required for all adults in the home.
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