West Palm Beach, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- FL §402.313 family day care
- Max Children
- 10 (family) or 12 (large)
- Licensing
- FL DCF registration required
- Background
- Level 2 screening required
- Zoning
- Permitted accessory use
Summary
Family day care homes in West Palm Beach are licensed by the FL Department of Children and Families under FL §402.313, allowing up to 10 children including the operator's own. City zoning permits home day cares as accessory uses in residential districts with proper state licensure.
(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. (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) In order to further develop their child care skills and, if appropriate, their administrative skills, 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. (12) Notwithstanding any other state or local law or ordinance, any family day care home licensed pursuant to this chapter or pursuant to a county ordinance shall be charged the utility rates accorded to a residential home. A licensed family day care home may not be charged commercial utility rates.
Full Breakdown
Family day care homes serving up to 10 children must register or license with FL DCF per FL §402.313. Large family child care homes (up to 12 children) require local zoning approval in addition to state licensing. West Palm Beach Zoning Code permits family day care homes as a permitted accessory use in single-family residential districts subject to compliance with FL §402.305 minimum standards. Operators must maintain liability insurance, complete 30-hour DCF training, undergo Level 2 background screening, and pass annual fire and health inspections. Outdoor play areas must be fenced. No exterior modifications that change the residential character of the home are allowed.
Violations & Fines
Operating without DCF license: misdemeanor under FL §402.319, fines up to $500 and immediate closure. Zoning violations: code enforcement citations up to $250/day per WPB Code Ch 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in a West Palm Beach home day care?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Palm Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare West Palm Beach to another location·View the Florida home business overview
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Home Daycare in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Palm Beach County handle home daycare.