Ocoee vs Orlando
How do home daycare rules compare between Ocoee, FL and Orlando, FL?
Ocoee and Orlando have similar restriction levels.
Ocoee, FL
Orange County
Ocoee permits family daycare homes in residential zones as accessory home occupations, but operators must obtain a Business Tax Receipt and comply with FL DCF licensing under FL §402.302 for homes caring for 5+ unrelated children.
View full Ocoee rules →Orlando, FL
Orange County
Family day care homes in Orlando are regulated by Florida Statute 402.313 and licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). A family day care home may serve up to 10 children including the operators own under-school-age children, with strict ratios by age. Operators must register or, in counties that require it, be licensed by DCF, complete background screening, training, and home inspection. Orlando treats licensed family day care as a permitted home occupation in residential zones provided state requirements are met and parking, signage, and HOA rules are followed.
View full Orlando rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ocoee | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| State Licensing | FL DCF required | - |
| Local Permit | Business Tax Receipt | - |
| Max Children | 10 family / 12 large | - |
| Zoning | Allowed in residential | - |
| Inspections | Fire and health required | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ocoee FAQ
Do I need a license for watching 3 kids?
No. FL DCF licensing kicks in at 5 unrelated children. Below that, only a Business Tax Receipt is needed if operating as a business.
Who enforces this in Ocoee?
Ocoee code enforcement at (407) 905-3100 handles complaints.
Orlando FAQ
Can Orlando require a special use permit for a family day care home?
No. Florida HB 1451 prohibits cities from imposing zoning restrictions on home-based businesses that are stricter than for similar non-business residential uses, so a registered family day care is permitted by right.
How many infants under one year can I care for?
Up to four children under one year if those are the only children, or no more than three under one year when a mix of ages is present, with a total cap of 10 children.
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