Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Orlando, FL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Orlando, Orange County, Florida.

$300 -- $700 8–16 weeks to complete training, background checks, inspections, and receive DCF license 8 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: March 13, 2026.

Orlando / Orange County Requirements

2 requirements

Orange County Local Business Tax Receipt

Home daycare providers operating in unincorporated Orange County must obtain a Local Business Tax Receipt from the Orange County Tax Collector. If located within the City of Orlando, obtain the City of Orlando Business Tax Receipt instead from the City Planning Division.

$30–$75 annually1–2 weeks

Official government source

City of Orlando Zoning Clearance (if in city limits)

Family day care homes serving up to 5 children are a permitted accessory use in single-family residential zones in Orlando and generally do not require a separate zoning permit. Large family child care homes (6–10 children) may require a special exception or zoning review. Contact the City of Orlando Planning Division at 407-246-2269 to verify your property's zoning and confirm compliance before operating.

Free for small family day care; $200–$500 for special exception if required2–8 weeks if zoning review required

Official government source

Florida State Requirements

5 requirements

Florida DCF — Family Day Care Home License

Required to operate a family day care home serving 1–5 unrelated children in Florida. Licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Central Region. Requirements include: 30 hours of pre-licensing training, Level 2 background screening through FDLE for all household members age 12+, DCF home inspection, proof of liability insurance, and current pediatric CPR/first aid certification. Annual renewal required.

$35 application fee; annual renewal fee applies8–16 weeks from application to license

Official government source

Florida DCF — Large Family Child Care Home License

Required if serving 6–10 children in a residential home. Must have held a Family Day Care Home license for at least 2 years and must have a second qualified staff member on-site. Enhanced health/safety standards apply.

$75 application fee; annual renewal fee applies8–16 weeks

Official government source

Background Screening (FDLE Level 2)

Required for all caregivers, household members age 12+, and anyone with unsupervised access to children. Includes fingerprinting, FBI national criminal check, FL Sexual Offender/Predator database, and FL Child Abuse/Neglect registry.

$80–$100 per person2–4 weeks

Official government source

Pre-Licensing Training (30 Hours)

30 clock hours of approved pre-licensing training required before operating. Covers child development, health and safety, nutrition, and FL child care regulations. Available online or in-person from DCF-approved providers.

$50–$150Completed before license issuance

Official government source

Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification

Current certification in infant and child CPR and first aid required from an approved provider. Must remain current throughout the license period.

$50–$100Same day

Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)

Official government source