How to Start a Daycare in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide - post

Starting a #daycare in Florida is a meaningful way to help families in your community while creating a fulfilling business. However, becoming a licensed child care provider requires careful planning, understanding state rules, and meeting specific training and #safety standards. This article will walk you through each major step in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

📌 Understand Florida’s Daycare Licensing Basics

In Florida, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees licensing for most child care programs, including #home-based and center-based #daycares. 

There are several types of licensed programs you can choose:

• Family Day Care Home – Small, home-based program caring for a limited number of children. 

• Large Family Child Care Home – Home-based program with more children and additional caregiver requirements. 

• Child Care Facility (center-based) – Commercial or dedicated facility serving larger groups of children. 

Each program type has specific rules regarding training, space, safety, and staff-to-child ratios. 

📝 Step 1: Create a Solid Business Plan

Before you dive into legal and licensing details, outline your business:

• Mission & vision – What kind of childcare will you offer?

• Target families – Who will be your customers (ages, schedules, needs)?

• Services & hours – Full-day care, before/after school, infant care?

• Budget & finances – Start-up costs, pricing, projected income.

• Marketing strategy – Website, social media, local outreach.

A business plan helps clarify your goals and guides key decisions.

🎓 Step 2: Complete Required Training

Florida has specific training requirements for all licensed child care providers.

Required Training Includes:

• Introductory child care training (often about 40-hours for center personnel). 

• Early literacy and child #development topics. 

• CPR & First Aid certification. 

• Annual in-service training for professional #growth. 

💡 Note: Providers must often complete training within a set time frame (e.g., 90 days to one year from hire). 

Helpful Training Resource

You can support your professional development and meet training standards with online courses such as those offered by ChildCareEd. Training from reputable providers can often count toward your in-service or professional development hours.

👉 Training offered at ChildCareEd: https://www.childcareed.com/courses-for-child-care-providers-in-florida.html
(This includes Florida-approved online courses to help meet training requirements.)

📋 Step 3: Attend a Licensing Orientation

Florida requires prospective licensees to complete a DCF licensing orientation. This covers:

• Rules and regulations

• Health and safety expectations

• Applying through the CARES online system

This orientation gives you a clear picture of what the licensing process looks like and what you must prepare.

📍 Step 4: Choose Your Daycare Type & Location

Types of Programs

• Family Day Care Home – A home-based business that serves a small group of children. 

• Large Family Child Care Home – A home-based business with a larger capacity. 

• Child Care Facility – Typically a dedicated building or rented space designed for childcare.

Select a Suitable Location

• If you plan a home daycare, check zoning rules for your neighborhood and city. Some areas require approval from homeowner associations or city offices. 

• For a center-based care program, choose a space that meets safety, space, bathroom, and accessibility standards.

🔎 Step 5: Meet Staff & Safety Requirements

To protect children’s well-being, Florida mandates:

Staff Background Checks

• Level 2 background screening (fingerprints + state & federal checks) for all staff, household members (for home programs), and volunteers who work regularly. 

Staff-to-Child Ratios

Accurate staffing helps maintain safety and quality:

• Infants (<1 yr): 1 caregiver per 4 children

• Toddlers & preschoolers: Ratios vary by age group up to school-age. 

These ratios help ensure each child gets proper supervision and care. 

🏫 Step 6: Prepare Your Facility

Indoor & Outdoor Requirements

• Indoor space: Centers must provide at least 35 square feet of usable floor space per child. 

• Outdoor #play space: At least 45 square feet per child. 

• Secure fencing, safe equipment, and clear play zones are essential. 

Safety Equipment

Ensure your facility has working smoke detectors, accessible exits, and proper hygiene and sanitation systems in place.

📄 Step 7: Apply for Your License

Once you’ve completed training, prepared your space, and met screening requirements:

1. Create an account in the Florida CARES licensing system. 

2. Complete the application online and upload required documents.

3. Pay application fees (based on your program type and child capacity).

4. Schedule inspections through the system. 

The application process may take several weeks to months. Be patient and organized!

🔎 Step 8: Pass Inspections & Receive License

After submitting your application and documentation, a licensing official will inspect your daycare:

• Facility check (safety, space, records, training certificates)

• Fire and #health compliance

• Interviews or walkthroughs

Once everything meets standards, you’ll receive your official Florida daycare license.

📘 Step 9: Continuing Education & Compliance

Daycare providers must stay compliant:

• Renew license annually.

• Maintain up-to-date training and staff credentials.

• Stay familiar with state updates and evolving rules.

A great tool for ongoing help is the full ChildCareEd resource center, which offers planning tools and support.
👉 Resource at ChildCareEd
(This page includes #free training resources and guides to help you grow your knowledge and meet continuing education needs.)

👉 Also explore other helpful insights in this ChildCareEd article about licensing and regulations in Florida 

📣 Stay Connected

Want to stay up to date on childcare trends, training tips, and helpful guidance for providers?

Follow ChildCareEd on social media:

👉 Instagram

✅ Summary Checklist

✔ Understand licensing types in Florida
✔ Create a detailed business plan
✔ Complete required training and orientation
✔ Choose your daycare type & secure location
✔ Screen staff and meet safety standards
✔ Prepare your facility
✔ Apply online and pass inspections
✔ Renew license and stay compliant

Starting a daycare in Florida takes work, but with careful planning, great training, and dedication, you can build a safe and trusted childcare environment that families love. Good luck! 🌟