The Florida Child Care Facility License application, officially CF-FSP Form 5017, is the document every owner must submit to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) before legally operating a child care center that serves children from more than one unrelated family. The form is required by Chapter 402, Florida Statutes and governed by Rule 65C-22, Florida Administrative Code, and it must be filed at least 60 days before you open your doors or before your current license expires.
Mistakes on this form delay openings, void zoning approvals, and trigger denials that can cost owners thousands of dollars in lost tuition. According to the DCF Child Care Services Annual Report, Florida licenses more than 6,400 child care facilities serving over 460,000 children, and roughly 1 in 5 first-time applications is returned for missing documents or incorrect entries.
In this guide, you will learn:
- 📋 Exactly what to write in every box on CF-FSP Form 5017
- 🏢 How licensing works in the five locally-licensed Florida counties
- 👶 Three full filled-out examples for new owners, LLCs, and faith-based providers
- 💵 Current fees, deadlines, and the penalty for filing late
- ⚠️ The 10 most common mistakes that get applications denied
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
CF-FSP Form 5017 is the “Application for a License to Operate a Child Care Facility.” It tells DCF who owns the center, where it sits, how many children it will serve, who will direct it, and which inspections and screenings have cleared. The current revision date is printed in the lower-left footer of the form, and you should always pull a fresh copy from the DCF site rather than reusing an old PDF, because outdated revisions are rejected at intake.
You must file this form if you plan to care for two or more children unrelated to the operator, for compensation, for more than four hours a day. Under Section 402.302, Florida Statutes, this captures most centers, preschools, and after-school programs. Family child care homes (in-home care for a small number of children) use a different form, CF-FSP Form 5188, and large family child care homes use Form 5189.
Five Florida counties, called “locally-licensed counties,” issue their own licenses through their county boards rather than DCF. Those counties are Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Sarasota. If your facility sits in one of those counties, you submit a county-specific application that mirrors Form 5017 but uses local field numbers and local fee schedules. The rest of the state files directly with DCF through the Child Care Provider Information Portal.
The agency that receives the form is DCF’s Office of Child Care Regulation. The statute that requires the form is Chapter 402, Part VI. The deadline that governs it is the 60-day pre-opening rule under Rule 65C-22.001. The penalty that follows non-compliance is a Class I violation, which can carry fines up to $500 per day and immediate closure.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gathering everything before you open the form saves weeks of back-and-forth. The application asks for inspection clearances, identification numbers, and proof documents that take time to obtain from third parties, and a missing attachment puts your file in “pending” status, which freezes the 60-day clock.
Here is the pre-filing checklist for CF-FSP Form 5017:
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the IRS EIN portal, because DCF cross-checks the number with state corporate filings, and a mismatch will hold processing.
- Florida Department of State business registration through Sunbiz, needed to prove the legal owner exists; missing registration triggers automatic denial.
- Satisfactory fire safety inspection from your local fire marshal under NFPA 101, because DCF will not issue a license without it.
- Satisfactory sanitation/environmental health inspection from your county Florida Department of Health office; the inspection covers water, kitchen, and diaper changing areas.
- Local zoning approval letter from the city or county planning office, because operating in a non-compliant zone voids the license retroactively.
- Proof of general liability insurance of at least $100,000/$300,000, or a notarized parental notice waiver under Section 402.305(9), F.S.
- Director Credential certificate issued by DCF or a DCF-approved credentialing organization, required by Rule 65C-22.003.
- Level 2 Background Screening clearance for every owner, director, and staff member through the Background Screening Clearinghouse, because unscreened persons on premises is a Class I violation.
- Floor plan with square footage showing 35 sq ft of usable indoor space per child and 45 sq ft of outdoor play space per child.
- Articles of incorporation or LLC organizational documents if you are a corporation, partnership, or LLC.
- Immunization and health policy describing how you will track each child’s DH Form 680 and DH Form 3040.
If any of these is missing, write yourself a date-by-date checklist and gather them before opening the portal, because the system saves drafts for only 30 days.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
Pull the official PDF from the DCF child care application forms page. The page lists every revision of every form, and you should always download the version dated within the current calendar year. Older copies floating around the internet may use retired field numbers that the portal will not accept.
To file electronically, create an account on the Child Care Provider Information Portal, Florida’s online intake system. The portal walks you through the same fields as the paper form, attaches your supporting documents, and produces a confirmation receipt with a tracking number. New owners must verify their email and complete identity proofing through ID.me before submitting.
