State-Sourced

Licensed Daycare in Palm Bay, Florida

28 licensed daycares in Palm Bay, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Florida licensing records.

28
Licensed Centers
4
Infant Care
$1,110/mo
Florida avg infant
1:4
State infant ratio

Palm Bay listings updated May 2026 from official Florida records.

Daycare in Palm Bay: what parents should know

Palm Bay has 28 licensed childcare providers in our directory. 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, 4 centers in Palm Bay report infant care (roughly 14% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 3 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 3 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.

Licensed care in Palm Bay spans 4+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 11% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.

Combined, Palm Bay's licensed centers hold about 1,755 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.

Palm Bay childcare by the numbers

28
Licensed providers
1,755
Licensed child seats
3
Family child care homes
4+
ZIP codes covered

Childcare costs in Palm Bay

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 Palm Bay 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 overview

Quick 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
62 kids

Largest licensed centers in Palm Bay

By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.

Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Palm Bay, Florida?
Our directory lists 28 licensed childcare centers in Palm Bay, Florida, sourced from Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.
What's the average daycare cost in Palm Bay?
Statewide averages in Florida run roughly $1110/month for infants and $790/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Palm Bay daycares?
All licensed Florida centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:11 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Palm Bay typically operate below these ceilings.
Are subsidies available for daycare in Palm Bay?
Florida families can apply for School Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions) (intake: (866) 357-3239). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.
How do I verify a Palm Bay daycare's license?
Look up the provider directly in the official Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.

Where to get childcare help in Palm Bay

Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.

Local CCR&R agency

Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.

1-800-424-2246 · Find yours
Dial 2-1-1

United Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.

Call 211 · 211.org
Head Start (free)

Free early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.

Find a program
State subsidy

School Readiness Program (Early Learning Coalitions) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.

(866) 357-3239 · How to apply
Quality ratings

Check NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.

Find quality care
Verify a license

Confirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing.

Official license search

How this data is sourced. Listings for Palm Bay, 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 28 Licensed Centers in Palm Bay

Free, no signup, verified directly with Florida Department of Children and Families — Child Care Licensing.

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