Childcare Cost in Florida (2026)
Infant daycare in Florida averages $14,630/year ($1,219/month) — 15% below the national average.
Childcare Costs by Florida Metro Area
| City | Daycare (Infant) | Nanny (Infant) | Nanny Share | Au Pair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | $13,530 | $49,170 | $32,780 | $22,000 |
| Tampa / Orlando | $15,480 | $43,720 | $29,150 | $22,000 |
| Jacksonville | $14,880 | $41,080 | $27,390 | $22,000 |
Florida Childcare Assistance & Subsidies
Florida School Readiness Program
Florida provides subsidies to low-income families plus free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) for all 4-year-olds.
State Tax Benefits
Florida has no state income tax, so there are no state childcare tax credits.
Learn more in our Childcare Tax Benefits Guide or the full Florida Childcare Subsidies Guide.
Florida Childcare Costs in Context
Across the 3 Florida metros we track, infant daycare averages about $14,630/year — 15% below the national average of $17,260. Costs span from $13,530/year in Miami to $15,480/year in Tampa / Orlando.
That ranks Florida #26 of the 28 states in our dataset for infant daycare cost. With daycare below $22,000/year statewide, a flat-rate au pair (~$22,000/year) is rarely the cheapest option in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Florida?
Infant daycare in Florida averages $14,630 per year ($1,219/month), ranging from $13,530 to $15,480 across major metros. This is 15% below the national average of $17,260 (Care.com 2026 Cost of Care Report).
What childcare subsidies are available in Florida?
Florida offers the Florida School Readiness Program. Florida provides subsidies to low-income families plus free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) for all 4-year-olds. Florida has no state income tax, so there are no state childcare tax credits.
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