Florida 2026 Session Status: Passed House Bipartisan · 6 R · 2 D cosponsors

HB 765 — CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 765: Child Care and Early Learning Services

Last action — Laid on Table; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/CS/SB 1690 (Ch. 2026-140)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the House. Introduced December 12, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the Senate.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 74% · high confidence

  • Passed House

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 12 sponsors

    1 primary, 11 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (6 R · 2 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 4 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

Child Care and Early Learning Services ; Revises minimum standards for child care facility licensing; removes provisions requiring family day care homes & large family child care homes to provide specified information to parents; prohibits residential property insurance policies from providing coverage for liability for claims arising out of, or in connection with, operations of large family child care homes; prohibits insurers from denying, cancelling, & refusing to renew policy for residential property insurance on basis that policyholders or applicants operate large family child care homes; revises requirements for certain prekindergarten curricula; establishes review & approval process for such curricula; creates Florida Child Care Fund; requires DOE direct-support organization to administer fund; requires that funds from state sources & interest earnings be accounted separately; provides for use of funds; provides for establishment & administration of Center for Early Childhood Professional Recognition under specified circumstance.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

1497 added · 1398 removed

1497 line(s) added, 1398 removed.

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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 A bill to be entitled An act relating to child care and early learning services;
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 A bill to be entitled An act relating to child care and early learning services;
revising the definition of the term "Department of Education Page 1 of 51 CODING:
revising the definition of the term "Department of Education Page 1 of 55 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 direct-support organization";
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 direct-support organization";
creating the Brighter Futures Program within a Department of Education direct-support organization;
providing a short title;
providing that program funds shall be deposited in the Early Learning Fund;
providing definitions;
providing the funds from state sources are accounted separately;
establishing the Florida Endowment for Early Learning Foundation within a Department of Education direct- support organization;
providing for the use of funds;
providing revenues for the endowment fund;
requiring an annual report;
providing that funds from state sources are accounted separately from public and private sources;
providing requirements for such report;
providing powers and duties of the board of directors;
providing for distribution of moneys from the endowment fund;
requiring annual reports and publications;
requiring the department to adopt rules;
providing for the administration of the Center for Early Childhood Professional Recognition;
providing the administration of the Center for Early Childhood Professional Recognition;
Subsections (15) through (18) of section 402.302, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (16) through (19), respectively, paragraph (a) of subsection (2) and subsections (3), (8), (9), and (11) are amended, and a new subsection (15) is added to that section, to read:
Subsections (15) through (18) of section Page 2 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 402.302 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 402.302, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (16) through (19), respectively, paragraph (a) of subsection (2) and subsections (3), (8), (9), and (11) are amended, and a new subsection (15) is added to that section, to read:
402.302 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
(f) Before-school and after-school programs, and any programs during off-school hours, offered and operated by public and nonpublic elementary schools at school sites for the schools' student populations.
(f) Before-school and after-school programs, and any programs during off-school hours, offered and operated by public Page 3 of 55 CODING:
(3) "Child care personnel" means all owners, operators, employees, and volunteers working in a child care facility.
The Page 3 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 term does not include persons who work in a child care facility after hours when children are not present or parents of children in a child care facility.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 elementary schools at school sites for the schools' student populations.
(3) "Child care personnel" means all owners, operators, employees, and volunteers working in a child care facility.
The term does not include persons who work in a child care facility after hours when children are not present or parents of children in a child care facility.
The term does not include public or nonpublic school personnel who are providing care during regular school hours, or after hours for activities related to a school's program for students attending public or nonpublic school programs grades kindergarten through 12.
The term does not include public or nonpublic school personnel who are providing care during regular school hours, or after hours for activities related to a school's program for students attending public or Page 4 of 55 CODING:
A volunteer who assists on an intermittent basis for less than 10 hours per month is not included in the term "personnel" for the purposes of screening and training if a person who meets the Page 4 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 screening requirement of s.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 nonpublic school programs grades kindergarten through 12.
A volunteer who assists on an intermittent basis for less than 10 hours per month is not included in the term "personnel" for the purposes of screening and training if a person who meets the screening requirement of s.
(b) A maximum of three children from birth to 12 months of age, and other children, for a maximum total of six children.
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(c) A maximum of six preschool children if all are older than 12 months of age.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 (d) A maximum of 10 children if no more than 5 are preschool age and, of those 5, no more than 2 are under 12 months of age.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (b) A maximum of three children from birth to 12 months of age, and other children, for a maximum total of six children.
(c) A maximum of six preschool children if all are older than 12 months of age.
(d) A maximum of 10 children if no more than 5 are preschool age and, of those 5, no more than 2 are under 12 months of age.
A large family child care home must first have operated as a licensed family child day care home for 2 years, with an operator who has had a child development associate credential or its equivalent for 1 year, before seeking licensure as a large family child care home.
A large family child care home must first have operated as a licensed family child Page 6 of 55 CODING:
Household children under 13 years of age, when on the premises Page 6 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 of the large family child care home or on a field trip with children enrolled in child care, shall be included in the overall capacity of the licensed home.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 day care home for 2 years, with an operator who has had a child development associate credential or its equivalent for 1 year, before seeking licensure as a large family child care home.
Household children under 13 years of age, when on the premises of the large family child care home or on a field trip with children enrolled in child care, shall be included in the overall capacity of the licensed home.
(b) Three-year olds in a public or nonpublic school exceptional student education program;
(b) Three-year olds in a public school exceptional student education program;
or (c) Four-year olds in a public or nonpublic school child care program.
or (c) Four-year olds in a public school child care program.
(a) Good moral character based upon screening as defined in s.
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402.302 s.
402.302(15).
