Florida

Staff-child ratios

Requirements

Annual training

All child care personnel must complete the 40-clock-hour introductory child care training, then 1 CEU (10 clock hours) of approved in-service training each fiscal year (July 1–June 30); pediatric CPR and first aid are among the approved in-service topics, and facilities must meet the Handbook's first aid/CPR staffing requirements.

Lead teacher

Florida sets no degree requirement for a classroom lead; all child care personnel must complete the 40-hour introductory training, and for every 20 children the facility must employ at least one person holding a DCF Staff Credential (e.g., an active CDA/National Early Childhood Credential, FCCPC, or formal ECE education) who works at least 20 hours per week.

Director

Every facility must have a director with an active Florida Director Credential (educational and experience requirements per CF-FSP Form 5290), on site the majority of operating hours; the credential is valid for five years.

Worth knowing

Full statutory ratio table: under 1 year 1:4; 1 to under 2 years 1:6; 2 to under 3 years 1:11; 3 to under 4 years 1:15; 4 to under 5 years 1:20; 5+ years 1:25. Florida licensing sets no maximum group sizes. Credential/in-service details above were read from the October 2021 Child Care Facility Handbook; 65C-22.001 was amended effective 9/1/2026, so confirm details against the newest incorporated Handbook edition.