Paper filers can mail the completed form, fee, and attachments to the DCF Regional Licensing Office that covers their county. The list of regional offices is published on the DCF Child Care Regional Office Directory. In-person filing is also accepted at any regional office during normal business hours, and the counter clerk will time-stamp your receipt.
If you operate in Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, or Sarasota, do not use Form 5017. Use the county-specific application from the local authority, and pay the local fee schedule, because DCF will return a state form filed for those addresses.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out CF-FSP Form 5017 Line by Line
The form is divided into eight sections. Work top to bottom, and never skip a box, because every blank field is treated as missing data.
Section 1, Box 1: Type of Application
This box asks whether you are applying for a new license, a renewal, or a change of ownership. Check exactly one box; checking two voids the entry.
To answer, mark the box that fits your situation. New centers check New. Existing licensees within 45 days of expiration check Renewal. A buyer of an existing center checks Change of Ownership, even if the address and staff stay the same.
For example, Maria Lopez, opening her first center in Orlando, checks New.
The most common edge case is a buyer who keeps the seller’s name on the door; the buyer must still check Change of Ownership, because the license belongs to the legal owner, not the building.
A frequent mistake here is checking Renewal when ownership changed mid-cycle, which the licensing specialist will flag, and the file will be sent back unprocessed.
A misconception filers carry is that a “change of ownership” only applies to outright sales. In fact, it also covers adding or removing a partner, transferring shares above 50%, or moving from sole proprietor to LLC.
Section 1, Box 2: Facility Name
This box asks for the doing-business-as (DBA) name the public will see on the sign. The name must match the fictitious name registered with Sunbiz.
Write the DBA in title case, no quotation marks, and no abbreviations like “Ctr.” for “Center.” If your legal entity name and DBA are identical, write the same name in both boxes.
For example, Sunny Days Learning Center, LLC doing business as Sunny Days Learning Center writes Sunny Days Learning Center in Box 2.
The edge case is a religious-exempt center transitioning to licensed; you may keep the same name, but you must register the DBA with Sunbiz before submitting.
A common mistake is using a name that conflicts with another licensed Florida center, which DCF will reject, because duplicate names confuse parents using the Child Care Search tool.
A misconception is that the DBA does not need to be registered. Florida’s fictitious name law requires registration before any public use.
Section 1, Box 3: Physical Address
This box asks for the street address of the building, including suite number, city, county, and ZIP+4. P.O. Boxes are not allowed.
Write the address exactly as it appears on the zoning approval letter and the fire inspection. Use the U.S. Postal Service’s ZIP code lookup to confirm the ZIP+4.
For example, Maria Lopez writes 1420 Pine Street, Suite B, Orlando, Orange County, FL 32801-3344.
The edge case is a multi-building campus; list the primary licensed building and attach a site plan that labels every accessory structure.
A frequent mistake is using the mailing address when the physical address differs, which voids the fire inspection match and triggers a re-inspection.
A misconception is that “Suite B” can be left off if there is only one tenant. DCF requires the suite number to match the certificate of occupancy.
Section 1, Box 4: Mailing Address
This box asks where DCF should send paper correspondence. A P.O. Box is allowed here.
Write the mailing address in standard USPS format. If it matches Box 3, write Same as physical address.
For example, First Baptist Tallahassee Preschool writes P.O. Box 4180, Tallahassee, FL 32315-4180.
The edge case is using a registered agent’s address; that is allowed, but the registered agent must consent to receive licensing notices.
A common mistake is leaving this blank, which causes renewal reminders and inspection notices to bounce, and missed notices lead to lapsed licenses.
A misconception is that email replaces mail; DCF still mails original certificates and disciplinary letters.
Section 1, Box 5: Telephone, Fax, and Email
This box asks for the primary phone, optional fax, and a monitored email address.
Enter the phone in the format (407) 555-0123. Use a business email, not a personal Gmail, because DCF flags personal-domain emails for re-verification.
For example, Carlos Rivera enters (904) 555-0199 and director@bridgeacademyjax.com.
The edge case is shared phone systems for multiple centers; you must list a unique line for each licensed location.
A frequent mistake is putting an unmonitored info@ inbox, which causes inspection scheduling notices to be missed, and missed inspections delay the license by 30 to 60 days.
A misconception is that the email is only used for marketing. It is the legal channel for renewal, citation, and inspection notices.