This screening shall be conducted as provided in chapter 435, using the level 2 standards for Page 7 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 screening provided in that chapter, and include employment history checks, a search of criminal history records, sexual predator and sexual offender registries, and child abuse and neglect registry of any state in which the current or prospective child care personnel resided during the preceding 5 years.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (a) Good moral character based upon screening as defined in s.
402.302 s.
402.302(15).
This screening shall be conducted as provided in chapter 435, using the level 2 standards for screening provided in that chapter, and include employment history checks, a search of criminal history records, sexual predator and sexual offender registries, and child abuse and neglect registry of any state in which the current or prospective child care personnel resided during the preceding 5 years.
(7) SANITATION AND SAFETY.— (a) Minimum standards must include requirements for sanitary and safety conditions, first aid treatment, emergency procedures, and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(7) SANITATION AND SAFETY.— Page 8 of 55 CODING:
The Page 8 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 minimum standards must require that at least one staff person trained in person in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as evidenced by current documentation of course completion, be present at all times that children are present.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (a) Minimum standards must include requirements for sanitary and safety conditions, first aid treatment, emergency procedures, and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The minimum standards must require that at least one staff person trained in person in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as evidenced by current documentation of course completion, be present at all times that children are present.
3.
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The number of children served.
4.
Proof of a written plan to provide at least one other competent adult to be available to substitute for the operator Page 9 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 in an emergency.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 3.
The number of children served.
4.
Proof of a written plan to provide at least one other competent adult to be available to substitute for the operator in an emergency.
Proof of completion of the required continuing education units or clock hours.
Proof of completion of the required continuing Page 10 of 55 CODING:
(b) A family child day care home may volunteer to be licensed under this act.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 (c) The department may provide technical assistance to counties and family child day care home providers to enable counties and family child day care providers to achieve compliance with family child day care homes standards.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 education units or clock hours.
(b) A family child day care home may volunteer to be licensed under this act.
(c) The department may provide technical assistance to counties and family child day care home providers to enable counties and family child day care providers to achieve compliance with family child day care homes standards.
(5) In order to further develop their child care skills and, if appropriate, their administrative skills, operators of family child day care homes shall be required to complete an Page 11 of 51 CODING:
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 additional 1 continuing education unit of approved training or 10 clock hours of equivalent training, as determined by the department, annually.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (5) In order to further develop their child care skills and, if appropriate, their administrative skills, operators of family child day care homes shall be required to complete an additional 1 continuing education unit of approved training or 10 clock hours of equivalent training, as determined by the department, annually.
(9) The department shall prepare a brochure on family child day care for distribution by the department and by local licensing agencies, if appropriate, to family child day care homes for distribution to parents utilizing such child care, and to all interested persons, including physicians and other health Page 12 of 51 CODING:
(9) The department shall prepare a brochure on family child day care for distribution by the department and by local Page 12 of 55 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 professionals;
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 licensing agencies, if appropriate, to family child day care homes for distribution to parents utilizing such child care, and to all interested persons, including physicians and other health professionals;
(d) The statewide toll-free telephone number of the central abuse hotline, together with a notice that reports of suspected and actual child physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect are received and referred for investigation by the Page 13 of 51 CODING:
(d) The statewide toll-free telephone number of the Page 13 of 55 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 hotline.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 central abuse hotline, together with a notice that reports of suspected and actual child physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect are received and referred for investigation by the hotline.
The evaluation shall be utilized by the department in any administrative modifications or adjustments to be made in the registration of family child day care homes or in any legislative requests for modifications to the system of Page 14 of 51 CODING:
The evaluation shall be utilized by the department in any Page 14 of 55 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 registration or to other requirements for family child day care homes.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 administrative modifications or adjustments to be made in the registration of family child day care homes or in any legislative requests for modifications to the system of registration or to other requirements for family child day care homes.
The standards should include requirements for staffing, training, maintenance of immunization records, minimum health and safety standards, reduced standards for the regulation of child care during evening hours by municipalities and counties, and enforcement of standards.
The standards should include requirements for staffing, training, maintenance of immunization records, minimum health and safety standards, reduced standards for the regulation of child care Page 15 of 55 CODING:
(14) During the months of August and September of each Page 15 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 year, each family day care home shall provide parents of children enrolled in the home detailed information regarding the causes, symptoms, and transmission of the influenza virus in an effort to educate those parents regarding the importance of immunizing their children against influenza as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 during evening hours by municipalities and counties, and enforcement of standards.
(14) During the months of August and September of each year, each family day care home shall provide parents of children enrolled in the home detailed information regarding the causes, symptoms, and transmission of the influenza virus in an effort to educate those parents regarding the importance of immunizing their children against influenza as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
402.3131 Large family child care homes.— (9) During the months of August and September of each year, each large family child care home shall provide parents of Page 16 of 51 CODING:
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 children enrolled in the home detailed information regarding the causes, symptoms, and transmission of the influenza virus in an effort to educate those parents regarding the importance of immunizing their children against influenza as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 402.3131 Large family child care homes.— (9) During the months of August and September of each year, each large family child care home shall provide parents of children enrolled in the home detailed information regarding the causes, symptoms, and transmission of the influenza virus in an effort to educate those parents regarding the importance of immunizing their children against influenza as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
627.70161 Family child day care and large family child care insurance.— (1) PURPOSE AND INTENT.—The Legislature recognizes that family child day care and large family child care homes fulfill Page 17 of 51 CODING:
