Coral Gables vs North Miami
How do home daycare rules compare between Coral Gables, FL and North Miami, FL?
North Miami 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 →North Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Home daycare operations in North Miami are regulated by both Florida DCF licensing requirements and local zoning. Florida law distinguishes between family day care homes (up to 10 children) and large family child care homes (up to 12 children). A city business tax receipt and compliance with zoning, fire safety, and building codes are required.
View full North Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Coral Gables | North Miami |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Family Day Care | - | Up to 10 children |
| Large Family | - | Up to 12 children with extra staff |
| State Law | - | F.S. 402.302, 166.0445 |
| DCF Licensing | - | 866-762-2237 |
| Fire Dept. | - | (305) 893-6511 |
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.
North Miami FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in North Miami?
Yes. Florida law permits licensed family day care homes in residential zoning districts and preempts local governments from prohibiting them. You need DCF licensing (or registration for 5 or fewer children), a city business tax receipt, and compliance with fire safety and building codes.
How many children can I care for in a home daycare in North Miami?
Family day care homes may care for up to 10 children (including the provider's own). Large family child care homes may care for up to 12 children with additional staff. Contact DCF at 866-762-2237 for licensing requirements.
What fire safety is required for a home daycare in North Miami?
Home daycares must have working smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, a written fire evacuation plan, and adequate emergency exits. The North Miami Fire Department at (305) 893-6511 may conduct inspections for compliance.
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