Section 2, Box 6: Owner / Operator Legal Name
This box asks for the legal owner, which may be an individual, a partnership, an LLC, a corporation, or a not-for-profit.
Write the name exactly as registered with Sunbiz. Include the suffix (LLC, Inc., Corp.) and any commas the registration uses.
For example, Bridge Academy Jacksonville, LLC writes the full name with the comma before LLC.
The edge case is sole proprietors who have not formed an entity; you write your full personal legal name and check “Sole Proprietor” in Box 7.
A common mistake is using a trade name in Box 6, which mismatches FEIN records, and the IRS-DCF cross-check will hold the file.
A misconception is that adding “and family” to a name is acceptable. Only the registered legal name is allowed.
Section 2, Box 7: Type of Ownership
This box asks you to check Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC, Corporation (For-Profit), Corporation (Not-for-Profit), Government, or Religious-Exempt Transitioning.
Check one box. If you select Corporation or LLC, attach the Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation.
For example, Sunny Days Learning Center, LLC checks LLC.
The edge case is a 501(c)(3) ministry that operates a licensed center separate from the church; that entity checks Corporation (Not-for-Profit) and attaches the IRS determination letter.
A common mistake is checking the wrong box for a single-member LLC, which the IRS treats as a disregarded entity, but Florida treats as an LLC for licensing.
A misconception is that religious exemption persists after a license is issued. Once licensed, you are subject to all 65C-22 requirements regardless of religious affiliation.
Section 2, Box 8: FEIN and Sunbiz Document Number
This box asks for the 9-digit Federal Employer Identification Number and the Sunbiz document number (six digits for older entities, twelve for newer LLCs).
Write the FEIN with a dash after the first two digits, like 59-1234567. Write the Sunbiz number with no spaces.
For example, Bridge Academy Jacksonville, LLC enters 85-2345678 and L21000098765.
The edge case is a brand-new entity awaiting its FEIN; you may write Applied For and update DCF within 30 days, but the file stays in pending until the FEIN posts.
A common mistake is transposing digits, which fails the IRS cross-match, and the application is held.
A misconception is that an SSN can substitute for an FEIN. It cannot, except for sole proprietors with no employees.
Section 3, Box 9: Director Information
This box asks for the director’s full legal name, date of birth, Director Credential number, and credential expiration date.
Write the name as it appears on the credential certificate. Use MM/DD/YYYY for both dates. Pull the credential number from your Director Credential record.
For example, Aisha Thompson, born 07/22/1988, with credential DC-456789, expiring 09/30/2027, enters all four pieces in Box 9.
The edge case is a director who is mid-renewal; submit proof that the renewal application was filed before the expiration, and DCF will accept the pending status for up to 90 days.
A common mistake is listing a “lead teacher” instead of the credentialed director, which voids the application, because every facility must name a credentialed director per Rule 65C-22.003(2).
A misconception is that a CDA alone qualifies as a director credential. The CDA is one path to entry-level staff, but the Florida Director Credential specifically is required at the director level.
Section 3, Box 10: Background Screening Clearinghouse Number
This box asks for the Clearinghouse ID assigned to the director and to each owner with on-site presence.
Pull the Clearinghouse number from the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. The number is 8 to 10 digits, all numeric.
For example, Aisha Thompson enters 87654321.
The edge case is an owner who never sets foot on premises; that owner is exempt from screening, but you must check the “Off-Site Owner” box and attach a notarized statement.
A common mistake is entering an old AHCA screening number from a prior healthcare job; only the child care Clearinghouse number is accepted.
A misconception is that a five-year-old screening still counts. Screenings must be re-fingerprinted every five years, and the Clearinghouse must show “Eligible” status as of the application date.
Section 4, Box 11: Hours and Days of Operation
This box asks for the days of the week, opening time, and closing time.
Use 24-hour format only if the form provides AM/PM checkboxes that have been removed; otherwise, use 12-hour format with AM/PM.
For example, Sunny Days Learning Center enters Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
The edge case is overnight care; you must check the “Overnight” supplemental box and attach a sleeping arrangement plan that meets Rule 65C-22.002(7).
A common mistake is writing “varies,” which DCF rejects, because the licensed hours are publicly posted on the parent search portal.
A misconception is that you can quietly extend hours after licensing. Any change to operating hours requires a written notification to DCF within 10 days.
Section 4, Box 12: Licensed Capacity Requested
This box asks for the maximum number of children by age group: under 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5+, and school-age.
