Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Gulfport, MS

Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi.

Updated 2026-03-15 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Mississippi

2 stops

  1. Mississippi Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Mississippi. Mississippi charges a 7% state sales tax (one of the highest in the nation). Register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via TAP)

  2. Mississippi Background Check Requirement

    All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Mississippi child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.

    Official government source

    $25–$75 per person1–4 weeks

City of Gulfport / Harrison County

3 stops

  1. Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Facility License

    Child care facilities in Mississippi must be licensed by the MSDH Division of Child Care. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and compliance with staff ratios.

    Official government source

    $50–$1506–12 weeks

  2. City of Gulfport City Clerk — Business License

    Gulfport requires a Business License for all businesses within city limits. The City Clerk processes license applications and annual renewals. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  3. Harrison County / Gulfport Building and Fire Safety Inspection

    Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.

    Official government source

    $100–$3002–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 8–16 weeks to obtain all licenses and pass inspections

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Official Sources

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