Florida Childcare Licensing
Florida Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Florida sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (0-11 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Florida licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamFlorida Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Florida, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-11 months) age group is 1:4.
In Florida, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (12-23 months) age group is 1:6.
In Florida, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (24-35 months) age group is 1:11.
In Florida, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3 years) age group is 1:15.
In Florida, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (4-5 years) age group is 1:20.
In Florida, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School Age (6-8 years) age group is 1:25.
There is no statewide maximum group-size cap
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Florida regulates supervision only through staff-to-child ratios (1:4 for birth to 1 year, 1:6 for 1 to under 2, 1:11 for 2 to under 3, 1:15 for 3 to under 4, 1:20 for 4 to under 5, and 1:25 for 5 years and older), with no separate limit on total children per group or room (Fla. Stat. 402.305(4)(a)).
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Florida Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0-11 months) | 1:4 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (12-23 months) | 1:6 |
| Toddler (24-35 months) | 1:11 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:15 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:20 |
| School Age (6-8 years) | 1:25 |
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Florida Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Florida?
Florida requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for the Infant (0-11 months) age group.
Does Florida cap maximum group size?
There is no statewide maximum group-size cap; Florida regulates supervision only through staff-to-child ratios (1:4 for birth to 1 year, 1:6 for 1 to under 2, 1:11 for 2 to under 3, 1:15 for 3 to under 4, 1:20 for 4 to under 5, and 1:25 for 5 years and older), with no separate limit on total children per group or room (Fla. Stat. 402.305(4)(a)).
How many staff do I need for my Florida classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Florida ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
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.