Plant City, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- State License
- FL DCF required
- Child Limit
- 5 (family home)
- Zoning
- Home occupation
- Background Check
- All 12+ household
- Signage
- None permitted
Summary
Plant City permits family day care homes (up to 5 children) in residential zones as a home occupation. State licensing through FL DCF required under FL §402.313. Must maintain residential character with no external signs or employees beyond household.
F.S. 402.313 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. 5. Proof of screening and background checks. 6. Proof of successful completion of the 30-hour training course, as evidenced by passage of a competency examination, which shall include: a. State and local rules and regulations that govern child care. b. Health, safety, and nutrition. c. Identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect. d. Child development, including typical and atypical language development; and cognitive, motor, social, and self-help skills development. e. Observation of developmental behaviors. f. Specialized areas, including early literacy and language development of children from birth to 5 years of age. 7. Proof that immunization records are kept current. 8. Proof of completion of the required continuing education units or clock hours. (b) A family day care home may volunteer to be licensed under this act. (3) Child care personnel in family day care homes shall be subject to the applicable screening provisions contained in ss. 402.305(2) and 402.3055. (4) 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. (5) Operators of family day care homes shall be required to complete an additional 1 continuing education unit of approved training or 10 clock hours of equivalent training, as determined by the department, annually.
Full Breakdown
Plant City LDC Article V treats family day care homes as home occupations in all residential districts when operated by a resident. Operators must hold a Family Day Care Home license from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) per FL §402.313, which caps enrollment at 5 preschool children (including the caregiver's own children under 5). Large family child care homes (6-12 children) require conditional use approval and additional DCF licensing. Fire inspection, background screening for all household members 12+, and CPR/first aid certification required. No outdoor signage permitted; one non-resident employee maximum; on-site parking must accommodate drop-off/pickup without blocking streets.
Violations & Fines
Operating unlicensed daycare: $250 per day plus DCF enforcement. Exceeding child limits: license revocation. Zoning violation: citation through Plant City Code Enforcement Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a daycare from my Plant City home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plant City
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