If you run a licensed childcare facility in Florida, DCF inspections are part of life. The good news is that inspections are largely predictable — inspectors follow the Florida Child Care Facility Handbook, and the same items come up time and time again. This room by room checklist will help you walk through your facility the way an inspector would.
Every Room Every room in your facility should have a Licensed Capacity Sign posted visibly, showing the maximum number of children permitted in that space. An Emergency Evacuation Route Diagram must also be posted in each room, showing the nearest exit and the assembly point outside.
Entryway and Common Areas Your entryway or a parent-accessible common area should have your Daily Activity Schedule posted where parents can see it. If your facility serves food, your Weekly Meal and Snack Menu must also be posted here. Your No Smoking notice should be visible at or near the entrance.
Diaper Changing Areas Every diaper changing area must have a Diaper Changing Procedure Poster posted directly at the changing station. A Hand Hygiene Instructions sign must also be posted nearby.
Food Preparation Areas Any area where food is prepared or handled must have a Handwashing Technique Poster posted at the sink. Hand Hygiene Instructions are also required here.
Restrooms Hand Hygiene Instructions must be posted in all restrooms used by children or staff.
Staff Area or Break Room This is where your employer posting requirements come in. Florida law requires the following to be posted where employees can see them: Florida Minimum Wage poster, Workers' Compensation notice, Reemployment Assistance notice, Child Labor Law poster, and Domestic Violence Leave notice. Federal law requires: FLSA, OSHA, EEO Know Your Rights, Employee Polygraph Protection Act, and USERRA. Our All-in-One Florida and Federal Labor Law Notices Poster covers all of these in one single poster, available in English and Spanish.
Your Files and Records Beyond posted signs, DCF inspectors will also review your documentation. Make sure you have current staff background screening records, child enrollment forms, emergency medical consent forms, immunization records, health records for each child, and your written policy documents including your discipline policy, emergency preparedness plan, and sanitizing schedule. Our Signature Binder Kit includes all required posted signs, logbooks, and policy documents organized and ready for inspection.
One Final Note If your facility is in Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, or Sarasota County, your county self-administers childcare licensing and may have additional requirements beyond the standard DCF baseline. Check with your local licensing office to confirm.