Miami Beach vs Miami Gardens
How do home daycare rules compare between Miami Beach, FL and Miami Gardens, FL?
Miami Gardens has fewer restrictions than Miami Beach.
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 →Miami Gardens, FL
Miami-Dade County
Home daycare operations in Miami Gardens require Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing under Florida Statutes Chapter 402. Family child care homes (up to 10 children including the provider's own) are a permitted use in residential zones. A Business Tax Receipt and DCF license are both required.
View full Miami Gardens rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami Beach | Miami Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| DCF License | - | Required under FL Ch. 402 |
| Max Children | - | 5 (or 10 with additional requirements) |
| Background Checks | - | Required for all adults in home |
| Local BTR | - | Required from Miami Gardens |
| Zoning | - | Permitted in residential zones |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Miami Gardens FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in Miami Gardens?
Yes. Family child care homes are permitted in residential zones. You need both a DCF license and a Business Tax Receipt from the city.
How many children can I care for?
A standard family child care home may care for up to 5 children, or up to 10 with additional training and a substitute caregiver.
What training is required?
You must complete DCF-approved training covering child development, health, safety, and nutrition. Background screenings are required for all adults in the home.
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