627.70161 Family child day care and large family child Page 17 of 55 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 a vital role in providing child care in Florida.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 care insurance.— (1) PURPOSE AND INTENT.—The Legislature recognizes that family child day care and large family child care homes fulfill a vital role in providing child care in Florida.
(b) "Family child day care home" means an occupied residence in which child care is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families and which receives a payment, fee, or grant for any of the children receiving care, whether or not operated for a profit.
(b) "Family child day care home" means an occupied residence in which child care is regularly provided for children Page 18 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 (c) "Large family child care home" means an occupied residence in which child care is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families, which receives a payment, fee, or grant for any of the children receiving care, whether or not operated for profit, and which has at least two full-time child care personnel on the premises during the hours of operation.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 from at least two unrelated families and which receives a payment, fee, or grant for any of the children receiving care, whether or not operated for a profit.
(c) "Large family child care home" means an occupied residence in which child care is regularly provided for children from at least two unrelated families, which receives a payment, fee, or grant for any of the children receiving care, whether or not operated for profit, and which has at least two full-time child care personnel on the premises during the hours of operation.
(3) FAMILY CHILD DAY CARE AND LARGE FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES;
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COVERAGE.—A residential property insurance policy may shall not provide coverage for liability for claims arising out Page 19 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 of, or in connection with, the operation of a family child day care home or a large family child care home, and the insurer shall be under no obligation to defend against lawsuits covering such claims, unless:
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (3) FAMILY CHILD DAY CARE AND LARGE FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES;
COVERAGE.—A residential property insurance policy may shall not provide coverage for liability for claims arising out of, or in connection with, the operation of a family child day care home or a large family child care home, and the insurer shall be under no obligation to defend against lawsuits covering such claims, unless:
(b) The policyholder or applicant fails to maintain a separate commercial liability policy or an endorsement providing liability coverage for the family child day care home or the large family child care home operations;
(b) The policyholder or applicant fails to maintain a separate commercial liability policy or an endorsement providing liability coverage for the family child day care home or the Page 20 of 55 CODING:
(c) The policyholder or applicant fails to comply with the applicable family day care home licensure and registration Page 20 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 requirements specified in chapter 402 s.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 large family child care home operations;
(c) The policyholder or applicant fails to comply with the applicable family day care home licensure and registration requirements specified in chapter 402 s.
That is organized and operated exclusively to receive, hold, invest, and administer property and to make expenditures to or for the benefit of the early learning programs under parts V and VI of chapter 1002, child care facilities licensed under s.
That is organized and operated exclusively to receive, hold, invest, and administer property and to make expenditures to or for the benefit of the early learning programs under parts V and VI of chapter 1002, child care facilities licensed under Page 21 of 55 CODING:
402.305, family child care homes licensed or registered under s.
402.313, large family child care homes licensed under s.
402.3131, and public prekindergarten through 12th grade Page 21 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 education in this state.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 s.
402.305, family child care homes licensed or registered under s.
402.313, large family child care homes licensed under s.
402.3131, and public prekindergarten through 12th grade education in this state.
(3) BOARD OF DIRECTORS.—The board of directors of the department direct-support organization shall be appointed by the commissioner and shall include representation from business, industry, and other components of Florida's economy.
(3) BOARD OF DIRECTORS.—The board of directors of the department direct-support organization shall be appointed by the Page 22 of 55 CODING:
(4) ANNUAL AUDIT.—Each direct-support organization shall Page 22 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 provide for an annual financial audit in accordance with s.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 commissioner and shall include representation from business, industry, and other components of Florida's economy.
(4) ANNUAL AUDIT.—Each direct-support organization shall provide for an annual financial audit in accordance with s.
1002.821 Brighter Futures Program.—The Brighter Futures Program is established to support early learning and child care needs of Florida families.
1002.821 Early learning foundation within a Department of Education direct-support organization.— (1) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the "Florida Endowment for Early Learning Act." (2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
(1) The direct-support organization established pursuant to s.
(a) "Board" means the board of directors of the Florida Endowment for Early Learning Foundation established in subsection (3).
1001.24 shall administer the program.
The board is appointed by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to s.
(2) Any bequests, gifts, grants, and donations made to the program as may be solicited for such purpose from public or private sources and any legislative appropriations that may be made to the program shall be deposited in the Early Learning Fund.
1001.24(3).
Any funds received from state sources and interest earnings shall be accounted for separately.
(b) "Endowment fund" means a fund established for the Florida Endowment for Early Learning Foundation to provide early learning education opportunities to children.
(3) Funds shall be used to provide:
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(a) Care for children from birth until the student is eligible to enroll in kindergarten in accordance with:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (c) "Foundation" means the Florida Endowment for Early Learning Foundation established in subsection (3).
(d) "Operating account" means an account established under paragraph (3)(c) to carry out the purposes provided in subsection (5).
(3) FLORIDA ENDOWMENT FOR EARLY LEARNING FOUNDATION;
REVENUE FOR THE ENDOWMENT FUND.— (a) The Florida Endowment for Early Learning Foundation shall be established within a Department of Education direct- support organization, as defined in s.
1001.24, to solicit long- term, stable revenues to be administered in accordance with rules adopted by the department.
(b) The principal of the endowment fund of the foundation shall derive from any legislative appropriations that may be made to the endowment fund, and bequests, gifts, grants, and donations as may be solicited for such purpose by the foundation from public or private sources.
(c) The board of directors of the foundation shall establish an operating account and shall deposit into the account the moneys received under paragraph (b).
Moneys in the operating account shall be available to carry out the purposes of subsection (5).
(d) Funds received from state sources shall be accounted for separately from bequests, gifts, grants, and donations that may be solicited for such purposes by the foundation from public Page 24 of 55 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 or private sources.
Earnings on funds received from state sources and funds received from public or private sources shall be accounted for separately.
(4) ORGANIZATION, POWERS, AND DUTIES.—Within the limits prescribed in this section or by rule of the department:
(a) The board may solicit and receive bequests, gifts, grants, donations, goods, and services.
Gifts may be used only for the purposes stated by the donor.
The board may transmit monetary gifts to the State Board of Administration for deposit into the endowment fund.
(b) The board may enter into contracts with the Federal Government, state or local agencies, early learning coalitions, private entities, or individuals to carry out the purposes of this section.
