Mississippi State Department of Health licenses home daycares under MS Code §43-20-1 et seq. Up to 5 unrelated children allowed without license; 6+ requires MSDH child care facility license. Gulfport/Biloxi require zoning compliance.
Mississippi Code §43-20-1 et seq. governs child care licensing through MSDH's Child Care Licensure Division. Family child care homes caring for 5 or fewer unrelated children are exempt from licensing but must register if receiving state subsidies. Homes caring for 6-16 children require an MSDH child care facility license with background checks (MS §43-20-8), CPR/first aid certification, fire marshal inspection, and minimum 35 sq ft indoor space per child. Harrison County and cities Gulfport/Biloxi require home occupation permits confirming residential zoning compatibility. Coastal flood zone properties in SFHAs must meet elevation requirements. No more than one non-resident employee typically permitted in residential zones.
Operating unlicensed (6+ kids): MSDH closure order, fines $100-$2,500 per MS §43-20-31. Zoning violations: municipal fines $50-$500. Background check failures: immediate license revocation.
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County and cities prohibit abandoned or inoperable vehicles on streets and visible on private property. MS Code §63-23-1 et seq. governs abandoned v...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County permits wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and ornamental metal fences. Hurricane-rated construction preferred due to Gulf Coast exposure. Ba...
Harrison County, MS
Mississippi prohibits private ownership of inherently dangerous wild animals under MS Code §49-8-5. Permits required for certain species. Harrison County cit...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County permits residential rainwater harvesting without restriction. Mississippi has no state law limiting rainwater collection, and the county enco...
Harrison County, MS
Harrison County requires permits to remove trees over 6-12 inch DBH in most municipalities. Live oaks are specially protected in Gulfport and Biloxi. Hurrica...
Harrison County, MS
Artificial turf generally permitted in Harrison County. No state or local ban. Gulfport and Biloxi require proper drainage due to Gulf Coast flood-prone soil...
See how Harrison County's home daycare rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.