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Pasco County, FL Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Agency
DCF under FL §402.313
Max Children
10 (family), 12 (large)
Training
30 hours FCCH
Background
Level 2 screening
Zoning
Accessory use in residential

Summary

Home daycare in Pasco County is regulated by DCF under FL §402.313. Family day care homes serving up to 10 children must register or be licensed. Local zoning permits home daycare in residential districts with conditions.

City-specific rules exist: Dade City, and New Port Richey have their own home daycare rules that differ from Pasco County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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. 7. Proof that immunization records are kept current. 8. Proof of completion of the required continuing education units or clock hours. (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. (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.

Source: FL §402.313 Family Day CareView official code

Full Breakdown

Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF) regulates home-based childcare under FL §402.302 through §402.319. A 'family day care home' may serve a maximum of 10 children including the operator's own children under 13. Operators must be at least 21, complete the 30-hour Family Child Care Home training, obtain Level 2 background screening (FL §435.04), and secure liability insurance or post an informed consent sign. Homes may be 'registered' (Pasco County is a registration-only county, not licensing mandatory) unless operating as a 'large family child care home' (10-12 children with a full-time assistant) which requires licensing. Pasco County LDC permits family day care homes as accessory uses in residential districts subject to state registration and reasonable traffic conditions; large family day care may require administrative review. Fire inspection, sanitation, and playground safety standards apply. Home must have functioning smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit; pool (if any) must have barrier per FL §515.

Violations & Fines

Operating without DCF registration: 3rd degree felony per FL §402.319(2). County zoning violations: code enforcement fines. Safety violations: immediate correction, potential closure. Insurance lapse: registration suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license for home daycare in Pasco?
You must register with DCF. Pasco is a registration county (not mandatory licensing) unless you operate a large home (10-12 kids), which requires a full license.
How many kids can I watch in a home daycare?
Up to 10 in a family day care home, or 12 in a licensed large family day care home with a qualified assistant.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pasco County

All Pasco County rules

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