Who is typically the licensing authority and regulator in most counties in Florida regarding child care?

The Department of Children and Families Office of Child Care Regulation serves as the primary licensing authority and regulator for child care facilities in most counties in Florida. This agency is responsible for overseeing the licensing process, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and promoting the health, safety, and quality of care provided in child care settings. They set the standards that child care providers must meet to obtain and maintain their licenses, which includes guidelines related to staff qualifications, facility requirements, and safety protocols.

While other entities, such as local municipal authorities or specific health departments, may have roles in particular aspects of early childhood education or health regulations, the overarching authority in terms of licensing and regulation directly relating to child care facilities ultimately lies with the Department of Children and Families. The Florida Legislature is involved in creating laws but does not act as a direct regulatory body for child care licensing. Thus, the Department of Children and Families Office of Child Care Regulation is recognized as the definitive authority on child care facility licensing in Florida.