Florida Daycare Costs 2026: Miami, Orlando, Tampa & Statewide Prices
Complete guide to Florida daycare costs for 2026. Compare childcare prices across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and all Florida regions. Plus VPK and subsidy info.
Florida offers relatively affordable childcare compared to coastal metro areas up north—plus a free VPK program for all 4-year-olds. Here's what Florida families are actually paying in 2026.
Quick Answer: Florida Daycare Costs 2026
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | |-----------|-------------|-------------| | Infant Center Care | $1,050 | $12,600 | | Toddler Center Care | $925 | $11,100 | | Preschool (3-5 years) | $825 | $9,900 | | Family Home Daycare | $750 | $9,000 |
The range: Florida families pay $700 to $2,200/month depending on location and care type.
Florida Daycare Costs by City
Miami-Dade County
South Florida's most expensive childcare market.
| Area | Infant Center | Toddler Center | Preschool | |------|---------------|----------------|-----------| | Coral Gables | $2,000/mo | $1,700/mo | $1,500/mo | | Brickell/Downtown Miami | $1,900/mo | $1,600/mo | $1,400/mo | | Miami Beach | $1,850/mo | $1,550/mo | $1,350/mo | | Coconut Grove | $1,800/mo | $1,500/mo | $1,300/mo | | Kendall | $1,350/mo | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo | | Doral | $1,400/mo | $1,200/mo | $1,050/mo | | Homestead | $1,000/mo | $875/mo | $775/mo | | Hialeah | $1,050/mo | $900/mo | $800/mo |
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale Area)
| Area | Infant Center | Toddler Center | Preschool | |------|---------------|----------------|-----------| | Fort Lauderdale | $1,500/mo | $1,300/mo | $1,150/mo | | Weston | $1,450/mo | $1,250/mo | $1,100/mo | | Plantation | $1,350/mo | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo | | Pembroke Pines | $1,300/mo | $1,100/mo | $975/mo | | Hollywood | $1,250/mo | $1,075/mo | $950/mo | | Coral Springs | $1,350/mo | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo |
Palm Beach County
| Area | Infant Center | Toddler Center | Preschool | |------|---------------|----------------|-----------| | Palm Beach | $2,200/mo | $1,900/mo | $1,650/mo | | West Palm Beach | $1,450/mo | $1,250/mo | $1,100/mo | | Boca Raton | $1,600/mo | $1,400/mo | $1,200/mo | | Delray Beach | $1,400/mo | $1,200/mo | $1,050/mo | | Boynton Beach | $1,250/mo | $1,075/mo | $950/mo | | Jupiter | $1,500/mo | $1,300/mo | $1,150/mo |
Orlando Area
Central Florida's major metro.
| Area | Infant Center | Toddler Center | Preschool | |------|---------------|----------------|-----------| | Downtown Orlando | $1,350/mo | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo | | Winter Park | $1,450/mo | $1,250/mo | $1,100/mo | | Lake Nona | $1,400/mo | $1,200/mo | $1,050/mo | | Dr. Phillips | $1,350/mo | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo | | Kissimmee | $1,050/mo | $900/mo | $800/mo | | Sanford | $1,100/mo | $950/mo | $850/mo | | Oviedo | $1,200/mo | $1,025/mo | $900/mo |
Tampa Bay Area
| Area | Infant Center | Toddler Center | Preschool | |------|---------------|----------------|-----------| | South Tampa | $1,500/mo | $1,300/mo | $1,150/mo | | Downtown Tampa | $1,350/mo | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo | | St. Petersburg | $1,250/mo | $1,075/mo | $950/mo | | Clearwater | $1,200/mo | $1,025/mo | $900/mo | | Brandon | $1,100/mo | $950/mo | $850/mo | | Wesley Chapel | $1,200/mo | $1,025/mo | $900/mo | | Sarasota | $1,350/mo | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo |
Jacksonville Area
Northeast Florida's major city.
| Area | Infant Center | Toddler Center | Preschool | |------|---------------|----------------|-----------| | Riverside/Avondale | $1,200/mo | $1,025/mo | $900/mo | | Ponte Vedra | $1,400/mo | $1,200/mo | $1,050/mo | | Mandarin | $1,100/mo | $950/mo | $850/mo | | Orange Park | $1,000/mo | $875/mo | $775/mo | | St. Augustine | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo | $875/mo |
Other Florida Cities
| City | Infant Center | Toddler Center | Preschool | |------|---------------|----------------|-----------| | Naples | $1,550/mo | $1,350/mo | $1,200/mo | | Fort Myers | $1,150/mo | $1,000/mo | $875/mo | | Gainesville | $1,050/mo | $900/mo | $800/mo | | Tallahassee | $1,000/mo | $875/mo | $775/mo | | Pensacola | $950/mo | $825/mo | $725/mo | | Daytona Beach | $1,000/mo | $875/mo | $775/mo | | Ocala | $900/mo | $775/mo | $700/mo | | Lakeland | $1,000/mo | $875/mo | $775/mo |
Florida Daycare Costs by Age
Florida's staff-to-child ratios affect pricing:
| Age Group | Florida Ratio | Monthly Average | |-----------|---------------|-----------------| | Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 | $1,050 | | 1-year-olds | 1:6 | $975 | | 2-year-olds | 1:11 | $925 | | 3-year-olds | 1:15 | $850 | | 4-year-olds | 1:20 | $825 | | School-age (5+) | 1:25 | $600 |
FREE Childcare: Florida's VPK Program
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
What it is: Free pre-kindergarten for all Florida 4-year-olds—regardless of income.
