FL H1049

Redefines "family child care home" to allow care for children from at least two unrelated households and includes household children, with capacity limits of either 6 children (no more than 3 under 18 months) or 8 children (no more than 5 preschool-aged with specific age restrictions).

Creates new category of "large family child care home" licensed under section 402.3131, Florida Statutes, requiring at least two full-time child care personnel on premises with capacity limits of either 8 children (birth to 24 months) or 12 children (no more than 4 under 24 months).

Establishes prerequisites for large family child care home licensure: operator must have 2 consecutive years of prior experience as licensed family child care home operator in Florida within the past 5 years and hold a child development associate credential or equivalent for at least 1 year.

Maintains existing provisions allowing extended child care up to 72 consecutive hours in any 7-day period for children whose parents work 24-hour shifts, with employer certification required and waiver authority during declared state of emergency.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.