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Licensed Daycare in Florida

Search 7,683 verified daycare and childcare centers across Florida, sourced directly from Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

7,683
Licensed Centers
$1,110/mo
Avg Infant Care
$790/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Florida Childcare Licensing

In Florida, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:11 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:11
Avg infant cost
$1,110/mo
Avg preschool cost
$790/mo
Financial help

Florida Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Florida families can apply for School Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (866) 357-3239

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Daycare in Florida — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Florida is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://cares.myflfamilies.com/PublicSearch/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Florida?
State minimums in Florida are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:6 toddlers, and 1:11 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Florida?
Full-time infant care averages about $1110/month; preschool runs around $790/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Florida trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Florida?
Yes. The primary state program is School Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions), reachable at (866) 357-3239. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Florida daycare?
File a complaint with the Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 7,683 Licensed Florida Centers

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