Justification
Governor's Recommendations 2023-24

The Governor's Budget Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 includes $1,335,727 department-wide for 20 positions to
transition child care licensing from Hillsborough County to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This issue
provides DCF with adequate staff to take on the additional duties of managing licensing functions for childcare providers
within Hillsborough County.

Currently, DCF is responsible for inspecting, monitoring, ensuring compliance, and licensing of child care facilities and
homes in 62 out of 67 counties.  Five counties have elected to regulate licensing of child care facilities and homes
(Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Sarasota).  Hillsborough County informed DCF it will no longer provide
child care licensing functions, a function under their purview since 1977, effective June 30, 2023. This transition
leaves DCF without the sufficient staffing and budget to carry out the current services being provided by Hillsborough
County.

The total cost of the 20 positions is $1.7 million, but the cost is offset by the amount of the contract ($344,322) that
DCF pays to Hillsborough County for licensing, inspecting, complaints, and administrative actions.  The offset of
$344,322 is in separate issues (Issues 2002280 and 2002290 - Transfer Budget Between Categories for the Child Care
Program Transition from Hillsborough County - Add/Deduct).