Dunedin vs St. Petersburg
How do home daycare rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Dunedin has fewer restrictions than St. Petersburg.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Florida law declares family day care homes a valid residential use, preventing Dunedin from zoning them out of residential neighborhoods. Pinellas County licenses these homes locally and operators must register or obtain licensure.
View full Dunedin rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
Family day care homes in St. Petersburg follow Florida Statute 402.313 and Pinellas County licensing, plus the City's home-occupation rules under Section 16.50.180 for residential zoning compliance.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Florida Statute 402.313 | - |
| Zoning protection | Valid residential use | - |
| Licensing | Pinellas County License Board | - |
| Background screening | Required for operators | - |
| City rules apply | General residential standards | - |
| State statute | - | Fla. Stat. 402.313 |
| Child cap | - | 10 including operator's own |
| Training | - | 30-hour course |
| Local zoning | - | Sec. 16.50.180 |
| Background checks | - | Required age 12+ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
Can I run a family day care home in Dunedin?
Yes. Florida law makes family day care homes a valid residential use, and Dunedin cannot prohibit them in residential zoning districts.
Who licenses my daycare?
Pinellas County licenses family day care homes locally because it is one of four Florida counties that handle child care licensing instead of the state DCF.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in St. Petersburg?
Yes, if you register or license under Florida Statute 402.313, complete the 30-hour training, pass background checks, and meet St. Petersburg's home-occupation standards in Section 16.50.180.
How many children can a St. Petersburg family day care home serve?
Florida Statute 402.313 caps a family day care home at ten children, including the operator's own preschool-age children, with limits on infants and toddlers.
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