Florida Childcare Licensing
Florida Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
Florida childcare licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Care Licensing. A licensed Florida center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual inspection; additional risk-based inspections
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamFlorida Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
Florida childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6).
Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6)
Florida childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.005.
Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.005
Florida childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.006(3).
Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.006(3)
Florida childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.006(6).
Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.006(6)
Florida childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.009.
Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.009
Florida childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6)(b).
Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6)(b)
Florida Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6) |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.005 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.006(3) |
| Medication Administration Policy | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.006(6) |
| Emergency Procedures | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.009 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6)(b) |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.006(4) |
| Parent Communication Policy | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6)(a) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6)(c) |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Florida Statutes §39.203; FAC Rule 65C-22.003 |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.001(6)(d) |
| Health and Safety Policies | Florida Administrative Code Rule 65C-22.006 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Florida Statutes §760.01; FAC Rule 65C-22.001 |
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Florida Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Florida?
Childcare licensing in Florida is regulated by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Care Licensing. Official licensing information is published at https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/child-care.
How many handbook policy sections does Florida require?
Florida requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does Florida inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual inspection; additional risk-based inspections
What happens if a Florida center is out of compliance?
Fines up to $100/day per Class I violation; up to $50/day per Class II violation; license revocation under Florida Statutes §402.310
Florida childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Florida administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Care Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.