Licensed Daycare in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
72 licensed daycares in Fort Lauderdale, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Florida licensing records.
Fort Lauderdale listings updated May 2026 from official Florida records.
Daycare in Fort Lauderdale: what parents should know
Families in Fort Lauderdale can choose from 72 licensed childcare providers, with Licensed Group Child Care Home the most common type (about 17% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Florida license at indexing time, sourced from Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing.
For age coverage, 12 centers in Fort Lauderdale report infant care (roughly 17% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 4 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 8 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Fort Lauderdale spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 17% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Fort Lauderdale providers are approved for approximately 5,069 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Fort Lauderdale childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Fort Lauderdale
ChildCare Aware reports the Florida average full-time cost at $1,110/month for infant care and $790/month for preschool. City-level prices in Fort Lauderdale vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Florida families may also qualify for School Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions) (intake: (866) 357-3239).
Full Florida licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:11
- Avg capacity
- 70 kids
Largest licensed centers in Fort Lauderdale
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Fort Lauderdale licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.
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Are subsidies available for daycare in Fort Lauderdale?
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Where to get childcare help in Fort Lauderdale
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programSchool Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(866) 357-3239 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Fort Lauderdale
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Fort Lauderdale, Florida are compiled from official Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 72 Licensed Centers in Fort Lauderdale
Free, no signup, verified directly with Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing.