Daycare Vaccination Requirements in Florida: What Parents Need to Know
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission
Before your child can attend a licensed daycare in Florida, you need to provide proof of immunization. Florida law requires specific vaccinations at specific ages, and daycare facilities are legally obligated to verify compliance before enrollment.
This guide explains exactly what vaccines are required, how to document them, and what options exist for families seeking exemptions.
Required Vaccinations for Florida Daycare
Florida follows the CDC’s recommended immunization schedule. The specific vaccines required for daycare enrollment include:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): 4 doses by 18 months, 5th dose before kindergarten
- IPV (Polio): 3 doses by 18 months, 4th dose before kindergarten
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 1st dose at 12-15 months, 2nd before kindergarten
- Varicella (Chickenpox): 1st dose at 12-15 months
- Hep B (Hepatitis B): 3 doses by 18 months
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b): Series completed by 15 months
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal): Series completed by 15 months
The exact number of doses required depends on your child’s age at enrollment. Your pediatrician can tell you exactly what your child needs.
Florida Form 680: The Immunization Certificate
Florida uses Form 680 (Certificate of Immunization) as the official vaccination record for school and daycare enrollment. This form must be:
- Completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider or county health department
- Presented to the daycare facility before or at enrollment
- Updated whenever your child receives additional vaccinations
- Kept on file at the daycare for the duration of enrollment
If you do not have a Form 680, your pediatrician’s office or local county health department can provide one. The Florida SHOTS (State Health Online Tracking System) database maintains immunization records and can generate the form.
Exemptions Available in Florida
Medical exemption: If a licensed physician determines that a specific vaccine is medically contraindicated for your child, they can provide a medical exemption on Form 680. This must specify which vaccine is exempted and the medical reason.
Religious exemption: Florida allows religious exemptions from vaccination requirements. To obtain one, you must request a Religious Exemption Form from your county health department. No specific religious affiliation is required, but the exemption must be filed with the county health department and provided to the daycare.
Florida does not allow philosophical or personal belief exemptions — only medical and religious exemptions qualify.
What Happens If Your Child Is Not Fully Vaccinated?
Licensed Florida daycares must verify immunization records before enrollment. If your child is not up to date:
- The daycare may allow a temporary enrollment if vaccinations are in progress and you have a plan to complete the series
- You typically have 30 days to provide updated immunization records
- Children without a valid Form 680 or exemption cannot attend a licensed daycare
- During disease outbreaks, unvaccinated children (including those with exemptions) may be excluded temporarily
Where to Get Vaccinations in Florida
If you need to get your child vaccinated before daycare enrollment:
- Pediatrician’s office: Your child’s regular doctor can administer all required vaccines and complete Form 680
- County health departments: Florida’s 67 county health departments offer childhood vaccinations, often at reduced cost or free for uninsured children
- Vaccines for Children (VFC) program: Provides free vaccines for children who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian/Alaska Native, or underinsured
- Pharmacy clinics: Some pharmacies offer childhood vaccinations, though availability varies
Find a daycare that prioritizes health and safety through our Florida daycare directory.
Watch: Related Childcare Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccinations does my child need for daycare in Florida?
Florida requires DTaP, IPV (polio), MMR, varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B, Hib, and PCV13 for daycare enrollment. The number of doses required depends on your child’s age. Your pediatrician can review your child’s records and identify any missing vaccines.
Can my child attend daycare without vaccinations in Florida?
Only with a valid medical or religious exemption. Medical exemptions require a doctor’s certification that a vaccine is medically contraindicated. Religious exemptions require a form from the county health department. Florida does not permit philosophical exemptions.
What is Florida Form 680?
Form 680 is Florida’s official Certificate of Immunization required for daycare and school enrollment. It documents all vaccinations your child has received and must be completed by a healthcare provider or county health department. The daycare keeps this form on file.
Where can I get free vaccines for my child in Florida?
The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides free vaccines at participating providers for children who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, underinsured, or American Indian/Alaska Native. County health departments also offer low-cost or free childhood vaccinations.
How do I get a religious exemption for daycare vaccines in Florida?
Contact your county health department to request a Religious Exemption Form. You will need to sign the form affirming your religious objection. No specific religious affiliation documentation is required. The completed form is filed with the health department and a copy provided to the daycare.
Explore More
Trusted Developer
Contributing writer covering Find Licensed Childcare Near You.
