The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning child care and early learning providers, with a primary focus on licensing standards and exemptions for certain facilities. It exempts 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 minimum sanitation and safety requirements, and establishes new training mandates for child care personnel. It requires the Department of Children and Families to conduct personnel screenings within three business days and allows for provisional approvals under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill streamlines regulations by expanding the types of providers considered in plans to eliminate duplicative inspections and allows certain exempt facilities to apply for licensure.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a requirement for county commissions to annually affirm the designation of local licensing agencies by majority vote and mandates the development of a plan to eliminate duplicative inspections. It specifies an abbreviated inspection process for facilities meeting certain criteria, such as having no Class 1 deficiencies for two consecutive years. The bill clarifies exemptions for child care facilities with Department of Defense or Coast Guard certifications, provided they meet specific background screening standards. It also updates training course requirements for prekindergarten instructors in emergent literacy to align with evidence-based strategies and resources for students with disabilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 738 Filed: 170.201, 402.306, 402.3115, 402.316, 627.70161, 1002.59
S 738 c1: 170.201, 402.306, 402.3115, 402.316, 1002.59
S 738 er: 170.201, 402.306, 402.3115, 402.316, 1002.59