Florida Daycare Self-Inspection Checklist (Printable)

Recent changes (2025–2026)

New handbooks in force September 1, 2026 R. 65C-22.001, 65C-20.008, F.A.C. (amended 9/1/2026) Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes DCF amended its center and home rules effective September 1, 2026.
On-site staff hold in-person pediatric CPR (online course only with on-site skills check) s. 402.305(7)(a), F.S. (ch. 2025-181) Centers
Screening results in 3 business days, or 45-day provisional hire s. 402.305(2)(a), F.S. (ch. 2025-181) Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes DCF must finish a new hire's Level 2 screening and send the result within 3 business days after it receives the criminal history.
Free online training and exams; new course topics s. 402.305(2)(d), F.S. (ch. 2025-181) Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes The 40-hour introductory course now must cover developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome, and DCF must offer the online coursework at no cost.
Mildly-ill child care rules repealed ch. 2025-181, Laws of Fla.; Ch. 65C-25, F.A.C. Centers The 2025 law removed the statutory standards for specialized child care facilities for mildly ill children, and DCF repealed the last of chapter 65C-25 on October 23, 2025.
Shorter inspections for strong compliance records s. 402.3115(2), F.S. (ch. 2025-181) Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Centers, family homes and large family homes can get an abbreviated inspection if they have been licensed 2 years in a row, had no Class 1 violation and no more than three of the same Class 2 violation for 2 years, had…
Optional safe-school officers s. 402.305(19), F.S.; s. 30.15, F.S. (ch. 2025-58) Centers Since July 1, 2025 a center may partner with a law enforcement or security agency to have a safe-school officer, including a trained school guardian, at its own cost.
2026 law: new name, exemption notice ss. 402.302, 402.313, 402.316(6), F.S. (ch. 2026-140) Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes From July 1, 2026 the statutes call these homes "family child care homes" (formerly "family day care homes").
Local licensing counties; Hillsborough back with DCF s. 402.306(1)(b), F.S. (ch. 2025-181) Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes A county that runs its own child care licensing must re-affirm that choice by majority vote of the county commission every year.

Who needs a license, and what kind

What counts as a child care facility s. 402.302(1)–(2), F.S. Centers "Child care" is care, protection and supervision for less than 24 hours a day on a regular basis, for a payment, fee or grant.
Family and large family child care homes s. 402.302(8), (11), F.S. Family child care · Group child care homes A family child care home is an occupied residence where child care is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families for pay.
Licensed vs. registered family homes s. 402.313(1), F.S. Family child care Family homes must be licensed if their county requires it by ordinance or commission resolution.
License posted; any disciplinary citation posted with explanation for 1 year; license number in all ads ss. 402.308, 402.3125(1), 402.318, F.S. Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes
Renew at least 45 days early R. 65C-22.001(1), 65C-20.008(4), F.A.C. Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Apply on DCF's form (online through CARES is allowed) every year.
Exempt programs s. 402.316, F.S. Centers Child care that is an integral part of an accredited church or parochial school, and facilities serving only certain eligible children under s. 402.261, are exempt from licensing but must still meet the background…

Staff-to-child ratios

Each room within ratio: <1 1:4, 1 yr 1:6, 2 yr 1:11, 3 yr 1:15, 4 yr 1:20, 5+ 1:25 s. 402.305(4), F.S. Centers
Mixed-age groups CCF Handbook § 2.3.1 Centers In any mixed-age group that includes a child under 1, one staff member may have no more than 4 children of any age.
Field trips and vehicles CCF Handbook §§ 2.4.1, 2.5.4 Centers One extra adult beyond ratio must go on every field trip away from the facility; a parent volunteer may fill that role if directly supervised by screened and trained staff.
Swimming and wading ratios CCF Handbook § 2.4.5 Centers While children swim or wade: 1:1 for infants and children under 3, 1:4 for ages 3–4, 1:10 for age 5 and older; mixed groups use the youngest child's ratio.
Home count (incl. household children under 13) fits one of the four capacity groups s. 402.302(8), F.S.; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 2.2 Family child care
Large family child care home capacity s. 402.302(11), F.S.; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 2.2 Group child care homes A large family child care home may care for up to 8 children under 24 months, or up to 12 children with no more than 4 under 24 months, counting household children under 13.

