Fort Worth, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- City Zoning
- Fort Worth Sec. 5.116.A
- State Permit
- Texas HHSC (Reg. or Licensed Home)
- Reg. Home Capacity
- Up to 6 + 6 school-age
- Lic. Home Capacity
- Up to 12
Summary
Home daycares in Fort Worth must obtain a state HHSC permit and may operate under the home occupation standard in Zoning Sec. 5.116.A. Family Day Homes (caring for 4 or more unrelated children) require a registered or licensed status from Texas HHSC and zoning sign-off from Fort Worth Development Services.
Sec. 42.041. REQUIRED LICENSE. (a) No person may operate a child-care facility or child-placing agency without a license issued by the department. (b) This section does not apply to: ... (10) a family home, whether registered or listed; ... Sec. 42.04431. ENFORCEMENT OF STATE LAW BY COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY. (a) A municipality or a county may enforce state law and rules adopted under state law concerning fire safety standards at a licensed group day-care home or a registered family home.
Full Breakdown
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) regulates child care under Chapter 42 of the Human Resources Code. Registered Child Care Homes may care for up to 6 children plus up to 6 school-age, and Licensed Child Care Homes may care for up to 12. The Texas HHSC permit is required regardless of municipal status. In Fort Worth, daycare operated from a home must satisfy the home occupation standard in zoning Sec. 5.116.A, including indoor operation, no street-visible activity, and occupancy compliance. Larger or commercial daycares require a separate facility-based zoning approval through Development Services (817-392-8120). Building, fire, and health inspections under Chapter 13 and Chapter 11A also apply.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home daycare without an HHSC permit is a state offense. Operating in violation of Sec. 5.116.A is a Class C misdemeanor under city code, with fines up to $500 per day, and the city may issue a cease-and-desist order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a daycare from my Fort Worth home?
How many children can I care for in a registered home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle home daycare.