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FL Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios
Florida childcare centers are licensed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Florida's ratios are set by Florida Statutes Chapter 402 and FAC Rule 65C-22.
Updated February 2026·8 min read
Florida Ratio Requirements
Florida DCF sets minimum staff-to-child ratios under FAC Rule 65C-22. Florida's ratios are based on specific age brackets and apply to all licensed child care facilities.
| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| 1 year olds | 1:6 | 12 |
| 2 year olds | 1:11 | 22 |
| 3 year olds | 1:15 | 30 |
| 4 year olds | 1:20 | 40 |
| 5+ years (School-Age) | 1:25 | 50 |
Source: Florida DCF, FAC Rule 65C-22
Key FL Compliance Points
- Florida has higher ratios (fewer staff per child) than many states for ages 2+
- Directors must complete 40-hour training and pass competency exam
- Staff members must complete 45-hour introductory training within 90 days
- Gold Seal Quality Care providers may have different requirements
Important Note
Florida requires Level 2 background screening through FDLE and FBI for all childcare personnel. This includes fingerprinting and checks against state and national databases.
FL Licensing Resources
For official Florida childcare licensing information:
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