Home Daycare: Doral vs Miami Beach
How do home daycare rules compare between Doral, FL and Miami Beach, FL?
Doral has fewer restrictions than Miami Beach.
Doral, FL
Miami-Dade County
Family day care homes are permitted in Doral residential zoning districts under the city's Land Development Code. Operators must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the city and register with Florida DCF. Large family child care homes serving 6-12 children require additional state licensing and must meet enhanced staffing ratios.
View full Doral rules →Miami Beach, FL
Miami-Dade County
Home daycare operations in Miami Beach require a Certificate of Use, Business Tax Receipt, and compliance with Miami-Dade County zoning under Section 33-199(a). Family day care homes may serve up to 5 children including the operator's own. Florida DCF registration is mandatory for caring for children from more than one unrelated family.
View full Miami Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Doral | Miami Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Max Children (Family) | 5 including operator's own | 5 including operator's own |
| Training Required | 35 hours (30 + 5 literacy) | 35 hours (30 + 5 literacy) |
| City Permit | Local Business Tax Receipt required | - |
| State Registration | Florida DCF required | Florida DCF required |
| Large Home License | 6-12 children, separate DCF license | - |
| City Permits | - | CU + BTR + Fire Fee |
| Water Safety | - | Full barrier near any water body |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Doral FAQ
Can I run a home daycare in Doral?
Yes. Family day care is permitted as an accessory use in residential zoning districts. You need a Local Business Tax Receipt from the city and Florida DCF registration. You may care for up to 5 children including your own.
What training do I need for 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. Level 2 background screening is mandatory for all household members over age 12.
Can I operate a large family child care home in Doral?
Yes, but large family child care homes serving 6-12 children require a separate DCF license, two adults present at all times, and annual fire marshal inspections. Contact Growth Management at (305) 593-6630 to confirm zoning compliance.
Miami Beach FAQ
How many children can I watch in my Miami Beach home?
A Family Day Care Home may care for up to 5 children including the operator's own under Miami-Dade Code Section 33-199(a). A Large Family Child Care Home license allows 6-12 children but requires additional licensing and may need a public hearing.
What permits do I need to run a home daycare in Miami Beach?
You need a Certificate of Use for home occupation and a Business Tax Receipt from the city, plus Florida DCF registration. You must complete 35 hours of training before registration. An annual fire inspection is also required.
Are there special safety requirements for home daycares near the ocean?
Yes. Miami-Dade zoning prohibits child care on property abutting any water body including the ocean, bay, or canals unless a complete safety barrier totally encloses or separates the children from the water hazard. All pools must also be fully enclosed.
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