Miami Gardens vs North Miami
How do home daycare rules compare between Miami Gardens, FL and North Miami, FL?
Miami Gardens and North Miami have similar restriction levels.
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 →North Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Home daycare operations in North Miami are regulated by both Florida DCF licensing requirements and local zoning. Florida law distinguishes between family day care homes (up to 10 children) and large family child care homes (up to 12 children). A city business tax receipt and compliance with zoning, fire safety, and building codes are required.
View full North Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami Gardens | North Miami |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Family Day Care | - | Up to 10 children |
| Large Family | - | Up to 12 children with extra staff |
| State Law | - | F.S. 402.302, 166.0445 |
| DCF Licensing | - | 866-762-2237 |
| Fire Dept. | - | (305) 893-6511 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
North Miami FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my home in North Miami?
Yes. Florida law permits licensed family day care homes in residential zoning districts and preempts local governments from prohibiting them. You need DCF licensing (or registration for 5 or fewer children), a city business tax receipt, and compliance with fire safety and building codes.
How many children can I care for in a home daycare in North Miami?
Family day care homes may care for up to 10 children (including the provider's own). Large family child care homes may care for up to 12 children with additional staff. Contact DCF at 866-762-2237 for licensing requirements.
What fire safety is required for a home daycare in North Miami?
Home daycares must have working smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, a written fire evacuation plan, and adequate emergency exits. The North Miami Fire Department at (305) 893-6511 may conduct inspections for compliance.
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