(c) The board may identify, initiate, and fund new and creative programs to carry out the purposes of this section, using existing organizations, early learning coalitions, associations, and agencies to implement such early learning programs and purposes wherever possible.
(d) The board may make gifts or grants:
An allocation methodology to fund the waiting list of Page 23 of 51 CODING:
To the State of Florida or any political subdivision thereof, or any public agency of state or local government.
2.
To an early learning coalition for administration of direct services to children identified by the board.
3.
To the Division of Early Learning for purposes of Page 25 of 55 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 early learning coalitions;
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 program recognition, marketing, public relations, and education.
or 2.
(e) The board may advertise and solicit applications for funding and shall evaluate applications and program proposals submitted thereto.
The intentions of a donor.
Funding shall be awarded only if the evaluation of the proposed program is positive and the proposal meets both the guidelines for use established in subsection (5) and such evaluation criteria as the department may prescribe by rule.
(b) The early learning coalition shall fund school readiness program providers and providers selected by the donor at the reimbursement rate calculated pursuant to s.
(f) The board shall monitor, review, and annually evaluate funded programs to determine whether funding should be continued, terminated, reduced, or increased.
1002.84(17).
(g) The board may take such additional actions, including the hiring of necessary staff, as are deemed necessary and appropriate to administer this section, subject to rules of the department.
If the provider selected by the donor is not a school readiness program provider, the early learning coalition may establish a contract with the provider to provide such funds.
(5) DISTRIBUTION OF MONEYS.—The board shall use the moneys in the operating account, by whatever means, to provide for:
(4) By January 1 of each year, beginning January 1, 2027, the Division of Early Learning shall summarize the performance of the program and the program's fundraising activities for the previous fiscal year, identify the child care needs supported by the fund principal or earnings and those supported by private sources, bequests, gifts, grants, and donations.
(a)1.
Direct services to children from birth through kindergarten in accordance with an allocation methodology to an early learning coalition approved by the board.
2.
The early learning coalition shall reimburse a provider who serves a child through direct services described in subparagraph 1., using money awarded from the endowment fund at a reimbursement rate determined by the board.
(b) Programs designed to support early learning as Page 26 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 identified by donors, gifts, or grants.
(c) Any allocation of funds for programs under paragraph (b), for advertising, or for consulting is subject to a competitive solicitation process.
(d) State funds shall be spent in majority part for child care tuition and may not be used to:
1.
Fund events for private sector donors or potential donors or to honor supporters.
2.
Hire lobbyists or attorneys.
3.
Pay for marketing or advertising with more than 8 percent of total funds on hand.
(6) ANNUAL REPORT.—By January 1 of each year, beginning January 1, 2027, the Division of Early Learning shall submit to the Legislature, and the department shall publish on its website, a report of activities pursuant to s.
1002.82(7) which summarizes the performance of the endowment fund and the foundation's fundraising activities for the previous fiscal year and which details those activities and programs supported by the endowment fund principal or earnings on the endowment fund principal and those activities and programs supported by private sources, bequests, gifts, grants, donations, and other valued goods and services received.
(a) Outcome data, including the number of children served and any child outcomes, by each early learning coalition.
(a) Financial data, by service type, including expenditures for administration and the provision of services by each early learning coalition.
(b) The amount of funds spent on administrative expenses and fundraising and the amount of funds raised from private sources.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (b) The amount of funds spent on administrative expenses and fundraising and the amount of funds raised from private sources.
(c) Outcome data, including the number of children served and any child outcomes.
(7) RULES.—The department shall adopt rules for the implementation of this section.
1002.95 Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (TEACH) Scholarship Program.— (1)(a) The department may contract for the administration Page 24 of 51 CODING:
1002.95 Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (TEACH) Scholarship Program.— (1)(a) The department may contract for the administration of the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (TEACH) Scholarship Program, which provides educational scholarships to caregivers and administrators of early childhood programs, family child day care homes, and large family child care homes.
The goal of the program is to increase the education and training for caregivers, increase the compensation for child caregivers who complete the program requirements, and reduce the rate of participant turnover in the field of early childhood education.
(b) Subject to appropriation, the TEACH Scholarships Program administrator contracted under paragraph (a) shall also establish and administer the Center for Early Childhood Professional Recognition to ensure alignment of training Page 28 of 55 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 of the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (TEACH) Scholarship Program, which provides educational scholarships to caregivers and administrators of early childhood programs, family child day care homes, and large family child care homes.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 statewide, including, but not limited to, methods of early childhood professional training approval, and implementation of competency-based assessments aligned to the early learning professional development standards and career pathways under s.
The goal of the program is to increase the education and training for caregivers, increase the compensation for child caregivers who complete the program requirements, and reduce the rate of participant turnover in the field of early childhood education.
(b) Subject to appropriation, the TEACH Scholarships Program administrator contracted under paragraph (a) shall also establish and administer the Center for Early Childhood Professional Recognition to ensure alignment of training statewide, including, but not limited to, methods of early childhood professional training approval, and implementation of competency-based assessments aligned to the early learning professional development standards and career pathways under s.
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(4) USE OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY THE CENTRAL ABUSE HOTLINE.— (a) Information received by the central abuse hotline may not be used for employment screening, except as provided in s.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 (4) USE OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY THE CENTRAL ABUSE HOTLINE.— (a) Information received by the central abuse hotline may not be used for employment screening, except as provided in s.
exception.— (2) Except as provided in subsection (4), access to such records, excluding the name of, or other identifying information with respect to, the reporter which may only be released as provided in subsection (5), may only be granted to the following persons, officials, and agencies:
exception.— (2) Except as provided in subsection (4), access to such records, excluding the name of, or other identifying information with respect to, the reporter which may only be released as provided in subsection (5), may only be granted to the following Page 29 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 persons, officials, and agencies:
Licensure or approval of adoptive homes, foster homes, child care facilities, facilities licensed under chapters 393 Page 26 of 51 CODING:
Licensure or approval of adoptive homes, foster homes, child care facilities, facilities licensed under chapters 393 and 394, family child day care homes, providers who receive school readiness funding under part VI of chapter 1002, or other homes used to provide for the care and welfare of children;
