Home daycare operations in North Miami are regulated by both Florida DCF licensing requirements and local zoning. Florida law distinguishes between family day care homes (up to 10 children) and large family child care homes (up to 12 children). A city business tax receipt and compliance with zoning, fire safety, and building codes are required.
Home daycare operations in North Miami must comply with Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing requirements and local zoning and building codes. Florida Statute 402.302 defines family day care homes as caring for no more than 10 children (including the provider's own) and large family child care homes as caring for up to 12 children with additional staff. Family day care homes serving 5 or fewer children may be exempt from DCF licensing but must still register. DCF-licensed family day care homes are permitted in residential zoning districts under Florida law (F.S. 125.0109 and 166.0445), which preempts local governments from prohibiting licensed family day care in residential zones. However, the home must comply with the Florida Building Code, fire safety requirements, and North Miami's property maintenance standards. A business tax receipt from the city is required. Fire safety requirements include working smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, a fire evacuation plan, and adequate emergency exits. The North Miami Fire Department at (305) 893-6511 may conduct inspections. The home must maintain adequate outdoor play area, fencing, and pool barriers if applicable. DCF conducts background screening of all operators and household members. Contact DCF at 866-762-2237 for licensing information.
Operating an unlicensed daycare exceeding the exempt threshold may result in DCF enforcement including fines, cease-and-desist orders, and criminal charges. Local code violations may include fines for operating without a business tax receipt and fire safety non-compliance.
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