Calculate capacity using 35 square feet of usable indoor floor space per child and the staff-to-child ratios in Section 402.305(4), F.S.. Enter the lower of the two limits.
For example, Bridge Academy Jacksonville enters Infant: 8, One-Year-Old: 12, Two: 14, Three: 18, Four: 20, Five+: 0, totaling 72.
The edge case is mixed-age classrooms; you must apply the ratio of the youngest child in the room across the whole group.
A common mistake is using carpet square footage instead of usable floor area, which inflates capacity, and a post-licensing inspection will reduce the cap and refund-trigger parents.
A misconception is that bathrooms and hallways count toward the 35 sq ft. They do not; only classroom and activity space count.
Section 5, Box 13: Fire and Sanitation Inspection Dates
This box asks for the inspection date and inspector name for both the fire safety and sanitation inspections.
Write the date in MM/DD/YYYY format and the inspector’s full name. Both inspections must be dated within the last 12 months for new licenses.
For example, Sunny Days enters Fire: 04/12/2026, Inspector John Akers; Sanitation: 04/18/2026, Inspector Lila Vu.
The edge case is a building previously licensed for child care; if the prior fire inspection is current, you may attach it instead of re-inspecting.
A common mistake is attaching a homeowner’s fire inspection or a commercial occupancy inspection that is not the child care inspection, which is more stringent under Florida Fire Prevention Code.
A misconception is that the local fire marshal can waive child care provisions. They cannot; the code is set at the state level.
Section 6, Box 14: Liability Insurance Information
This box asks for the insurance carrier name, policy number, coverage amounts, and effective dates.
Write the carrier as it appears on the certificate of insurance, the policy number with no spaces, and the coverage in the format $100,000 per occurrence / $300,000 aggregate.
For example, Carlos Rivera enters Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co., Policy CCF-998877, $300,000/$1,000,000, effective 05/01/2026 to 04/30/2027.
The edge case is choosing the parental notice waiver under Section 402.305(9), F.S.; attach the notarized statement and the parent notification template.
A common mistake is listing a homeowners’ rider, which is excluded under Florida law for commercial child care, and the application will be returned.
A misconception is that workers’ comp counts. It does not; the form requires general liability specifically.
Section 7, Box 15: License Fee
This box asks for the annual license fee, calculated at up to $1.00 per licensed slot, with statutory minimums of $25 and a maximum of $100, plus any local surcharge.
Multiply the total of Box 12 by the per-slot fee in your county, then add any surcharge. Pay by check, money order, or portal credit card.
For example, Bridge Academy multiplies 72 × $1.00 = $72.00, then writes $72.00.
The edge case is a not-for-profit; the fee is the same, but you may apply for a waiver under Section 402.315, F.S.
A common mistake is paying the wrong fee for the county, which delays processing while DCF refunds and re-bills.
A misconception is that the fee is refundable on denial. It is not; the fee is for processing, not for issuance.
Section 8, Box 16: Owner Signature, Date, and Affirmation
This box requires the owner’s original signature, printed name, title, and date, under penalty of perjury per Section 837.06, Florida Statutes.
Sign in blue or black ink. Print the name exactly as in Box 6. Date the form on the day you sign, not the day you mail it.
For example, Maria Lopez signs, prints Maria Lopez, Owner, dates 05/15/2026.
The edge case is a multi-member LLC; only a member with signing authority listed in the operating agreement may sign, and you should attach the resolution.
A common mistake is signing in pencil or initialing instead of signing, which voids the affirmation.
A misconception is that an electronic signature is always acceptable. Through the portal it is, but on paper filings DCF requires a wet signature.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three full walkthroughs showing what each filer enters in the most important fields.