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 and 394, family child day care homes, providers who receive school readiness funding under part VI of chapter 1002, or other homes used to provide for the care and welfare of children;
Section 11.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 Section 11.
Section 166.0445, Florida Statutes, is amended Page 27 of 51 CODING:
Section 166.0445, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 to read:
212.08 Sales, rental, use, consumption, distribution, and storage tax;
212.08 Sales, rental, use, consumption, distribution, and Page 31 of 55 CODING:
specified exemptions.—The sale at retail, the rental, the use, the consumption, the distribution, and the storage to be used or consumed in this state of the following are hereby specifically exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter.
(7) MISCELLANEOUS EXEMPTIONS.—Exemptions provided to any entity by this chapter do not inure to any transaction that is otherwise taxable under this chapter when payment is made by a representative or employee of the entity by any means, including, but not limited to, cash, check, or credit card, even when that representative or employee is subsequently reimbursed by the entity.
In addition, exemptions provided to any entity by Page 28 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 this subsection do not inure to any transaction that is otherwise taxable under this chapter unless the entity has obtained a sales tax exemption certificate from the department or the entity obtains or provides other documentation as required by the department.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 storage tax;
specified exemptions.—The sale at retail, the rental, the use, the consumption, the distribution, and the storage to be used or consumed in this state of the following are hereby specifically exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter.
(7) MISCELLANEOUS EXEMPTIONS.—Exemptions provided to any entity by this chapter do not inure to any transaction that is otherwise taxable under this chapter when payment is made by a representative or employee of the entity by any means, including, but not limited to, cash, check, or credit card, even when that representative or employee is subsequently reimbursed by the entity.
In addition, exemptions provided to any entity by this subsection do not inure to any transaction that is otherwise taxable under this chapter unless the entity has obtained a sales tax exemption certificate from the department or the entity obtains or provides other documentation as required by the department.
(j) Household fuels.—Also exempt from payment of the tax imposed by this chapter are sales of utilities to residential households or owners of residential models in this state by utility companies who pay the gross receipts tax imposed under s.
(j) Household fuels.—Also exempt from payment of the tax imposed by this chapter are sales of utilities to residential Page 32 of 55 CODING:
203.01, and sales of fuel to residential households or owners of residential models, including oil, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, coal, wood, and other fuel products used in the household or residential model for the purposes of heating, cooking, lighting, and refrigeration, regardless of whether such sales of utilities and fuels are separately metered and billed direct to the residents or are metered and billed to the landlord.
If any part of the utility or fuel is used for a nonexempt purpose, the entire sale is taxable.
The landlord shall provide a separate meter for nonexempt utility or fuel Page 29 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 consumption.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 households or owners of residential models in this state by utility companies who pay the gross receipts tax imposed under s.
203.01, and sales of fuel to residential households or owners of residential models, including oil, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas, coal, wood, and other fuel products used in the household or residential model for the purposes of heating, cooking, lighting, and refrigeration, regardless of whether such sales of utilities and fuels are separately metered and billed direct to the residents or are metered and billed to the landlord.
If any part of the utility or fuel is used for a nonexempt purpose, the entire sale is taxable.
The landlord shall provide a separate meter for nonexempt utility or fuel consumption.
dissemination by the department and local licensing agency of information on child care.— (3) The department and local licensing agencies, or the designees thereof, shall be responsible for coordination and dissemination of information on child care to the community and shall make available through electronic means all licensing standards and procedures, health and safety standards for school readiness providers, monitoring and inspection reports, and the names and addresses of licensed child care facilities, school readiness program providers, and, where applicable pursuant to s.
dissemination by the department and local licensing agency of information on child care.— (3) The department and local licensing agencies, or the designees thereof, shall be responsible for coordination and dissemination of information on child care to the community and shall make available through electronic means all licensing standards and procedures, health and safety standards for school readiness providers, monitoring and inspection reports, and the Page 33 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 names and addresses of licensed child care facilities, school readiness program providers, and, where applicable pursuant to s.
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402.309 Provisional license or registration.— (1) The local licensing agency or the department, whichever is authorized to license child care facilities in a county, may issue a provisional license for child care facilities, family child day care homes, or large family child care homes, or a provisional registration for family child day care homes to applicants for an initial license or registration or to licensees or registrants seeking a renewal who are unable to meet all the standards provided for in ss.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 402.309 Provisional license or registration.— (1) The local licensing agency or the department, whichever is authorized to license child care facilities in a county, may issue a provisional license for child care facilities, family child day care homes, or large family child care homes, or a provisional registration for family child day care homes to applicants for an initial license or registration or to licensees or registrants seeking a renewal who are unable to meet all the standards provided for in ss.
A provisional license may be issued for a child care facility if all of the screening materials have been timely submitted.
A provisional license may be issued for a child care facility if all of the screening Page 34 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 materials have been timely submitted.
(a) Is applying for an initial license or registration for a child care facility, a family child day care home, or a large Page 31 of 51 CODING:
(a) Is applying for an initial license or registration for a child care facility, a family child day care home, or a large family child care home;
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 family child care home;
(4) An applicant, registrant, or licensee shall have the right to appeal a decision of the local licensing agency to a representative of the department.
(4) An applicant, registrant, or licensee shall have the right to appeal a decision of the local licensing agency to a Page 35 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 representative of the department.
abbreviated inspections.— (1) The Department of Children and Families and local governmental agencies that license child care facilities shall develop and implement a plan to eliminate duplicative and Page 32 of 51 CODING:
abbreviated inspections.— (1) The Department of Children and Families and local governmental agencies that license child care facilities shall develop and implement a plan to eliminate duplicative and unnecessary inspections of child care facilities, family child day care homes, and large family child care homes.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 unnecessary inspections of child care facilities, family child day care homes, and large family child care homes.
4.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 4.
If the department or the local licensing Page 33 of 51 CODING:
If the department or the local licensing agency discovers that a child care facility is being operated without a license, a family child day care home is being operated without a license or registration, or a large family child care home is being operated without a license, the department or local licensing agency is authorized to seek an injunction in the circuit court where the facility is located to enjoin continued operation of such facility, family child day care home, or large family child care home.
