Miami-Dade County, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Capacity
- Up to 10 children (family day care)
- License
- Florida DCF required
- Zoning
- Permitted in residential zones
- State Law
- FL Statute 402.313
- DCF Contact
- 1-866-762-2237
Summary
Home daycare operations in unincorporated Miami-Dade County require Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing. Family day care homes serving up to 10 children are permitted in residential zones under Florida Statute 402.313. Zoning approval may be required for larger operations.
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... Operators of family day care homes must successfully complete an approved 30-clock-hour introductory course in child care, as evidenced by passage of a competency examination, before caring for children.
Full Breakdown
Florida Statute 402.313 establishes statewide licensing for family day care homes. A family day care home may care for up to 10 children (including the operator's own children under 13). A large family child care home may serve up to 12 children with additional staffing. DCF licensing requires background screening, health and safety inspections, minimum square footage, outdoor play area, and first aid/CPR certification. Miami-Dade County zoning allows licensed family day care homes in residential zones as a permitted use under Florida preemption (FL Statute 125.0109). The county may not impose additional zoning restrictions beyond state requirements. Contact DCF at 1-866-762-2237 for licensing. Building code compliance may require inspections by RER at (786) 315-2000.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed child care facility is a misdemeanor under FL Statute 402.319 with fines up to $1,000 per day. DCF conducts inspections and can revoke licenses. Violations include inadequate supervision, exceeding capacity, and failing background screening requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a daycare from my home in unincorporated Miami-Dade?
How many children can I care for?
What are the licensing requirements?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Miami-Dade County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Miami-Dade County to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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