Requirements for Fostering Licensing Requirements All potential foster parents must meet the licensing requirements that are set by the State of Florida. Below is a list of some of the basic requirements. The purpose of this page is to provide a general introduction to some of the requirements. There may be additional requirements as the process may change at times. Through the application and licensing process, a licensing worker will assist you in meeting the regulations. Must be at least 21 years old; Must not have been convicted of a crime of violence nor have been found to be a perpetrator of child abuse; Applicants and others living in the home, age 12 or older, must have background/ criminal-history clearance including FBI fingerprint search; Successful completion of the MAPP training. Applicants must provide the names of at least 3 personal references; The applicant may be a homeowner or a renter but the residence must be inspected by the Department of Health and approved by the licensor; The applicants must provide the licensor detailed information about themselves and their families so that the licensor can thoroughly assess whether the applicants will be suitable foster parents; Applicants must have sufficient income to support themselves without relying on foster care payments. In two-parent households, both parents may work outside the home if the child's care will not be adversely affected. Applicants must discipline children in a positive manner without the use of physical punishment. Some of the basic requirements for the home are: The home must be clean, safe and in good repair, with telephone service; Medications, cleaning solutions, alcoholic beverages, firearms and poisons, etc., must be locked and kept away from children; The home needs a working ABC fire extinguisher, 5 lbs. or more; smoke detector(s) in sleeping areas; first-aid supplies including an unexpired bottle of Syrup of Ipecac; Swimming pools shall be fenced or blocked to make the pool inaccessible to children when not in use. Also hot tubs, spas, etc., shall be inaccessible (locked tops) to children when not in use and both pools and hot tubs, spas, etc., shall not be used by children without appropriate adult supervision. Lakes or bodies of water around your property need to be fenced and locked. Each child needs to have his/her own bed, in a bedroom with a window. The size of the bedroom will determine how many children can share a room. There needs to be sufficient space for storage of the child's clothing. Children age 3 or under can share a bedroom with the opposite gender, otherwise they need separate bedrooms; Private water sources need a satisfactory test by the local health authority at licensing and re-licensing.