When the court is closed for the transaction of judicial business, the department or local licensing agency is authorized to seek an emergency injunction to enjoin continued operation of such unlicensed facility, unregistered or unlicensed family child day care home, or unlicensed large family child care home, which injunction Page 37 of 55 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 agency discovers that a child care facility is being operated without a license, a family child day care home is being operated without a license or registration, or a large family child care home is being operated without a license, the department or local licensing agency is authorized to seek an injunction in the circuit court where the facility is located to enjoin continued operation of such facility, family child day care home, or large family child care home.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 shall be continued, modified, or revoked on the next day of judicial business.
When the court is closed for the transaction of judicial business, the department or local licensing agency is authorized to seek an emergency injunction to enjoin continued operation of such unlicensed facility, unregistered or unlicensed family child day care home, or unlicensed large family child care home, which injunction shall be continued, modified, or revoked on the next day of judicial business.
(c) A child care facility, family child day care home, or Page 34 of 51 CODING:
(c) A child care facility, family child day care home, or large family child care home continues to have children in attendance after the closing date established by the department or the local licensing agency.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 large family child care home continues to have children in attendance after the closing date established by the department or the local licensing agency.
license fees.— (3) The department shall collect a fee for any license it issues for a child care facility, family child day care home, or large family child care home pursuant to ss.
license fees.— (3) The department shall collect a fee for any license it issues for a child care facility, family child day care home, or Page 38 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 large family child care home pursuant to ss.
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Section 20.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 Section 20.
If the child care facility or family child day care home elects to serve children ineligible for care under the United States Department of Defense Instruction 6060.02, the child care facility or family child day care home must be licensed under this chapter.
If the child care facility or family child day care home elects to serve children ineligible for care under the United States Page 39 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 Department of Defense Instruction 6060.02, the child care facility or family child day care home must be licensed under this chapter.
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Section 22.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 Section 22.
402.302, in a child care facility, family child day care home, or other child care program.
402.302, in a child care Page 40 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 facility, family child day care home, or other child care program.
(e) Misrepresent, by act or omission, a child care facility or family child day care home to be duly licensed Page 37 of 51 CODING:
(e) Misrepresent, by act or omission, a child care facility or family child day care home to be duly licensed pursuant to this act without being so licensed.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 pursuant to this act without being so licensed.
The qualifications or credentials of child care personnel;
The qualifications or credentials of child care Page 41 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 personnel;
(2) If any child care personnel makes any misrepresentation in violation of this section to a parent or guardian who has placed a child in the child care facility or family child day care home, and the parent or guardian relied upon the misrepresentation, and the child suffers great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, permanent disability, or death as Page 38 of 51 CODING:
(2) If any child care personnel makes any misrepresentation in violation of this section to a parent or guardian who has placed a child in the child care facility or family child day care home, and the parent or guardian relied upon the misrepresentation, and the child suffers great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, permanent disability, or death as a result of an intentional act or negligence by the child care personnel, then the child care personnel commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 a result of an intentional act or negligence by the child care personnel, then the child care personnel commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s.
409.175 and who have contracted with a lead agency are also authorized to provide registered or licensed family child day care under s.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 409.175 and who have contracted with a lead agency are also authorized to provide registered or licensed family child day care under s.
411.203 Continuum of comprehensive services.—The Department of Education and the Department of Health shall utilize the continuum of prevention and early assistance services for high-risk pregnant women and for high-risk and handicapped children and their families, as outlined in this section, as a basis for the intraagency and interagency program Page 39 of 51 CODING:
411.203 Continuum of comprehensive services.—The Department of Education and the Department of Health shall utilize the continuum of prevention and early assistance services for high-risk pregnant women and for high-risk and handicapped children and their families, as outlined in this section, as a basis for the intraagency and interagency program coordination, monitoring, and analysis required in this chapter.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 coordination, monitoring, and analysis required in this chapter.
(8) SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ALL EXPECTANT PARENTS AND PARENTS OF HIGH-RISK CHILDREN.— (b) Child care and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, licensed child care facilities, family child day care homes, therapeutic child care, Head Start, and preschool programs in public and private schools.
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Section 25.
Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section 1002.55, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1002.55 School-year prekindergarten program delivered by private prekindergarten providers.— (3) To be eligible to deliver the prekindergarten program, a private prekindergarten provider must meet each of the Page 40 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 following requirements:
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (8) SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ALL EXPECTANT PARENTS AND PARENTS OF HIGH-RISK CHILDREN.— (b) Child care and early childhood programs, including, but not limited to, licensed child care facilities, family child day care homes, therapeutic child care, Head Start, and preschool programs in public and private schools.
Section 25.
Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of section 1002.55, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1002.55 School-year prekindergarten program delivered by private prekindergarten providers.— (3) To be eligible to deliver the prekindergarten program, a private prekindergarten provider must meet each of the following requirements:
402.310.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 402.310.
Annually inform child care facilities and family child Page 41 of 51 CODING:
Annually inform child care facilities and family child day care homes of the availability of this service through the child care resource and referral network under s.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 day care homes of the availability of this service through the child care resource and referral network under s.
If an early learning coalition has more than one member representing the same entity, only one of such members may serve as a voting member:
If an early learning coalition has Page 45 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 more than one member representing the same entity, only one of such members may serve as a voting member:
Regional Warm-Line staff shall provide onsite technical assistance, when requested, Page 42 of 51 CODING:
Regional Warm-Line staff shall provide onsite technical assistance, when requested, to assist child care facilities and family child day care homes with inquiries relating to the strategies, curriculum, and environmental adaptations the child care facilities and family child day care homes may need as they serve children with disabilities and other special needs.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 to assist child care facilities and family child day care homes with inquiries relating to the strategies, curriculum, and environmental adaptations the child care facilities and family child day care homes may need as they serve children with disabilities and other special needs.
402.313, a large family child care home licensed under s.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 402.313, a large family child care home licensed under s.
98.18, or a provider who has been issued a provisional license Page 43 of 51 CODING:
98.18, or a provider who has been issued a provisional license pursuant to s.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 pursuant to s.
402.311, satisfies this requirement.
402.311, satisfies this Page 47 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 requirement.
Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section Page 44 of 51 CODING:
Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section 1002.895, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 1002.895, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
(a) Identification of existing public and private child care and early childhood education services, including child care services by public and private employers, and the development of an early learning provider performance profile of those services through the single statewide information system developed by the department under s.
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1002.82(2)(q).
These services may include family child day care, public and private child care programs, the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, Head Start, the school readiness program, special education programs for prekindergarten children with disabilities, services for children with developmental disabilities, full-time and part-time programs, before-school Page 45 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 and after-school programs, and vacation care programs.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (a) Identification of existing public and private child care and early childhood education services, including child care services by public and private employers, and the development of an early learning provider performance profile of those services through the single statewide information system developed by the department under s.
1002.82(2)(q).
These services may include family child day care, public and private child care programs, the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, Head Start, the school readiness program, special education programs for prekindergarten children with disabilities, services for children with developmental disabilities, full-time and part-time programs, before-school and after-school programs, and vacation care programs.
10.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 10.
Indication of whether the provider implements a Page 46 of 51 CODING:
Indication of whether the provider implements a curriculum approved by the department and the name of the curriculum, if applicable.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 curriculum approved by the department and the name of the curriculum, if applicable.
Subsection (2) of section 1002.93, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
Subsection (2) of section 1002.93, Florida Page 50 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 Statutes, is amended to read:
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1002.945 Gold Seal Quality Care Program.— (1) (b) A child care facility, large family child care home, or family child day care home that is accredited by an accrediting association approved by the Department of Education under subsection (3) and meets all other requirements shall, upon application to the department, receive a separate "Gold Seal Quality Care" designation.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 1002.945 Gold Seal Quality Care Program.— (1) (b) A child care facility, large family child care home, or family child day care home that is accredited by an accrediting association approved by the Department of Education under subsection (3) and meets all other requirements shall, upon application to the department, receive a separate "Gold Seal Quality Care" designation.
2.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 2.
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b.
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hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 b.
Procedures for the revocation of accreditation due to failure to maintain accrediting standards as evidenced by sub- subparagraph d.
Procedures for the revocation of accreditation due to failure to maintain accrediting standards as evidenced by sub- Page 52 of 55 CODING:
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 subparagraph d.
A process to communicate issues that arise during the accreditation period with governmental entities that have a vested interest in the Gold Seal Quality Care Program, including the Department of Education, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, local licensing entities if Page 49 of 51 CODING:
A process to communicate issues that arise during the accreditation period with governmental entities that have a vested interest in the Gold Seal Quality Care Program, including the Department of Education, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, local licensing entities if applicable, and the early learning coalition.
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words underlined are additions.
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 applicable, and the early learning coalition.
(a) The child care provider must not have had any class I violations, as defined by rule of the Department of Children and Families, within the 2 years preceding its application for designation as a Gold Seal Quality Care provider.
(a) The child care provider must not have had any class I violations, as defined by rule of the Department of Children and Page 53 of 55 CODING:
Commission of a class I violation shall be grounds for termination of the designation as a Gold Seal Quality Care provider until the provider has no class I violations for a period of 2 years.
(b) The child care provider must not have had three or more of the same class II violations, as defined by rule of the Department of Children and Families, within the 2 years preceding its application for designation as a Gold Seal Quality Care provider.
Commission of three or more of the same class II violations within a 2-year period shall be grounds for termination of the designation as a Gold Seal Quality Care Page 50 of 51 CODING:
hb765-02-c2 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/CS/HB 765 2026 provider until the provider has no class II violations that are the same for a period of 1 year.
hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 Families, within the 2 years preceding its application for designation as a Gold Seal Quality Care provider.
Commission of a class I violation shall be grounds for termination of the designation as a Gold Seal Quality Care provider until the provider has no class I violations for a period of 2 years.
(b) The child care provider must not have had three or more of the same class II violations, as defined by rule of the Department of Children and Families, within the 2 years preceding its application for designation as a Gold Seal Quality Care provider.
Commission of three or more of the same class II violations within a 2-year period shall be grounds for termination of the designation as a Gold Seal Quality Care provider until the provider has no class II violations that are the same for a period of 1 year.
(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if the Department of Education determines through a formal process that a provider has been in business for at least 5 years and has no other class I violations recorded, the department may recommend to the state board that the provider maintain its Gold Seal Quality Care status.
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hb765-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 765 2026 (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if the Department of Education determines through a formal process that a provider has been in business for at least 5 years and has no other class I violations recorded, the department may recommend to the state board that the provider maintain its Gold Seal Quality Care status.
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hb765-02-c2
hb765-01-c1
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Action History