Group size and space

Room capacity posted in each room; total children never over licensed capacity CCF Handbook § 3.4; s. 402.305(6), F.S. Centers
Toilets and sinks CCF Handbook § 3.7 Centers At least one toilet and one sink for 1 to 15 children, plus one more of each for every 30 children after that.
Large family home space FCCH/LFCCH Handbook §§ 7.5, 7.6 Group child care homes A large family child care home needs 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child, not counting bedrooms unless they are used as activity rooms, and at least 270 square feet of usable outdoor play area on the…

Director and staff qualifications

Age requirements s. 402.305(2)(c), F.S.; CCF Handbook § 2.2 Centers A center operator must be at least 21, and a staff member at least 21 must be in charge and on the premises at all times the center is open.
Director Credential CCF Handbook § 4.7; s. 402.305(2)(f), F.S. Centers Every center needs a director with an active Florida Director Credential (valid 5 years), on site for the majority of operating hours (excluding weekends and evenings), with records proving it.
One credentialed staff per 20 children s. 402.305(3), F.S.; CCF Handbook § 4.6 Centers Centers open 8 or more hours a week with 20 or more children must have one staff member with a staff credential (a CDA, a Florida Birth Through Five or School-Age credential, or qualifying education) for every 20…
Home operators, substitutes and employees FCCH/LFCCH Handbook §§ 3.1–3.3 Family child care · Group child care homes A family home operator must be at least 18 (21 for a large family home), must live in the home, and may not work outside the home while it is open.
Large family home operator credential FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 5.1.3 Group child care homes A large family home operator must have held an active staff credential (CDA/NECC, Florida Birth Through Five or School-Age credential, or qualifying education) for at least one year before licensure, documented on the…

Background screening

Clearinghouse eligible result (or provisional-hire email) in every personnel file; roster updated within 5 days s. 402.305(2)(a)–(b), F.S.; CCF Handbook § 5.1 Centers
Re-screening every 5 years CCF Handbook § 5.2 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Screening is valid for 5 years, then a full re-screen is required.
Home operators and household members ss. 402.313(3), 402.3131(2), F.S.; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 4 Family child care · Group child care homes In family and large family homes, the operator, substitutes, employees and every household member over 12 must be screened.
Application questions and attestation s. 402.3055(1), F.S.; CCF Handbook § 7.4 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Your job application must ask whether the applicant ever worked at a facility that had a license denied, revoked or suspended, or was disciplined or fined, with the answer attested under penalty of perjury; review any …

Training, first aid and CPR

40-hour introductory training for center staff s. 402.305(2)(d), F.S.; CCF Handbook §§ 4.1, 4.2.1 Centers Staff and volunteers working 10 or more hours a month must begin DCF training within 90 days of starting in the industry and finish within 12 months of beginning, passing competency exams with a weighted score of 70 or…
Literacy, safe sleep and fire extinguisher training CCF Handbook §§ 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.5 Centers Every staff member needs a one-time 5-hour early literacy course within 12 months of employment.
First aid and in-person pediatric CPR staff present at all times and on every trip CCF Handbook § 4.2.4 Centers
10 hours of in-service training every year s. 402.305(2)(d)3., F.S.; CCF Handbook § 4.2.7 Centers After the introductory training, each staff member needs 10 clock hours (1 CEU) of in-service training every state fiscal year (July 1–June 30), recorded on CF-FSP Form 5268.
Home operator training s. 402.313(4)–(6), F.S.; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook §§ 5.1–5.6 Family child care · Group child care homes Before licensure and before caring for children, family home operators and substitutes must pass DCF's 30-hour Family Child Care Home course, complete the 5-hour literacy course, and hold current pediatric CPR and first…

Supervision, health and safety

Direct supervision at all times CCF Handbook § 2.4.1 Centers Each staff member is assigned to a specific group and stays with it.
Supervision in homes FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 6 Family child care · Group child care homes The operator is responsible for supervising children by sight and sound, indoors and out, at all times.
Communicable disease and exclusion CCF Handbook § 6.1 Centers Watch children daily for signs of illness.
Emergency care plans and allergies CCF Handbook §§ 2.5.3, 7.2 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes A child with a chronic condition or allergy needs a current emergency care plan from the parent or physician in the file, and staff caring for the child must be trained to follow it.
Incident reports CCF Handbook § 6.4; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 7.20 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Document every accident, incident or unusual occurrence that threatens a child's health or safety on the day it happens, share it with the parent the same day, and keep it 12 months.
Abuse reporting CCF Handbook § 8.2; s. 39.201, F.S. Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Acts or omissions that meet Florida's definition of child abuse or neglect violate the licensing standards, and so does failing to report suspected abuse to the Florida Abuse Hotline as a mandatory reporter.

