Florida has created specific square footage per child requirements for licensed preschools. All preschool facilities licensed before October 1, 1992, must provide at least 20 square feet of indoor and 45 square feet of outdoor space per child. Indoor spaces must be usable space the children may enter. For example, circle time or block area is usable space, while a teacher's lounge is not. Additionally, usable outdoor spaces must be safe and usable as well as designated for play. Preschools licensed after October 1, 1992, must provide 35 square feet of indoor and 45 square feet of outdoor space per child.
Preschools in Florida must follow mandatory staff-to-child number regulations for licensing. These requirements have ratios for different age groups, which preschools must maintain at all times. Failure by a preschool to have the minimum staff-to-child ratio may have negative consequences such as loss of license. The Department of Children and Families inspects schools to ensure the correct staff/child numbers. Preschoolers ages 3 through 6 fit into three separate ratio categories: 3 to 4 years, 4 to 5 years, and 5 years plus. Children age 3 to 4 years must have one adult teacher present for every 15 children. Classrooms with 4 and 5-year-olds must follow a ratio of one adult teacher to 20 children. Preschoolers, ages 5 and older may have supervision at a ratio of one adult teacher to 25 children.
Although Florida has created physical space and staff-to-child ratio numbers, there is no total number requirement or limit for individual schools. If the preschool has adequate indoor and outdoor play spaces and the appropriate number of staff members, there is no limit on how many children may attend the site at one time.