  1. Laid on Table; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/CS/SB 1690 (Ch. 2026-140)

  2. Added to Second Reading Calendar

  3. Temporarily postponed, on 2nd Reading

  4. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/5/2026)

  5. Added to Second Reading Calendar

  6. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 4)

  7. Bill referred to House Calendar

  8. CS Filed

  9. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  10. Reported out of Health & Human Services Committee

  11. Favorable with CS by Health & Human Services Committee

  12. Added to Health & Human Services Committee agenda

  13. Now in Health & Human Services Committee

  14. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee

  15. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 3)

  16. CS Filed

  17. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  18. Reported out of Budget Committee

  19. Favorable with CS by Budget Committee

  20. Added to Budget Committee agenda

  21. Now in Budget Committee

  22. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee

  23. Referred to Budget Committee

  24. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)

  25. CS Filed

  26. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  27. Reported out of Student Academic Success Subcommittee

  28. Favorable with CS by Student Academic Success Subcommittee

  29. Added to Student Academic Success Subcommittee agenda

  30. Now in Student Academic Success Subcommittee

  31. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee

  32. Referred to Budget Committee

  33. Referred to Student Academic Success Subcommittee

  34. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)

  35. CS Filed

  36. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  37. Reported out of Human Services Subcommittee

  38. Favorable with CS by Human Services Subcommittee

  39. Added to Human Services Subcommittee agenda

  40. 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

  41. Now in Human Services Subcommittee

  42. Referred to Health & Human Services Committee

  43. Referred to Budget Committee

  44. Referred to Student Academic Success Subcommittee

  45. Referred to Human Services Subcommittee

  46. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 11 co-sponsors · 152 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Health & Human Services Committee

Co-sponsors (11)

Not signed on (152)

152 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 765 do?
Child Care and Early Learning Services ; Revises minimum standards for child care facility licensing; removes provisions requiring family day care homes & large family child care homes to provide specified information to parents; prohibits residential property insurance policies from providing coverage for liability for claims arising out of, or in connection with, operations of large family child care homes; prohibits insurers from denying, cancelling, & refusing to renew policy for residential property insurance on basis that policyholders or applicants operate large family child care homes; revises requirements for certain prekindergarten curricula; establishes review & approval process for such curricula; creates Florida Child Care Fund; requires DOE direct-support organization to administer fund; requires that funds from state sources & interest earnings be accounted separately; provides for use of funds; provides for establishment & administration of Center for Early Childhood Professional Recognition under specified circumstance.
Who sponsors HB 765?
HB 765 is sponsored by Health & Human Services Committee, Budget Committee, Student Academic Success Subcommittee, Human Services Subcommittee, Rizo, Alex (Republican), Mooney Jr., James Vernon "Jim" (Republican), López, Johanna (Democrat), Eskamani, Dr. Anna V. (Democrat), Cassel, Hillary (Republican), Basabe, Fabián (Republican), McFarland, Fiona (Republican), and Valdés, Susan L. (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 765?
This bill has passed the House. Introduced December 12, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track HB 765?
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