Florida Childcare Licensing
Florida Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
Florida childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. After completing the introductory training, child care personnel must take an additional 1.0 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) of approved in-service training, or 10 clock hours of equivalent training, annually (Fla. Stat. 402.305(2)(d)).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamFlorida Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
All child care personnel must complete an approved 40-clock-hour Introductory Child Care Training course (Part I 30 hours plus Part II 10 hours), beginning within 90 days after employment and completing it within one year after training begins as evidenced by passing a competency examination
Part I 30 hours plus Part II 10 hours
in addition, Universal Precautions training must be completed prior to beginning work, and Fire Extinguisher training and (for those caring for infants) Safe Sleep/Shaken Baby Syndrome training must be completed within the first 30 days and prior to caring for children (Fla. Stat. 402.305(2)(d)
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Florida DCF Child Care Facility Training Requirements).
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After completing the introductory training, child care personnel must take an additional 1.0 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) of approved in-service training, or 10 clock hours of equivalent training, annually (Fla. Stat. 402.305(2)(d)).
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Florida Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | All child care personnel must complete an approved 40-clock-hour Introductory Child Care Training course (Part I 30 hours plus Part II 10 hours), beginning within 90 days after employment and completing it within one year after training begins as evidenced by passing a competency examination; in addition, Universal Precautions training must be completed prior to beginning work, and Fire Extinguisher training and (for those caring for infants) Safe Sleep/Shaken Baby Syndrome training must be completed within the first 30 days and prior to caring for children (Fla. Stat. 402.305(2)(d); Florida DCF Child Care Facility Training Requirements). |
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| Annual training | After completing the introductory training, child care personnel must take an additional 1.0 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) of approved in-service training, or 10 clock hours of equivalent training, annually (Fla. Stat. 402.305(2)(d)). |
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Florida Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does Florida require?
All child care personnel must complete an approved 40-clock-hour Introductory Child Care Training course (Part I 30 hours plus Part II 10 hours), beginning within 90 days after employment and completing it within one year after training begins as evidenced by passing a competency examination; in addition, Universal Precautions training must be completed prior to beginning work, and Fire Extinguisher training and (for those caring for infants) Safe Sleep/Shaken Baby Syndrome training must be completed within the first 30 days and prior to caring for children (Fla. Stat. 402.305(2)(d); Florida DCF Child Care Facility Training Requirements).
How many annual training hours does Florida require?
After completing the introductory training, child care personnel must take an additional 1.0 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) of approved in-service training, or 10 clock hours of equivalent training, annually (Fla. Stat. 402.305(2)(d)).
Does CPR/First Aid count toward Florida training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm with the Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Care Licensing before relying on it for your annual total.
Florida childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Florida administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Florida Department of Children and Families, Child Care Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.