FL H1273

Defines "boarding school" as one accredited by specified organizations (Florida Council of Independent Schools, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Council on Accreditation, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, or Coalition for Residential Education) and registered with the Department of Education, with requirements that programs follow school schedules and students return home during breaks.

Allows child care programs and boarding schools affiliated with religious congregations or religious schools to obtain exemption from state regulation if accredited by a department-recognized accrediting agency for religious exemption.

Requires religious-exempt child care programs to display a certificate of compliance from their accrediting agency and must meet screening requirements in sections 402.305 and 402.3055 regardless of exemption status.

Establishes requirements for recognized accrediting agencies including conducting initial onsite reviews, adopting standards that meet or exceed department minimums, requiring 40-clock-hour introductory child care courses by October 1, 2013, and meeting staff credential requirements by July 1, 2016.

Prohibits recognized accrediting agencies from owning, operating, or administering child care programs and requires them to submit annual reports listing member programs and notify the department within 30 days of new affiliations or terminations.