Facility, furniture, equipment and hazards

Bookshelves, TVs and heavy furniture secured; chairs away from shelves and cabinets CCF Handbook § 3.11 Centers
Daily indoor inspection log; tamper-resistant outlets; gates on drops over 30 in CCF Handbook § 3.1 Centers
Toxics, firearms and drugs CCF Handbook § 3.2.1 Centers Store cleaning products, chemicals, knives and sharp tools locked or out of children's reach, labeled and used as directed.
Lighting, temperature and fencing CCF Handbook §§ 3.3, 3.5 Centers Provide at least 20 foot-candles of light (50 at close-work surfaces) and keep indoor temperature between 65°F and 82°F.
Playgrounds CCF Handbook § 3.12 Centers Anchor playground equipment unless it is portable by design, inspect supports, connectors and moving parts monthly, and keep those records 12 months.
Pool barrier/alarm, locked pool doors and gates while children are in care FCCH/LFCCH Handbook §§ 7.5–7.7, 7.10 Family child care · Group child care homes

Fire safety, drills and emergency plans

Monthly fire drill logged (date, counts, route, time); alternate-route and nap-time drills done CCF Handbook §§ 3.8.2, 3.8.4 Centers
Written emergency plan and drills CCF Handbook § 3.8.5 Centers Have a written plan for fire, evacuation, relocation, shelter in place, lockdown and severe weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes, including how you will notify parents and reunite families on and off site and meet…
After a disaster; incident plan; generators CCF Handbook §§ 3.8.5–3.8.7 Centers After a fire or a natural or man-made disaster, tell the licensing authority your operating status within 24 hours.
Homes: smoke detectors, drills and plans FCCH/LFCCH Handbook §§ 7.11, 7.21, 7.22 Family child care · Group child care homes Homes need working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher with a current tag.

Medication

Written authorization and original containers CCF Handbook § 6.5; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 7.24 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Get a dated authorization signed by the custodial parent with the child's name, the medication, and the date, time and amount of each dose.
Medication log complete (child, drug, date/time, dose, signer); meds locked; staff trained CCF Handbook § 6.5; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 7.24 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes

Immunizations and health exams

DH 680 or DH 681 on file for every child within 30 days of enrollment CCF Handbook § 7.1; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 8.1 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes
Student Health Examination CCF Handbook § 7.2; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 8.2 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Each child needs a Student Health Examination (DH 3040) or equivalent signed statement within 30 days of enrollment.

Food and nutrition

Meals, menus and choking hazards CCF Handbook § 3.9.3 Centers If you serve food, meals and snacks must follow USDA MyPlate and at least the Child Care Food Program meal patterns.
Infant feeding CCF Handbook §§ 2.4.4, 3.9.6, 3.9.7 Centers Hold infants for bottle feedings until they can sit up with good head control; never prop bottles.

Safe sleep

Infants on backs; nothing in cribs but a fitted sheet; no swaddling without physician note CCF Handbook § 3.6.4; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 7.8 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes
Cribs, mats and spacing CCF Handbook §§ 3.6.1–3.6.3 Centers Children under 1 nap in a crib or play yard that meets federal standards (16 CFR parts 1219–1221), with slats no more than 2⅜ inches apart.
Naptime supervision in centers CCF Handbook § 2.4.2 Centers During naps, staff must be within sight and hearing of all children, with the rest of the staff needed for ratio in the building on the same floor.
Bedroom doors open; visual check of sleeping children every 10–15 minutes FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 6 Family child care · Group child care homes
Safe sleep training CCF Handbook § 4.2.3 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Staff in any program serving infants must complete safe sleep and shaken baby syndrome training within 30 days of hire, and the program needs a written policy to prevent shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma (§ 2…

Discipline and guidance

What discipline is banned s. 402.305(12), F.S.; CCF Handbook § 2.8 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Discipline may not be severe, humiliating or frightening, or tied to food, rest or toileting.
Written policy signed by parents CCF Handbook §§ 2.8, 7.3; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 2.3 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Have a written discipline and expulsion policy, give parents a copy before admission, and get the parent's signature on the enrollment form confirming they received it.

