The bill amends Florida Statutes concerning child care and early learning providers, focusing on licensing standards and exemptions for certain facilities. It introduces an exemption for public and private preschools from specific municipal special assessments and defines "preschool" as any child care facility licensed under section 402.305. The bill revises licensing standards, including sanitation and safety requirements, and mandates that the Department of Children and Families conduct screenings of child care personnel within three business days, allowing for provisional approval under certain conditions. Additionally, it expands the types of providers considered in developing plans to eliminate unnecessary inspections and requires the department to adopt rules for an abbreviated inspection plan for qualifying child care facilities.

The bill also makes several deletions, including provisions related to educating parents and children on specific topics and specialized child care facilities for mildly ill children. It allows counties with licensing standards that meet or exceed state minimums to designate a local licensing agency or contract with the Department of Children and Families for administration, with an annual affirmation required from the county commission. The bill further expands the definition of child care to include large family child care homes and clarifies insurance coverage conditions. Lastly, it updates training requirements for prekindergarten instructors to align with emergent literacy standards, ensuring effective teaching strategies for young children. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 47 Filed: 170.201, 402.306, 402.3115, 402.316, 627.70161, 1002.59