Homestead, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- DCF license required
- Capacity
- Up to 10 children (family home)
- State Law
- FL Statute Chapter 402
- Fire Inspection
- Required. Homestead Fire (305) 224-4600
- Contact
- DCF (305) 377-5015
Summary
Home daycare operations in Homestead require licensing from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Family child care homes serving up to 10 children are regulated under FL Statute Chapter 402. The home must meet fire safety, health, and background screening requirements. A city business tax receipt is also required.
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. This plan shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the designated substitute.
Full Breakdown
Home daycare operations in Homestead are regulated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) under FL Statute Chapter 402. Family child care homes can serve up to 10 children (including the provider's own children under 13). Large family child care homes may serve up to 12 children with an assistant. The home must meet DCF health and safety standards including background screening for all household members over 18, CPR/First Aid certification, fire safety compliance (inspected by Homestead Fire at (305) 224-4600), safe outdoor play areas with fencing, and proper nutrition and napping facilities. A local business tax receipt from Homestead is required. The home must comply with residential zoning standards: home daycare is typically a permitted accessory use in residential zones. Drop-off and pick-up traffic must be managed to avoid neighborhood disruption. The property's liability insurance should cover daycare operations.
Violations & Fines
Operating without DCF license carries fines of $100 to $500 per day and potential criminal charges. Fire safety violations can result in immediate closure. Contact DCF licensing at (305) 377-5015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a daycare from my Homestead home?
How many kids can I watch at my Homestead home daycare?
Does my home daycare need a fire inspection in Homestead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Homestead
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Homestead to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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