Gainesville, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Small Home Cap
- Up to ten children, age-limited
- Large Home Cap
- Eight infants or twelve children
- Spacing
- 1,000 feet between large homes
- Licensing
- Alachua County Health Department
- Play Areas
- Between house and rear line
Summary
Gainesville recognises small and large family child care homes, both licensed by the Alachua County Health Department. Large homes must sit 1,000 feet apart, use the operator’s own residence and keep play areas behind the house.
402.313 Family day care homes. — (1) 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.
Full Breakdown
A small family child care home may care for four children from birth to 12 months; or three under 12 months plus others to a total of six; or six preschool children all over 12 months; or ten children if no more than five are preschool age and no more than two are under 12 months. A large home may take eight children from birth to 24 months, or twelve with no more than four under 24 months, and must first have run two years as a licensed family day care home. Large homes also need staff approval of a plot plan and paved driveways.
Violations & Fines
Land development code violations are pursued under section 30-1.9, which lets the city use the remedies in Florida law and the city code, including the section 1-9 penalty of up to $500 or 60 days, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in my home?
Do I need a zoning permit for a home daycare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gainesville
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Gainesville to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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