Eligibility: Any child who is 4 years old by September 1
Options:
- School-year program: 540 hours (3 hours/day during school year)
- Summer program: 300 hours (6 hours/day over summer)
What it covers:
- Free educational instruction
- At participating public schools, private schools, and childcare centers
What it doesn't cover:
- Extended day hours (before/after VPK hours)
- Meals, transportation, or supplies
How to apply:
- Register at floridaearlylearning.com
- Obtain Certificate of Eligibility
- Choose a VPK provider
- Enroll
VPK Savings: The 3-hour school year program saves families approximately $6,000-$8,000/year. Add wrap-around care for full-day needs.
Florida School Readiness Program (Subsidies)
Florida's childcare subsidy program for working families.
Eligibility:
- Working, in school, or in job training
- Income at or below 150% Federal Poverty Level for initial eligibility
- Can maintain eligibility up to 85% SMI
2026 Income Limits (approximate): | Family Size | Initial Eligibility | Ongoing Eligibility | |-------------|--------------------|--------------------| | Family of 2 | $27,465 | $52,000 | | Family of 3 | $34,545 | $64,000 | | Family of 4 | $41,625 | $76,000 |
What it covers:
- Full or partial subsidy based on income
- Works at licensed childcare centers or family homes
- Prioritizes families with greatest need
How to apply: Contact your local Early Learning Coalition:
Priority populations:
- Children in protective services
- Children of migrant or seasonal workers
- At-risk families
- Low-income working families
Florida Gold Seal Quality Care
Florida's quality designation for childcare providers.
What it means:
- Staff have higher credentials (CDA, associate's, bachelor's degree)
- Enhanced curriculum and learning environment
- Voluntary program showing commitment to quality
Why choose Gold Seal:
- Higher staff qualifications
- Better developmental outcomes
- Often prioritized for School Readiness slots
Find Gold Seal providers: Contact your local Early Learning Coalition
Tax Benefits for Florida Families
Florida has no state income tax, so focus on federal benefits:
Dependent Care FSA
- Maximum: $5,000 pre-tax annually
- Federal tax savings: $1,100-$1,600
- FICA savings: $382 (7.65% of $5,000)
- Total savings: ~$1,500-$2,000
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
- Maximum expenses: $3,000 (one child), $6,000 (two+)
- Credit: 20-35% = $600-$2,100
Earned Income Tax Credit
For lower-income working families:
- Up to $7,830 with 3+ children (2026)
How to Save on Florida Daycare
1. Use VPK to Full Advantage
The free 3-hour VPK program for 4-year-olds saves $6,000-$8,000/year. Add only the wrap-around hours you need.
Example savings:
- Full-day care: $825/month = $9,900/year
- VPK + 4-hour wrap: $400/month = $4,800/year
- Annual savings: $5,100
2. Apply for School Readiness
Even if you're unsure about eligibility, apply. Families earning up to $76,000 (family of 4) may qualify for assistance.
3. Consider Location Flexibility
Remote work? Consider:
- Tallahassee/Gainesville: 40% less than Miami
- Panhandle cities: 50% savings vs. South Florida
- Suburbs vs. urban cores: 15-25% savings
4. Family Home Daycare
Licensed family childcare homes save 20-30% on average: | Care Type | Center | Family Home | Savings | |-----------|--------|-------------|---------| | Infant | $1,050/mo | $750/mo | $3,600/yr | | Preschool | $825/mo | $625/mo | $2,400/yr |
5. Church and Faith-Based Options
Common throughout Florida and often 20-30% below market rates.
6. Sibling Discounts
Most Florida centers offer 5-15% off for additional children. Always ask.
7. Summer vs. School Year
Some centers offer reduced summer rates (10-15% less) when VPK isn't in session.
Florida Childcare Licensing
Verify providers are licensed:
Florida Department of Children and Families
- Phone: 1-866-762-2237
- Website: myflfamilies.com/childcare
- Provider Search: cares.myflfamilies.com
What you can verify:
- License status and type
- Capacity
- Inspection history
- Violations and corrective actions
- Gold Seal designation
The Bottom Line
Florida daycare in 2026 costs $700-$2,200/month depending on location and care type. The statewide average of $1,050/month for infant care is near the national average.
Key takeaways:
- VPK is a game-changer: Free 3-hour pre-K for all 4-year-olds
- South Florida (Miami, Palm Beach) is most expensive
- Panhandle and smaller cities are most affordable
- Subsidies available through School Readiness program
- Gold Seal indicates quality commitment
Next steps:
- Calculate your costs for your specific area
- If you have a 4-year-old: Apply for VPK
- Search for Florida daycares near you
- Contact your local Early Learning Coalition about subsidies
Last updated: December 2025. Costs reflect 2026 projections based on 2024-2025 data.