Records

Enrollment information CCF Handbook § 7.3; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 8.3 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Before a child starts, get enrollment information on CF-FSP Form 5219 or an equivalent, including the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone authorized to pick up the child and consent for staff to see the child…
Records kept 12 months CCF Handbook § 7 Centers Centers keep at least 12 months of attendance, transportation logs, field trip and food activity permissions, fire and emergency drill records, accident and incident reports, medication records, menus, daily indoor…
Personnel records CCF Handbook §§ 7.4, 7.4.1 Centers For each staff member keep the employment application with the s. 402.3055 attestation, position and start date, DCF Training Transcript and credentials, in-service record, screening documents, and, for drivers, the…

Attendance and release of children

Arrival and departure time recorded for every child; class roster travels with the group CCF Handbook § 7.5; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 8.4 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes
Release only to authorized people, with photo ID CCF Handbook § 2.4.1 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Release a child only to people the custodial parent authorized in writing in advance, or in the manner the parent authorized, and verify the person's identity with a picture ID.
When a child doesn't show up for pickup R. 65C-22.001(5), F.A.C.; FCCH/LFCCH Handbook § 8.4 Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes If a program is supposed to pick up a child (for example from school or a bus stop) and the child isn't there, staff must notify the facility and the parent.

Transportation and field trips

Transport log signed by driver and second staff after both vehicle sweeps CCF Handbook § 2.5.2 Centers
Vehicle alarm and inspections s. 402.305(10), F.S.; CCF Handbook § 2.5.4 Centers · Group child care homes Every vehicle used by a center or large family home must have a DCF-approved alarm that sounds within one minute of turning off the ignition unless the driver walks to the back of the vehicle to shut it off.
Drivers and child restraints CCF Handbook §§ 2.5.1, 2.5.5 Centers Drivers need a valid Florida license with the proper endorsement, an annual physical approving them to drive, and current first aid and pediatric CPR.
Field trip notice and permission CCF Handbook § 2.7 Centers Tell parents about each field trip in advance and post the date, time and place at least two working days before.

Inspections and enforcement

How often programs are inspected s. 402.311, F.S.; DCF Child Care Programs and Inspections Guide Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Licensors may enter at reasonable times to inspect the premises, staff and required records, and may copy records and photograph conditions (CCF Handbook § 8.1).
Fines by class and repeat count R. 65C-22.010, 65C-20.012, F.A.C. Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes Every violation gets technical assistance.
Maximum penalties s. 402.310(1), F.S. Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes By statute, fines may not exceed $100 per violation per day, or $500 if the violation could cause or did cause death or serious harm.
Know each standard's class CCF Classification Summary (CF-FSP 5316) Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes DCF's classification summaries list every standard with its violation class and the wording licensors use, for example ratio (Class 2) and leaving a child unsupervised in a vehicle (Class 1).

Contesting a violation or sanction

Hearings s. 402.310(2)–(4), F.S.; R. 65C-22.010(3), F.A.C. Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes When DCF proposes a fine, probation, denial, suspension or revocation, it issues an administrative complaint and you can request a hearing under chapter 120, F.S.; follow the deadline in the notice of rights.
Inspection reports themselves aren't appealable s. 402.311(3), F.S. Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes DCF's issuing or publishing an inspection report is not agency action subject to chapter 120, so you can't request a hearing on the report itself; challenges come when a sanction is proposed.
Staff screening disqualifications s. 402.3055(2), F.S. Centers · Family child care · Group child care homes If a licensing agency finds a staff member fails screening, it notifies the program and the person in writing.

Florida daycare self-inspection checklist

Recent changes (2025–2026)

Who needs a license, and what kind

Staff-to-child ratios

Group size and space

Director and staff qualifications

Background screening

Training, first aid and CPR

Supervision, health and safety

Facility, furniture, equipment and hazards

Fire safety, drills and emergency plans

Medication

Immunizations and health exams

Food and nutrition

Safe sleep

Discipline and guidance

Records

Attendance and release of children

Transportation and field trips

Inspections and enforcement

Contesting a violation or sanction

Email me when Florida's rules change