Coral Gables, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Max Children (Family)
- 5 including operator's own
- Training Required
- 35 hours (30 + 5 literacy)
- City Permit
- Business Tax Receipt required
- State Registration
- Florida DCF required
- Large Home License
- 6-12 children, separate DCF license
Summary
Family day care homes are a permitted use in Coral Gables single-family residential districts under Zoning Code Section 4-101, but operators must obtain a city Business Tax Receipt, comply with Florida DCF licensing requirements, and meet all applicable fire safety and zoning standards. Large family child care homes serving 6-12 children require additional county and state approvals.
Family day care homes shall be licensed under this act if they are presently being licensed under an existing county licensing ordinance or if the board of county commissioners passes a resolution that family day care homes be licensed. (a) If not subject to license, family day care homes shall register annually with the department, providing the following information: 1. The name and address of the home. 2. The name of the operator. 3. The number of children served. 4. Proof of a written plan to provide at least one other competent adult to be available to substitute for the operator in an emergency. This plan shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the designated substitute. 5. Proof of screening and background checks. 6. Proof of successful completion of the 30-hour tra
Full Breakdown
Coral Gables permits family day care homes in single-family residential zoning districts as listed in Zoning Code Section 4-101. 302. A Business Tax Receipt from the city is required before operation. Florida DCF registration is mandatory for anyone caring for children from more than one unrelated family, requiring completion of a 30-hour family day care training course plus a 5-hour early literacy course. Large Family Child Care Homes serving 6-12 children require a separate Florida DCF license and must meet additional staffing ratios with a minimum of two adults present.
The home must comply with all local fire safety codes and maintain appropriate fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Home daycare operations must not alter the residential character of the neighborhood, generate excessive traffic, or create noise that disturbs neighbors. Because Coral Gables enforces strict aesthetic standards through its Board of Architects, any exterior modifications to accommodate a daycare use, such as fencing, play structures, or signage, may require Board review. All pools on the property must have compliant safety barriers per Florida Statute 515. Miami-Dade County Health Department inspections may apply to food preparation areas.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home daycare without DCF registration may result in fines up to $100 per violation per day from the state. Operating without a city Business Tax Receipt can result in Code Enforcement citations with fines starting at $250 per day. Repeat violations may be referred to the Code Enforcement Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
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Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Miami-Dade County handle home daycare.