The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Florida Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Florida. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
Child Care license obtained from:
Florida Department of Children and Families, Office of Child Care Regulation
1317 Winewood Blvd., Building 6, Room 389-A, Tallahassee, FL 32399
https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/child-care/docs/handbook/Facility%20Handbook.pdf
(888) 352-2842
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
0-12 Mos. |
12-18 Mos. |
18-24 Mos. |
2 Years |
3 Years |
4 Years |
5 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:6 |
1:6 |
1:11 |
1:15 |
1:20 |
1:25 |
1:25 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
12 |
22 |
30 |
40 |
50 |
50 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
420 sf. |
420 sf. |
770 sf. |
1050 sf. |
1400 sf. |
1750 sf. |
1750 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 45 sf per child
- Designated Urban locations can substitute indoor play space for outdoor play space, if outdoor play space is not available in the area.
- Outdoor play area calculations are not required to include children under 1 year of age.
- Accessible play equipment is required to have an ADA path to all entry and exit points.
- A Splash Pad is required to have an ADA path to all entry and exit points.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
65 |
An inside temperature of 65ºF to 82ºF degrees must be maintained at all times. |
20 |
Indoor playground structures shall have a minimum separation distance of 20ft. from other structures. |
30 |
The distance, in feet, between required smoke detectors within corridors. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
Every child care facility must include their license number in any advertisement about their services. |  |
When more than 12 children in first grade and above are present; a separate group, space, and program shall be provided for them. |  |
when infants are cared for with older children, they cannot be grouped with children older than 30 months of age. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019