Santa Rosa County, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Max children
- Six (family day care home)
- Under 18 months
- No more than three
- Large home
- Up to 12 with staff
- Oversight
- Florida DCF
- Authority
- FS 402.302
Summary
In-home child care in Florida is governed by state law (FS 402.302), not county zoning. A family day care home may care for a maximum of six children, and most Santa Rosa County providers register annually with DCF unless a county ordinance requires licensing.
"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... A family day care home shall be allowed to provide care for a maximum of six children.
Full Breakdown
Under FS 402.302, a family day care home is an occupied residence where child care is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families, with a maximum of six children (including the operator's own preschool children), and no more than three under 18 months. A large family child care home may serve up to 12 children with added staff and licensing. Florida lets family day care providers register annually with the Department of Children and Families unless the county requires licensure by ordinance. As a residential accessory use, an in-home daycare still follows LDC 5.02.07 home-occupation standards for parking, noise, and no exterior business signage.
Violations & Fines
Operating over the child-count limit, or without required DCF registration/licensing, is enforced by the Department of Children and Families and can also draw local code-enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can I watch at home?
Do I register with the county or the state?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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