To whom must local licensing agencies provide data about child care in their county?

• A. Department of Children and Families
• B. Florida Department of Education
• C. Florida Department of Health
• D. Florida Department of Agriculture

Answer: (A)

Local licensing agencies regulate child care to ensure safety, standards, and compliance within the county. In Florida, that regulatory authority rests with the Department of Children and Families, so data about child care providers, inspections, and licensing activities are reported to DCF. The other agencies focus on different areas—Education handles schooling and early learning policy, Health deals with public health and medical matters, and Agriculture oversees farm-related licensing—so they aren’t the primary recipients for county child care licensing data. This organizing structure means that licensing information flows to the department responsible for child care regulation, making DCF the correct recipient.