Florida Department of Children & Families
Child Care Regulation
Laws and Requirements
The following provides detailed information on the laws and requirements that governs the operation of child care facilities and homes within the State of Florida. Referenced are the Florida Statutes Sections 402.26 - 402.319 and the Florida Administrative Codes, Chapters 65C-20, 65C-22 and 65C-25.
Florida Statutes
Use the following link to view the laws pertaining to child care. This document contains a total of 37 pages
and may take a while to complete. Please be patient when viewing this document.
Sections 402.26 - 402.319
Chapter 65C-20, Florida Administrative Code
Use the following link to view the requirements to operate family day care and large family child care homes.
Includes requirements for application; personnel; health; health records for the children in care as well as
personnel; and the penalties that may be imposed for non-compliance with standards.
Family Day Care/Large Family Child Care Homes
Family Day Care Standard Classifications
Large Family Child Care Standard Classifications
Chapter 65C-22, Florida Administrative Code
Use the following link to view the requirements to operate child care facilities. Includes requirements for
application; license; minimum age; ratios; supervision; transportation; planned activities; discipline;
access to parents; physical environment both indoors and outdoors; training for child care personnel; health;
food and nutrition; records for both children and child care personnel; and care of children during evening
hours.
Child Care Facility/Center
Facility/Center Standard Classifications
Chapter 65C-25, Florida Administrative Code
Use the following link to view the requirements to operate specialized child care facilities for mildly-ill children and children suffering short-term illnesses or symptoms. Mildly Ill Child Care