Overview

In accordance with section 402.316, Florida Statutes , DCF recognizes and exempts from licensure those religiously-affiliated programs that meet the following statutory requirements:

• The provisions of ss. 402.301-402.319 , except for the requirements regarding screening of child care personnel, shall not apply to a child care facility which is an integral part of church or parochial schools conducting regularly scheduled classes, courses of study, or educational programs accredited by, or by a member of, an organization which publishes and requires compliance with its standards for health, safety, and sanitation. However, such facilities shall meet minimum requirements of the applicable local governing body as to health, sanitation, and safety and shall meet the screening requirements pursuant to ss. 402.305 and 402.3055 . Failure by a facility to comply with such screening requirements shall result in the loss of the facility's exemption from licensure.
• Any county or city with state or local child care licensing programs in existence on July 1, 1974, will continue to license the child care facilities as covered by such programs, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), until and unless the licensing agency makes a determination to exempt them.
• Any child care facility covered by the exemption provisions of subsection (1), but desiring to be included in this act, is authorized to do so by submitting notification to the Florida Department of Children and Families. Once licensed, such facility cannot withdraw from the act and continue to operate.

Religious Exemption through DCF does not apply to the following counties that are regulated by a Local Licensing Authority:

• Broward
• Palm Beach
• Pinellas
• Sarasota

For more information on requirements for faith-based providers in these counties, please contact the Local Licensing Authority .

Notification of Religious Exempt Operation

A Religious Exempt provider is required to provide information annually as part of the notification process, to include:

1. Notification of Religious Exempt Operation.
2. Copy of current accreditation or membership certificate from a recognized agency that has published health and safety standards
3. Proof of the program’s affiliation with a church or parochial school
4. Attestation of Compliance with Background Screening Requirements

Download and print the documents below. Be sure to include other required documents when mailing to DCF.

• Attestation of Compliance
• Notification of Religious Exempt Operation

Please contact the Child Care Program Office at (850) 488-4900 or email Child Care Licensing for further information on religious exemption.