Example 1: Maria Lopez, New Sole-Proprietor Center in Orlando
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Type of Application | New |
| Box 2 — Facility Name | Sunny Days Learning Center |
| Box 3 — Physical Address | 1420 Pine Street, Suite B, Orlando, Orange County, FL 32801-3344 |
| Box 6 — Owner Legal Name | Maria Lopez |
| Box 7 — Type of Ownership | Sole Proprietor |
| Box 9 — Director | Maria Lopez, DOB 03/14/1985, Credential DC-112233, Exp 12/31/2027 |
| Box 12 — Capacity | 1Y: 6, 2Y: 8, 3Y: 9, 4Y: 7 (Total 30) |
| Box 14 — Insurance | State Farm, Policy SFCC-554433, $100,000/$300,000 |
| Box 15 — Fee | $30.00 |
| Box 16 — Signature | Maria Lopez, Owner, 05/15/2026 |
Example 2: Carlos Rivera, LLC Opening a 75-Child Center in Jacksonville
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Type of Application | New |
| Box 2 — Facility Name | Bridge Academy Jacksonville |
| Box 3 — Physical Address | 8800 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, Duval County, FL 32256-7700 |
| Box 6 — Owner Legal Name | Bridge Academy Jacksonville, LLC |
| Box 7 — Type of Ownership | LLC |
| Box 8 — FEIN / Sunbiz | 85-2345678 / L21000098765 |
| Box 9 — Director | Aisha Thompson, DOB 07/22/1988, Credential DC-456789, Exp 09/30/2027 |
| Box 12 — Capacity | Infant: 8, 1Y: 12, 2Y: 14, 3Y: 18, 4Y: 20 (Total 72) |
| Box 14 — Insurance | Philadelphia Indemnity, $300,000/$1,000,000 |
| Box 16 — Signature | Carlos Rivera, Managing Member, 05/20/2026 |
Example 3: Pastor Janet Lee, Religious-Exempt Center Transitioning to Licensed in Tallahassee
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1 — Type of Application | New (with religious-exempt transition box) |
| Box 2 — Facility Name | First Baptist Tallahassee Preschool |
| Box 3 — Physical Address | 108 W College Ave, Tallahassee, Leon County, FL 32301-1010 |
| Box 6 — Owner Legal Name | First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, Inc. |
| Box 7 — Type of Ownership | Corporation (Not-for-Profit) |
| Box 8 — FEIN / Sunbiz | 59-0876543 / N03000012345 |
| Box 9 — Director | Janet Lee, DOB 11/02/1972, Credential DC-778899, Exp 06/30/2028 |
| Box 12 — Capacity | 2Y: 10, 3Y: 15, 4Y: 20 (Total 45) |
| Box 14 — Insurance | Brotherhood Mutual, $500,000/$1,000,000 |
| Box 16 — Signature | Janet Lee, Pastor / Authorized Officer, 05/22/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
You can file CF-FSP Form 5017 online, by mail, or in person, and the channel you choose affects how fast the file reaches a licensing specialist.
Online filing is done through the Child Care Provider Information Portal. Upload all attachments as PDFs under 10 MB each. Pay the fee with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or ACH. Processing time runs 30 to 45 days after a complete submission. Save the portal confirmation page as your proof-of-filing.
Mail filing sends the original signed form, attachments, and a check or money order payable to “DCF Office of Child Care Regulation” to the regional office for your county. The list of regional addresses is on the DCF Regional Licensing Offices page. Send by USPS Certified Mail or FedEx with tracking; the green return receipt or FedEx delivery scan is your proof-of-filing. Mail processing runs 45 to 60 days.
In-person filing lets you walk the package into any DCF regional office during business hours. The clerk time-stamps a copy and gives it back. Cash is not accepted; bring a check or money order. In-person filings are routed the same day to a specialist, which often shaves a week off the timeline.
For the five locally-licensed counties, follow the local instructions: Broward accepts uploads through its child care licensing portal, Hillsborough and Pinellas require in-person submission, and Palm Beach and Sarasota accept mail or in-person.
What Happens After You File
Once DCF receives a complete file, the application moves through three stages. First, intake review checks for completeness within 10 business days; if anything is missing, you receive a written deficiency notice with 30 days to cure. Second, the licensing specialist schedules a pre-licensing on-site inspection, which covers safety, ratios, posted notices, and emergency plans. Third, if the inspection passes, the regional administrator issues a provisional or annual license.
A provisional license is issued for up to six months when minor deficiencies remain, and it converts to an annual license once corrected. An annual license is valid for one year and renews on the anniversary date. Both licenses must be posted in a conspicuous place under Rule 65C-22.001(8).
If the application is denied, you have 21 days to request an administrative hearing under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. The hearing is held before the Division of Administrative Hearings, and you may represent yourself or hire counsel. During an open denial, you may not operate.
After licensing, expect at least three random inspections per year under Rule 65C-22.001(7), plus complaint-driven inspections.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
The errors below appear in the DCF Quality Assurance reports year after year:
- Submitting an outdated form revision causes automatic rejection at intake.
- Mismatched legal names between Box 6 and Sunbiz triggers a hold and a 30-day deficiency clock.
