St. Lucie County, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- FS 402.302(8)
- Maximum children
- 10 total
- Own children
- Under 13 count when present
- Oversight
- Florida DCF licensing/registration
- Zoning
- Home-occupation standards apply
Summary
A St. Lucie County resident may care for children in their home as a licensed family day care home. Florida law caps a family day care home at a maximum of 10 children, including the operator's own young children present.
"Family day care home" means an occupied residence in which child care is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families and which receives a payment, fee, or grant for any of the children receiving care, whether or not operated for profit.
Full Breakdown
Under Florida Statute 402.302(8), a family day care home is an occupied residence where child care is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families for payment. Group-size limits under FS 402.302 cap the home at a maximum of 10 children, with tighter limits on infants and preschoolers, and the operator's own children under 13 count when present. Family day care homes must register or be licensed through the Florida Department of Children and Families (or a designated local licensing agency). St. Lucie County or city zoning also treats the use as a home occupation, so residential home-business standards apply alongside the state child-care rules.
Violations & Fines
Operating over the child limit or without required DCF registration/licensing can result in state enforcement, fines, and closure, plus local code-enforcement action for zoning violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can I watch in my home?
Do I need a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Lucie County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Lucie County to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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