Home Daycare: Hialeah vs Homestead
How do home daycare rules compare between Hialeah, FL and Homestead, FL?
Hialeah and Homestead have similar restriction levels.
Hialeah, FL
Miami-Dade County
Home daycare operations in Hialeah must comply with Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing requirements and local zoning. Family child care homes serving 1-6 children require DCF registration. Large family child care homes (7-12 children) require a DCF license. Zoning approval may be needed depending on residential district.
View full Hialeah rules →Homestead, FL
Miami-Dade County
Home daycare operations in Homestead require licensing from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Family child care homes serving up to 10 children are regulated under FL Statute Chapter 402. The home must meet fire safety, health, and background screening requirements. A city business tax receipt is also required.
View full Homestead rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hialeah | Homestead |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 Children | DCF registration required | - |
| 7-12 Children | DCF license required | - |
| Background Check | Level 2 screening mandatory | - |
| Indoor Space | 35 sq ft per child minimum | - |
| Contact | (866) 762-2237 DCF | DCF (305) 377-5015 |
| License | - | DCF license required |
| Capacity | - | Up to 10 children (family home) |
| State Law | - | FL Statute Chapter 402 |
| Fire Inspection | - | Required — Homestead Fire (305) 224-4600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hialeah FAQ
Do I need a license to run a home daycare in Hialeah?
Yes. Caring for children from more than one unrelated family requires DCF registration (1-6 children) or a license (7-12 children). You also need a city business tax receipt and zoning approval.
What background check is required for a Hialeah home daycare?
Level 2 background screening is mandatory, including fingerprinting, criminal records check, sexual predator registry search, and child abuse/neglect history review through the DCF Background Screening Clearinghouse.
Does my Hialeah zoning allow a home daycare?
It depends on your residential zoning district. Some districts allow family child care homes by right, while others may require a conditional use approval. Contact Planning and Zoning at (305) 556-8380 to verify.
Homestead FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my Homestead home?
Yes, with a DCF license. Family child care homes can serve up to 10 children. You need background screening, fire inspection, CPR certification, and a city business tax receipt.
How many kids can I watch at my Homestead home daycare?
A standard family child care home can serve up to 10 children including the provider's own children under 13. Large family homes with an assistant may serve up to 12.
Does my home daycare need a fire inspection in Homestead?
Yes. The Homestead Fire Department at (305) 224-4600 conducts fire safety inspections as part of the DCF licensing requirements for home daycare operations.
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