Home Daycare: Hialeah vs Miami Beach
How do home daycare rules compare between Hialeah, FL and Miami Beach, FL?
Hialeah has fewer restrictions than Miami Beach.
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 →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 | Hialeah | Miami Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Max Children (Family) | - | 5 including operator's own |
| Training Required | - | 35 hours (30 + 5 literacy) |
| City Permits | - | CU + BTR + Fire Fee |
| State Registration | - | Florida DCF required |
| Water Safety | - | Full barrier near any water body |
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.
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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