Collier County, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Max children
- 10 total, age-based limits
- Infants
- Max four under 12 months
- Own kids
- Under 13 counted in total
- State oversight
- DCF registration or license
- Governing law
- FS 402.302 / 402.313
Summary
A family day care home in Florida (FS 402.302) is an occupied residence caring for children from at least two unrelated families. Capacity is capped by age, up to 10 children maximum, and Collier operators must register or be licensed with the state, plus meet home-occupation zoning.
A maximum of 10 children if no more than 5 are preschool age and, of those 5, no more than 2 are under 12 months of age.
Full Breakdown
Florida statute defines a family day care home and sets strict capacity limits that apply in unincorporated Collier County. Under FS 402.302 the home may care for no more than 10 children total, with age-based sublimits: for example, a maximum of 4 infants under 12 months, or up to 10 children if no more than 5 are preschool age and no more than 2 of those are under 12 months. Household children under 13 count toward the limit. Operators must register annually with the Department of Children and Families (or be licensed if the county requires licensure) and pass background screening. The home occupation must also comply with Collier's LDC 5.02.03 residential-use standards.
Violations & Fines
Operating over the child-count limits or without required state registration/licensure exposes the provider to DCF enforcement, fines, and closure, plus county code-enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can a home daycare have?
Do I have to register with the state?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Collier County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Collier County to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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