What is the average cost of daycare in Florida?
What is the average cost of daycare in Florida?
$700 – $1,200 average cost per month
$8,400 – $14,400 average cost per year
Average cost of daycare in Florida
Choosing the right daycare center is crucial for your child's wellbeing and safety. However, finding the best daycare center can be challenging, and childcare is one of the biggest expenses families in Florida face.
The average cost of daycare in Florida is $700 to $1,200 per month or $8,400 to $14,400 per year, depending on the specific daycare center, your child's age, and how often they attend. The cost of childcare also varies significantly based on your location, with rates in urban areas typically running above the statewide average.
| Child’s age | Average cost per month | Average cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $800 – $1,200 | $9,600 – $14,400 |
| Toddler / Preschooler | $700 – $1,000 | $8,400 – $12,000 |
Cost of childcare in Florida by schedule
Full-time daycare for 5 days a week costs more than part-time or half-day options. Since pricing structures vary between facilities, be sure to get detailed quotes from each center you consider. For school-age children, after-school care costs $150 to $500 per month.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $650 – $1,200 |
| Part-time | $500 – $800 |
| After-school care | $150 – $500 |
Florida daycare cost factors
Florida daycare costs are slightly lower than the national average cost of childcare. However, costs vary significantly by location, and prices in Florida's urban areas are typically much higher than in rural regions.
In addition to location, several other factors affect the cost:
Daycare quality: Higher quality daycares with better facilities, lower child-to-teacher ratios, and accreditation typically charge premium rates.
Staff experience: Centers with more experienced and educated staff, particularly those with degrees in early childhood education or extensive certifications, usually cost more.
In-home daycare vs. center: In-home daycares charge slightly less than daycare centers but offer fewer services. In addition, the staff may not have the same experience or certifications.
Special events: While occasional celebrations are usually included in the base fee, regular field trips or parents' night out services often incur additional fees.
Late fees: Most centers charge substantial late pickup fees—often $1 to $5 per minute after closing time—to discourage tardiness and compensate staff who must stay overtime.
Supplies: Some centers include all supplies in their fee while others require parents to provide their own or charge additional fees. Food and diapers are the most significant ongoing expenses if not included.
Additional services: Additional services like educational programs, language instruction, or music classes can significantly increase monthly costs. Some premium daycare centers include these in their base rate but charge higher monthly fees overall.
Discounts: Some daycare centers offer a discount if you pay for a full month instead of paying weekly. Many centers offer discounts for families enrolling multiple siblings, military members, or employees. Low-income families may qualify for assistance.
Daycare services
Daycare centers vary in terms of the services and activities they provide, but most centers offer these basic services:
Diaper changes
Meals and snacks
Naps
Outside play
Age-appropriate lessons
Arts and crafts
Potty training
Other childcare options
Other childcare options typically cost more than daycare but may better suit your needs and schedule:
A full-time nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,400 to $2,100 per month.
Daycare assistance in Florida
Florida offers several options for financial assistance to help cover the cost of daycare:
The School Readiness Program (SR) provides financial assistance for low-income families to ensure children have access to quality care and education.
Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free program available for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Community Coordinated Care for Children, also known as the 4C Program, is a non-profit organization that provides Head Start and Early Head Start programs for children. Their Early Head Start CCP program includes free or low-cost childcare at participating centers.
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a free community service that helps families find quality childcare programs.
FAQs about childcare in Florida
Does foster care pay for daycare in Florida?
All foster families in Florida are eligible for daycare assistance from the state if both foster parents work or if the foster parent is single. This assistance may cover 100% of the cost or a portion, depending on the daycare's rates. Foster parents must use a daycare that has an agreement with the State of Florida.
Do daycare centers need to be licensed in Florida?
Daycare centers in Florida must be licensed if they provide care for more than five children. When researching daycare centers near you, check out our Daycare License Lookup guide to confirm the daycare has a license, has no violations, and has passed all inspections.
When are daycares usually open in Florida?
Daycare centers in Florida are typically open on Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. However, business hours vary from one center to the next. Some centers don't open until 7:00 AM, and some stay open until 7:00 PM. To avoid paying fees for late pickups, be sure to confirm the schedule for the daycare center you choose.
Finding the best daycare center near you
When evaluating daycare centers in Florida, follow these steps to ensure you choose the best option for your child:
Visit multiple daycare centers in person. Confirm they're clean and in good condition.
Meet with the staff and teachers to make sure they're kind, friendly, and empathetic.
Confirm the daycare center is licensed and has no violations.
Ask about staff-to-child ratios, drop-off and pick-up schedules, daily routines, services included, and supplies provided.
Get a written contract before your child's first day.
Questions to ask childcare providers
When talking to local daycare directors, ask these questions:
How long has your daycare been operating?
What experience and certifications do the staff members have?
Does your staff have first aid and CPR training?
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Does your fee include any other supplies, such as diapers or wipes?
How much outside playtime do the children get?
How often do your staff send pictures or updates?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.