- Listing a P.O. Box in Box 3 voids the fire and zoning match and forces re-filing.
- Forgetting the Director Credential expiration date delays approval until proof is provided.
- Using an old Clearinghouse number from another industry fails the eligibility check.
- Inflating capacity using non-usable square footage leads to a forced cap reduction post-license.
- Attaching the wrong fire inspection type triggers a re-inspection and a 30 to 60 day delay.
- Pencil signatures or photocopied wet signatures void the affirmation under perjury statutes.
- Paying the wrong fee amount stalls processing while DCF refunds and re-bills.
- Skipping the parental liability waiver when no insurance is purchased opens the owner to personal liability.
- Filing fewer than 60 days before opening forces a delayed opening and lost tuition.
- Forgetting to register the DBA with Sunbiz before filing creates a fictitious-name violation.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Do download the form fresh each time, because revision dates change without notice.
- Do confirm Sunbiz and FEIN names match before signing, because cross-checks are automatic.
- Do photograph every page of the signed packet, because mailed originals can be lost.
- Do schedule fire and sanitation inspections at least 90 days before the target opening, because inspectors book out fast.
- Do keep your Director Credential current, because a lapsed credential closes the center.
- Do save a PDF of the portal confirmation, because it is your only proof-of-filing online.
Don’ts:
- Don’t list a “lead teacher” as the director, because only a credentialed director satisfies Rule 65C-22.003.
- Don’t write “varies” in Box 11, because DCF rejects variable hours.
- Don’t sign in pencil, because pencil voids the perjury affirmation.
- Don’t combine multiple buildings on one application, because each licensed location needs its own form.
- Don’t pay in cash, because DCF and most county offices do not accept it.
- Don’t skip the zoning letter, because operating in a non-compliant zone voids the license retroactively.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of filing on your own:
- You save $500 to $2,500 in consultant fees.
- You learn the rule structure, which helps with renewals.
- You control the pace and can correct deficiencies fast.
- You build a direct relationship with your licensing specialist.
- You retain every original document in your own file.
Cons of filing on your own:
- A first-time error rate near 20% means you risk a 30-day deficiency cycle.
- You may underestimate capacity and lose revenue.
- You may miss the 60-day pre-opening window and delay openings.
- You handle every inspection scheduling call yourself.
- You must read Rule 65C-22 cover-to-cover, which runs over 80 pages.
FAQs
Do I need a license to operate a small in-home child care in Florida?
Yes. Family child care homes serving more than one unrelated family must register or license through DCF using Form 5188, depending on county rules.
Can I open before the license is issued?
No. Opening before the license is issued is unlicensed operation and carries fines up to $500 per day plus immediate closure orders.
Do religious-exempt centers need to file Form 5017?
No. Religious-exempt centers file an annual notification, not Form 5017, unless they choose to become licensed for credibility or funding access.
Is the license fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The fee covers processing, not issuance, and Florida does not refund denied applications.
Can I write “Same as physical” in Box 4 (mailing address)?
Yes. If your mailing and physical addresses match, writing “Same as physical address” is fully accepted.
Do I have to enter every age group in Box 12 even if I won’t serve infants?
Yes. Enter “0” in any age group you do not plan to serve, because blank fields are treated as missing data.
Can a CDA-credentialed teacher be listed as the director?
No. Florida requires the Director Credential specifically; a CDA alone is not sufficient under Rule 65C-22.003(2).
Is workers’ compensation insurance acceptable in Box 14?
No. Box 14 requires general liability insurance, not workers’ compensation, which is a separate statutory requirement.
Can I use my Social Security Number instead of an FEIN?
No. Only sole proprietors with no employees may use an SSN, and even then DCF prefers an FEIN.
Do I need to renew my Director Credential during the license term?
Yes. Director Credentials expire every five years, and an expired credential triggers an immediate compliance action.
Can I submit the application by email?
No. DCF does not accept email submissions; use the online portal, mail, or in-person filing only.
Are inspections announced ahead of time?
No. Pre-licensing inspections are scheduled, but post-licensing routine inspections are unannounced under Rule 65C-22.001(7).
Can I list multiple owners in Box 6?
Yes. Multiple owners are listed if the entity is a partnership, but each owner with on-site presence needs a separate Clearinghouse number in Box 10.
What happens if I move buildings after licensing?
No. A new physical address requires a new application, because the license is tied to the building, not the operator.
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